Henrietta Henton from Wiltshire is the latest NAF Shining Star
Monday 18 November 2024
Henrietta Henton, from Chippenham, Wiltshire, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Henrietta, a member of the British Showjumping Gloucester Academy, was nominated for the award by her coaches, Emma Slater and Nicky Florence.
Thrilled to have received the news that she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award, Henrietta commented: “I am really excited to win the NAF Shining Star award – it was a wonderful surprise, and I am very grateful to my academy coaches for the nomination”.
Seven-year-old Henrietta has three ponies that she competes –Tennessee Whiskey, who goes by Noman at home, Winneydene Countryman, also known as Frank, and Wainfelin Starlight, whose stable name is Missy.
Talking about her ponies, Henrietta said: I fell in love with Norman as soon as I met him in August 2023, and he is my best friend. He is really kind and loves having his ears rubbed. I share Frank with my younger brother, Hugo and we both represent the Beaufort Pony Club when riding Frank in Pony Club Showjumping competitions.
“Towards the end of the summer, I was lucky enough to take up the reins on Missy. She is owned by our family friend; Emily Nobles and I am looking forward to competing her alongside Norman in Academy and British Showjumping competitions in 2025.”
Henrietta has had so many great moments in 2024 but was particularly proud to win a bronze medal at the Welsh Home Pony with the U10 England team: “It was such an incredible atmosphere at the David Broome Event Centre. I loved waving our England flags during the parade before competing in the final. It was a special day and a very memorable moment to compete with Tennessee Whiskey in this competition. Achieving a podium finish and coming home with a medal was the icing on the cake.”
Henrietta also enjoyed competing at the UNIBED National Academy Championships with her ponies: “The Academy Championships at Stoneleigh were incredible and so exciting. Our whole team jumped double clear on the final day to finish sixth out of 45 teams. We also had a great team outing at the British Showjumping Area 48 Show, where we finished fourth.”
Nicky Florence, Gloucester Academy Coach said: “Henrietta joined the Gloucestershire Academy in March of this year when she was only 6 years old. Since then, she has attended all the training sessions bar one when she was on holiday! She is a delight to train and shows amazing enthusiasm to listen, learn and improve her riding, always with a big smile on her face. Henrietta is always extremely polite, grateful for advice and is very dedicated to the Academy, showjumping and her lovely pony Tennessee Whisky whom she adores.
“Henrietta has represented Gloucestershire on several occasions and has jumped some brilliant clear rounds this year and has improved hugely in confidence and skill throughout the year as well as completing her NAF 1* with flying colours,” added Nicky.
Talking about her favourite thing about the Gloucester Academy, Henrietta commented: "I love the training sessions. Nicky and Emma are very knowledgeable and encouraging, which means the training sessions are always beneficial and inclusive. They create a wonderful atmosphere for the Gloucestershire Academy, and we all learn a lot, whilst also having fun. I have also really enjoyed working through the NAF 5* Training Series during the sessions.
“You get to meet really nice people and being part of a team is so much fun. There is a great sense of team spirit, and everyone is there to help and support, even if things don’t go to plan. I love the opportunities that British Showjumping provides for children at the Academy. It is such a fun sport and there is so much to learn,” added Henrietta.
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Henrietta, you are already showing so much determination for such a young rider. It is wonderful to see how much you enjoy attending your Academy training sessions and how much effort you put into continuing to improve your riding and horsemanship. Congratulations for being such a deserving Shining Star and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!”
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
