Worcestershire Shining Star Winner!

Sunday 01 September 2024

Pippa-Jo Jackson, from Norton, Worcester, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Pippa-Jo, a member of the British Showjumping Hereford and Worcester Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Hannah Jackson.

Seven-year-old Pippa-Jo has three ponies that she competes – 18-year-old Brierley Hill Matador, 26-year-old Apple and 24-year-old Cosmic Chaos, whom Pippa-Jo has ridden since she was four, taking her from cross poles to 80cm and the stepping stones final.

Pippa-Jo was thrilled to find out she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award, commenting: “I’m extremely happy. It was unexpected and very overwhelming.” Talking about Brierley Hill Matador, who is known as Matty at home, Pippa-Jo said: “We got him and Junior (Cosmic Chaos) from Georgie Broome [granddaughter of David Broome] last October. I competed in the 138cm Bronze League Final with Matty at the British Showjumping National Championships, and we jumped clear.  He loves to stick his tongue out when he jumps, which I sometimes do when I concentrate as well!”

This year, Pippa-Jo was most pleased to have qualified for the Mini Major at Bolesworth international show with Junior. Dressed as a Fairy and paired up with French rider Daniel Delsart, who donned a Batman costume, they came 5th overall: “It was so much fun to gallop around the beautiful arena with Dan. Junior is very quick in a jump-off, he likes to turn tight. I was first to go and wasn’t sure really what to expect. My nana thought I was crying when I finished but they were tears of joy as I wanted to do it all again. It was so amazing, and I loved putting on the fancy dress,” she added.

Pippa-Jo also represented the 10-and-under England team at Welsh home pony: “I jumped two lovely clears for my team on Matty - he really looks after me. I love going to the shows where my friends are there to cheer me on, I think it makes me ride better.”

Hannah Jackson, Hereford and Worcestershire Academy Coach said: “Pippa is one of our younger members and attends regular training. She loves to be part of the academy and is a valuable member and always has a smile on her face.

“Pippa has a new pony this year [Matty] and is already progressing very well in a short space of time. She gives 100% in her training and is always striving to improve and has a great will to win, she will be one to watch in the future.”

Talking about what she enjoys most about the Academy, Pippa-Jo said: “I love the Academy because I get to spend time with my friends. It helps me with my riding, and I also won a rug at the Academy show!”

Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Pippa-Jo. It is great to hear about your recent results and all the hard work you have bene putting into your training with your ponies. We love hearing how much fun you have at your Academy training with your friends, and it is wonderful to see that you all support each other when you are at a show. We can’t wait to see what you get up to 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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