Maisie Greening (15) has been chosen as September’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 the welfare of all. As part of her award, Maisie wins a uvex exxential II riding helmet, courtesy of Zebra Products.
Coach Sue Chadwick nominated Maisie for the September Spotlight Award on behalf of the North region. She said: “Maisie first joined our youth training programme when she was 11 and has just been totally dedicated and on a mission. She is so lovely to teach and tries so hard. She never blames the horse and always wants to improve. She’s just a really lovely girl. She managed to get on the Pony European Team this year and I’ve never known anyone to deserve it more. She got the pony from Ireland at Christmas and they’ve put everything into her and getting her there. They’re a lovely family and would do anything to help Maisie achieve her ambitions.”
Laura Collett, who has the pleasure of selecting the winning candidate, said: “Maisie has also shown dedication and ambition at a very young age which will hopefully put her in great stead for the rest of her eventing career. Maisie is well deserving of this award, having shown many of the attributes valued in our sport.”
Maisie commented: “I have two ponies Dawn, a 12-year-old Connemara and Lily, an 11-year-old Irish sports pony. I have owned Dawn for three years and she has taken me from U18s 90 championship to my first international 2*L and pony trials.
Lily, I have owed for 10 months and this year we represented Great Britain at the Pony Europeans in Germany.
“I competed at my first BE event on my now retired pony Riley when I was 11 in 2021. We then represented the north of England 90 team at the Youth Championships. Riley is now retired and enjoys being groomed and grazing on the garden.
“In 2022, Dawn and I represented the north of England in the 90 team and in 2023 on the 100 team. In 2024 Lily and I were selected for the 2* team but were unable to go as it was the same time as the Pony Europeans. I have loved our U18s journey. The coaches and coordinators are amazing and have taught me so much. I’ve made friends for life on my British Eventing journey.
“The highlight was being selected to represent Great Britain at the Pony Europeans in Germany on Lily. It was amazing. I would love to represent GB again in the future.
“I feel honoured to win the award. I love eventing my ponies and feel incredibly lucky.”
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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