MARLBOROUGH youngster Josie Symons has won the NAF shining star award for April.

The award recognises British Showjumping members that have shown good development within their Junior Academy, with the 12 year old Wiltshire Junior Academy nominated by lead coach Nicola Florence.

Josie started riding at the age of three, concentrating on showjumping from the age of nine.

In her first year she and pony Euro Magic (Minnie) qualified for the championship finals for both Tiny Tots and Stepping Stones events.

She said: “I became a member of the Junior Academy roughly a year ago to improve my riding skills and I knew that the training available to me would help me to do this. I have also thoroughly enjoyed working through the NAF 5* Performance programme.

"This year sadly is my final year on Minnie, but we have had a great year so far after we finished second in the 128cm Grand Prix recently at the Pony of the Year Show.”

Florence said: “Her riding ability is without doubt and she has already completed her NAF performance 1* and 2* and is working hard to achieve her 3*. She aims to complete the programme, which I am sure she will attain with her great work ethic, attention to detail and huge enthusiasm for her jumping and the care and training of her ponies.”