A SALISBURY teenager has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade.

Evie Foster, 13, is a member of the British Showjumping Wiltshire Academy and was nominated for the award by her coach Rosie Moss.

The accolade is for those members of a Junior Academy who have shown a great deal of commitment, progression, and outstanding behaviour. 

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Riding her pony Causey Cuan (affectionately called Fred at home) Evie said: “Fred is the most genuine pony ever. He has been the best pony to start my show jumping career and has helped me gain the confidence to jump bigger tracks. He likes his routine, and we love to have a good canter.

“When I found out I was the winner of the NAF shining star accolade, I could not stop smiling. I was very excited, and it made me happy to know that the progress Fred and I are making in lessons is being noticed”.

Her proudest moments include jumping her first 1.5m class where the jump-off was set at 1.20m.

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Evie said: “This year Fred and I went to shows to gain experience as my aim for 2023 is to be able to be more competitive at competitions. We have been working on our weaknesses and it has been paying off.

She added: “The best thing about Wiltshire academy is our coach, Rosie Moss. She has been amazing, especially in helping me train and plan what shows I want to attend. The indoor school with lights is a bonus in the winter!"

Rosie said: “Evie trains with me regularly and recently attended academy training despite having only been able to ride her pony on the roads for a few weeks due to frozen fields and not having an arena at home.

“Evie is focused and receptive to training. She has a competitive nature yet always puts the pony first. What sets her apart from many is her attention to detail and motivation. Evie even took her pony with her when she spent Christmas with a family member who has an arena, making the most of having a manége to work in over the Christmas holidays”.

Lisa Field from NAF called Evie a competitive yet sympathetic young younger who is not afraid to put in the necessary hard work.