Macey Dean from Hampshire is the latest NAF Shining Star
Friday 19 April 2024
Macey Dean, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Macey, a member of the British Showjumping Hampshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Claire Read.
Thirteen-year-old Macey currently has one pony that she competes – an eight-year-old gelding called Chandler Muriel, whom Macey has had for 18 months.
Macey was ecstatic to have been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award: “I couldn’t believe it at first that I had been nominated. It is such an amazing achievement.’”
Talking about what she has got up to so far this year, Macey said: “I have really enjoyed my journey so far with Chandler. We have qualified for two Blue Chip Championship classes as well as the Discovery and Newcomers second rounds. I am hoping to qualify for the Discovery finals at BSNC and the Newcomers finals at Horse of the Year Show.”
Commenting on Chandler Muriel, who is known as Chandler at home, Macey commented: “He was backed to be a polo pony. However, they quickly realized he was not going to be a polo pony, but he loved jumping. I saw an advertisement looking for junior jockey to help produce him for a future sale. My dad put me forwards and his owners chose me. Chandler was very green and wobbly, but I fell in love with him straight away, so we asked if we could buy him as he was 18 months ago to continue to produce him.”
Claire Read, Hampshire Academy Coach said: “Macey is a valued member of the Hampshire Academy. She has produced Chandler from an inexperienced six-year-old on her own, supported by a structured training programme that includes home coaching as well as attending Hampshire Academy training sessions.
“They jumped their first British Novice class in February 2023 and are now competing at Foxhunter level with the intention of moving upwards once a solid foundation is established.”
Talking about what she enjoys most about being involved with the Hampshire Academy, Macey said: “I have been part of the Academy for three years and I am looking forward to 2024 being my best year yet with Chandler as part of the team. I really love training and being able to compete in a team with my friends.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “It is wonderful to hear Macey has been chosen as this month’s Shining Star. To produce your own pony and achieve some great results is an incredible achievement. Macey is a deserving winner, and we are looking forward to seeing what else you go onto achieve with Chandler. Well done, Macey!”
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
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