Rebekka Sutherland from Scotland is the latest NAF Shining Star
Wednesday 19 June 2024
Rebekka Sutherland, from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Rebekka, a member of the British Showjumping Southwest Scotland Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Aileen Craig.
Thirteen-year-old Rebekka currently rides four ponies, two of which she competes regularly – Myshall Duncan, a 16-year-old gelding who has been with Rebekka for two and a half years and Triple Treat, an 18-year-old gelding whom Rebekka has had on lease for almost two years.
Rebekka was thrilled to find out she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award: “I was so excited when my mum told me the news. I think it is a fantastic award to be nominated for.”
Commenting on Myshall Duncan, who is also known as Superdunk, Rebekka said: “He is the loveliest, most genuine pony and a real best friend. His favourite things are showjumping and eating although he has metabolic issues, so we are very careful with his diet. We use NAF Senior Superflex for him and Jac [Triple Treat] to keep them feeling good, it's my favourite NAF product.”
This year Rebekka is most looking forward to competing at the Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] for the very first time with Duncan: “I am so excited that Duncan qualified for HOYS, he has never been before and neither have I, so it is very special. We qualified at Arena UK and jumped three clear rounds to secure 3rd place. We all cried afterwards. My aim is to enjoy the experience and do the best I can. I know Duncan will shine when he goes through the purple curtains.
“He [Duncan] has also qualified for the Agria Royal International Horse Show, and I will be competing both Duncan and Jac to the Royal Highland Show this summer as well.”
Aileen Craig, Southwest Scotland Academy Coach said: “Rebekka is an active member of the Southwest Scotland academy and has worked tirelessly and with huge enthusiasm to progress her riding a huge amount. She has recently realised a lifetime ambition in qualifying her 138cm Duncan for the HOYS which is an incredible achievement.”
Talking about what she enjoys most about the Academy, Rebekka said: “I took both Jac and Duncan to the Academy camp this year at Morris Equestrian Centre. It’s my favourite camp, with great instructors, facilities and I love making new friends. It’s exhausting as we are kept very busy, but I learned lots.
“I also love competing at the UNIBED National Academy Championships where I have been on two winning teams, one with Duncan and one with Jac. I also finished fourth in the NAF 2* Style and Performance class last year and I was very excited about when I won a bucket of NAF goodies. It’s such a special treat and I plan to compete in this class again this year.
“I have been a British Showjumping member and an Academy member for four years now. It is a great opportunity to enjoy developing with your pony and meet likeminded people. I love the team aspect of it and look forward to another exciting summer.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Rebekka on being chosen as this month’s Shining Star. It is wonderful to see how determined you are in your development with your ponies and how you have been able to succeed in your dream to compete at the Horse of the Year Show. Keep up the hard work. Congratulations, Rebekka!”
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
