Mimi Jones (18) has been chosen as August’s The Howden Way Spotlight Award winner for celebrating development of skills and knowledge over outcome, being a good role model and ambassador for the sport, and ensuring welfare of all is the heart of the Regional Academy. As part of her award, Mimi wins a uvex exxential II riding helmet, courtesy of Zebra Products.
Mimi rides her 13-year-old 16.3hh gelding Winnie De Fontenel, aka George.
Coach Sarah Spencer-Williams nominated Mimi for the August Spotlight Award on behalf of the Wales & West Midlands Youth academy. She said: “Mimi has been to the last four Bishop Burton Youth championships at BE 90 and 100, and twice at 2*, and been my squad captain twice. For me, she is everything that the U18’s is about – a fantastic team player, encourager of the new members, great with parents, brilliant organiser, excellent competitor, manages the disappointments well and celebrates the good!”
Laura Collett, who has the pleasure of selecting the winning candidate, said: “Being selected to represent your region at championships is proof of the hard work and determination put in, and Mimi has shown this time after time, and on a home-produced horse which is a huge achievement in itself. Mimi’s attitude to helping others and dealing with disappointment are key examples of everything The Howden Way stands for.”
Mimi commented: “What an unexpected but brilliant prize to be awarded. I did my first BE in 2019 and this year has seen me complete in my last U18 championships after being selected for the last four consecutive years and being made team captain for the last two years for the Wales & West Midlands region. My main horse is George, a 13-year-old warmblood who has been home-produced, gradually moving up the levels. We have really valued the U18’s training and support that has been available to us. George and I have now stepped up to intermediate and my BE eventing experience has definitely played a part in helping me secure a working pupil position based with Lucinda Fredericks which I am really enjoying and hope to learn so much more from.”
Each month, coaches are invited to nominate a member who has championed the sport’s core values, whether it be welfare, driving for inclusivity, creating camaraderie and supporting others, celebrating development of skills and knowledge over outcomes and developing true ambassadors for the sport. The winner is then selected by Olympic Gold Medallist, Laura Collett, from a shortlist of contenders who have been nominated as deserving.
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