BS Aberdeen South Junior Academy

It’s often said that from little seeds big acorns grow and it takes only a quick look at the number of Junior Academies sprouting up all over the country to see what a success story this exciting initiative is. The Academy aims to provide progressive coaching rather than one off training sessions, using experienced British Showjumping Coaches, to significantly improve the riding skills and horse knowledge of the pony membership in order to make them more competitive in the sport of show jumping. It also opens the door for junior and young riders of all standards and experience, combining solid training and encouragement with camaraderie and a sense of teamwork. We have Junior Academies based all over the UK which run training sessions on a regular basis, you can attend any academy even if you are not based in that specific area, as long as you are happy to travel. Throughout the Junior Academies you also get the chance to compete against other teams in an inter-academy competition which is run on an annual basis, you will find details relating to this through your lead coach, or alternativley keep an eye on the dates and venues section of the website. As a Junior Academy Member you also get the chance to become a NAF Shining Star, Nominations are made via your Lead Coach, which gives you the chance to recieve NAF Products and Merchandise and appear on British Showjumping website and within the bi-monthly magazine. ”The group environment of being coached and watching others being coached (doing and seeing) is invaluable.” Corinne Bracken, Surrey Academy Lead Coach Training Academies – Your questions answered Q: Who do I contact? A: Rebecca Turner at British Showjumping on 02476 698828 or email: rebecca.turner@britishshowjumping.co.uk or contact the Development Officer in your region. Q: Can I join? A: The Academies are open to all British Showjumping Junior Members eligible until December after their 21st birthday. Non-members can come along to the first three sessions on a pay as you go basis and then can join British Showjumping to continue. All standards and experience welcome. Q: What is the idea of the Academy? A: To develop a ‘culture of improvement’, offer progressive, structured coaching. Develop greater understanding across all areas of horsemanship and recognise there is more to it than just riding! Encourage a camaraderie between the members of the Junior Academy increase awareness and positively impact junior membership, retain junior members who subsequently become seniors, develop competitive edge, spot the stars of the future, have fun and create value for the parents as well as the juniors. Q: Is the Academy just about riding? A: No, it’s about more than just riding. Members will be given the chance to develop a greater understanding across all areas of horsemanship. Plans include visits to vets and equine hospitals, practical sessions with personal trainers, talks from sports psychologists as well as demonstrations from equine physiotherapists, equine masseurs, farriers and leading riders. Q: Will all this help me at shows? A: Don’t worry - the Academy will help you get good results in the ring. Members of the Academies have achieved great things qualifying for second rounds, the British Showjumping Festival, Scope and the Horse of the Year Show. Some represented GB in the Home Pony International teams and posted wins at the Pony of the Year Show. Log books are issued to all Academy members and contain a personal development plan for each rider as well as information on ponies ridden by each individual, their aims and objectives and records of training goals and competition successes.