Olivia Brightmore and Flore Des Islots Secure STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Masters Ticket at Coombelands
Tuesday 02 June 2026
The STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Second Round at Coombelands provided a true test for competitors at the weekend, with riders taking on a demanding course designed by Ben Townley in their bid to secure qualification for the next stage of the prestigious championship pathway.
A field of 26 rider combinations came forward to contest the class, but Townley's technical track proved challenging from the outset. With fences falling throughout the opening round, only two combinations managed to produce the all-important clear rounds needed to progress to the second round.
The pressure remained on in round two, but both riders once again demonstrated their skill and consistency, keeping their clean sheets intact to set up a thrilling head-to-head jump-off.
First to return against the clock was Olivia Brightmore riding Ronald Tweedie's Flore Des Islots. The pair produced a confident and efficient round, stopping the clock in 37.73 seconds while maintaining a faultless scorecard.
Hot on their heels was Eleanora Ljungman aboard Livewire VI, who delivered another superb clear round and pushed hard for the win. However, despite crossing the finish line in a rapid 37.92 seconds, it was just short of Brightmore's winning time, leaving the combination to take a well-deserved second place.
With victory secured, Olivia Brightmore and Flore Des Islots now book their place at the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships. The Masters will provide one final opportunity for riders to secure qualification before the championship culminates in the prestigious STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Final at the Horse of the Year Show.
“I've been riding Fleur since Christmas time when I was given the ride, along with a couple of other ponies from my friend who was off at the end of last year. It’s been nice to still ride the ponies alongside my small team of horses.
“I like riding her because she’s a little fighter and likes to win as much as I do!
“When I walked the course, I thought it was technical enough, but a nice course and not too big. I produced the first clear round of the class and a class that surprisingly only ended up with two clears. We both went on to jump all three rounds. In the jump off, I knew my pony was naturally quick across the ground and careful, and it paid off. I’m very happy for her owners as it will be the first time she’s qualified for HOYs.
“The plan for her for the rest of the season will be to jump the Winter JC final at Hickstead, the Newcomer and Foxhunter final at HOYs and maybe she will jump a couple of bigger classes.
“It was our first visit to Coombelands, it was a really fantastic venue and show and obviously a lucky show getting two HOYs tickets!” Olivia said.
STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Second Round
Coombelands, Sunday 31 May 2026
1st – Olivia Brightmore & Flore Des Islots – 0/0/0 37.73
2nd – Eleanora Ljungman & Livewire VI – 0/0/0 37.92
NB Results pending official grading
Image: LRG Photography
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