Ollie Phillips from Wiltshire is the latest NAF Shining Star
Friday 20 December 2024
Ollie Phillips, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Ollie, a member of the British Showjumping Wiltshire Academy, was nominated for the award by his coach, Rosie Moss.
Thrilled to have received the news that he had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award, Ollie commented: “I was super chuffed to see the news that I had been selected for a NAF Shining Star award, I couldn’t believe it”.
Fourteen-year-old Ollie has one horse that he competes – Vlove Dor Ly, whom he has had for almost a year. Talking fondly about the 15-year-old gelding, who is known as Elvin at home, Ollie said: “He has taught me so much and we are enjoying successfully moving up the levels together. Being such a careful jumper he is rarely out of the placings and is giving me so much experience and confidence.
“Elvin is a kind and gentle character in every way, he is always smiling and always tries his best. I am very lucky to have him,” added Ollie
With consistent double clears and several top placings in 2024, Ollie is setting his targets high for 2025: “Next year we hope to be out competing at the BlueChip qualifiers and the Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, and I would also really like to gain a ticket to the British Showjumping National Championships.”
Rosie Moss, Wiltshire Academy Coach said: “Ollie has moved on to horses early due to his growth spurt although it has not been straight-forward. Elvin has been a little questioning, however with perseverance, systematic training and Ollie's good attitude we have worked through it, and they are now enjoying competitive success. Together they qualified for the National Amateur finals at Aintree and will now be stepping up to 1.05m/1.10m classes and hopefully more in the future.
“Ollie is extremely receptive and has a great attitude. He always puts his horse first and has great feel, whilst also being quietly competitive.
Talking about his favourite thing about the Wiltshire Academy, Ollie commented: " I have really enjoyed attending the training sessions through the Academy. Rosie is a very good coach and has really helped with our progression”.
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Ollie, it is wonderful to see your dedication and determination to improve is paying off. Your drive to learn and involvement within the academy makes you a fantastic candidate for the Shining Star accolade 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
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