Evangeline Taylor has been awarded the NAF Shining Star for September for her dedication to better herself and her riding, her calm outlook and an ambassador for Academy riders.

Seventeen-year-old Evangeline, also known as ‘Evie’, from Stone, Staffordshire, was nominated by British Showjumping Level 3 Coach Hannah Jackson.

“Evie is always striving to improve, has a great understanding of the sport and is a real ambassador to other Academy riders,” said Hannah. “She is a delight to coach and always wants to know more. She recently attended camp, where she made great friendships and supported other riders.”

A recent member in Academy team competitions, Evie rode well under pressure; she was a valuable member of the winning Herefordshire and Worcestershire team at the National Academy Championships at Stoneleigh. Evie sealed victory with a double clear as part of the only team to post a zero score. “Evie enjoys her showjumping immensely and never gets upset or angry – if anything goes wrong, she picks herself up and works through it to resolve the problem,” added Hannah.

Branwen Griffin from NAF added “Evie is a very deserving winner of this month’s Shining Star! It is fantastic to hear of such dedication and ambition, her commitment to the Academy and her fellow team members is everything we look for in a Shining Star! It is fantastic to hear her Academy and Coach have been of great support, and that she is a pleasure to teach. Your hard work has definitely paid off Evie, we look forward to hearing more from you! Congratulations and good luck!”

After finding out she was the winner of September’s NAF Shining Star, Evie said ‘I am honoured that my hard work has been recognised and to have won this month’s award. The academy has helped my confidence grow and progress. I have met some great instructors and thanks to them I have now attended multiple national shows and the Academy Championships. I aim to continue competing in Academy Shows and to progress through the levels. I am looking forward to learning more about the industry as well as improving my knowledge and riding.”

Evie will receive some NAF equine products to use alongside the range of NAF products that she is already using such as NAF Cod Liver Oil Plus, EnerG and their range of fly sprays.

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.