Felicity Lightfoot from Northumbria Tyne and Wear Academy is the latest NAF Shining Star
Friday 18 August 2023
Felicity Lightfoot, from Wooler, Northumberland, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Felicity, a member of the British Showjumping Northumbria Tyne and Wear Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Barbara Anderson.
Felicity currently has one pony that she competes regularly: her 15-year-old Palomino Section D gelding Storm Wars, whom Felicity has had for nearly two years.
Commenting on Storm Wars, who is known as Storm at home, Felicity said: “He can be very cheeky at times but always has a whinny for me when he sees me. He loves his routine and will have tantrum if I’m late for his breakfast. He loves to wind my mum up by not going on the trailer, but a well-placed carrot or mint soon has him loading and ready to go. We both love to jump, and Storm is always up for any jumping, be it showjumping or cross country!”
Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star Award, Felicity said: I honestly can’t believe it. I’m so happy and a little overwhelmed to be chosen for the Shining Star Award.”
Talking about her partnership with Storm, Felicity commented: “In the last 2 years of having Storm we have had our ups and downs as he was very green when he arrived, so it has been hard work, but we have done some much. We came 4th in the NAF 1* Style and Performance Final at Stoneleigh last year which was a great achievement for us. We always work hard at any competitions and usually come away with a rosette, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t as long as we have fun together.”
Barbara Anderson, Northumbria Tyne and Wear Academy Coach said: “Felicity had been picked for the Academy team again this year as well as entering the NAF 2* Style and Performance Final but unfortunately, she broke her ankle which needed surgery and has been told she cannot ride for 3 months. Even though Felicity cannot ride as part of the team this year, her first question to her mum after her surgery was could she still go down to Stoneleigh to support the teams.”
Despite missing out on competing at the Academy Championships, Felicity is optimistic about her return to riding: “I’m so proud that Storm and I were picked to join the Academy team at Stoneleigh for the Championships, and we were also chosen to be on the Pony Club showjumping, dressage, and eventing teams, and the NSEA high school team. I’m hoping to be back in the saddle for spooktacular at Arena UK in October.”
Barbara added: “Felicity is very caring, polite, hardworking and an absolute pleasure to coach. She has a great team spirit which hasn’t come easy to her as she is very shy, but she has worked hard to make friends in the Academy and is very supportive to her fellow riders.
“Her pony was very inexperienced and green when Felicity started working with him a couple of years ago and through her hard work, patience and determination they now make a fantastic partnership.”
Talking about what it means to be a part of the Northumbria Tyne and Wear Academy, Felicity commented: “I love being part of the Academy as I have learnt so much and it has taught me how to bring Storm on and how to connect with him. I have also made some amazing friends and I love the fact we always cheer each other on and everyone is so kind!”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “It is wonderful to see Felicity fully immerse herself in every aspect of the Academy, developing both personally as well as working on her partnership with Storm. Well done for wanting to support your fellow Academy riders even when unable to ride yourself – what a great teammate! We can’t wait to see you back out competing soon. Well done, Felicity!”
The NAF Shining Star Award was introduced when NAF became a British Showjumping Business Partner. The award is for members of a Junior Academy who have shown a great deal of commitment, progression, and outstanding behaviour, along with their riding ability and much more. Riders are nominated by their lead coach, and then judged and awarded by NAF to one person each month.
For further information on NAF follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and rider stories or visit the NAF website at naf-equine.eu/uk
Further information on the British Showjumping Academies can be found here: britishshowjumping.co.uk/training/Academies-1
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
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