Isabella Beaumont Secures HOYS Qualification at the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Second Round at Kelsall Hill

The STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Second Round at Kelsall Hill attracted a competitive field of 27 rider and pony combinations at the weekend, all aiming to secure valuable qualification places for the season's major championships. 

Course designer Susan Barratt set a demanding track that tested both scope and accuracy, and it proved influential throughout the competition. Despite the quality of the field, only four combinations managed to negotiate the first two rounds without fault to earn a place in the jump-off. 

With the pressure mounting in the final phase, it was Isabella Beaumont riding Donna Beaumont's It's a Pleasure who rose to the challenge. Producing the only clear round of the jump-off, the pair delivered a composed and efficient performance to stop the clock in 49.52 seconds, securing victory and the top qualification position. 

Second place went to Emily Gulliver aboard Renkum Kickstart. Although eight faults were added to their score in the jump-off, they produced a competitive time of 48.05 seconds to claim the runner-up spot. 

The class offered riders the opportunity to qualify for two of British Showjumping's premier championships. The top four pony-and-rider combinations earned qualification for the Horse of the Year Show, while the top eight combinations, excluding those already qualified, secured their place at the Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships later this year. 

“We have had Sam for just over a year now, we clicked straight away and have never had any issues, he was a little bit cheeky when we first got him but has always been very good. He had jumped up to 1.20m with Jack Kent when we got him but has now stepped up well to 1.30m, gaining more experience at that level. We just kind of grew together to that level. Sam is so good to have around, he doesn’t act like a stallion at all, he’s never naughty and is settled. 

“The course really suited us being a bit more spread out, sometimes when he lands, he can be a bit strong, which meant I could give him a better ride round the course and get the stride easier. So, it was a good course for him. He jumped mega and wasn’t having any fences all weekend! Emily [Gulliver) and I were the only ones in the jump off and when she had poles I knew I could just go a jump a good clear round, I just trusted him, I knew he could jump clear as long as I didn’t rush him or anything, so that’s what I did.   

“Plans now are that we have entered Bolesworth and we would really love to get on a team and get the chance to represent Great Britian, Sam is an amazing pony and he has proved that the whole time we have had him! We will carry on gaining experience at 1.30m and see how we get on.” Isabella said.  

STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Second Round 

Kelsall Hill, Sunday 14 June 2026 

1st – Isabella Beaumont & It’s a Pleasure – 0/0/0 49.52 

2nd – Emily Gulliver & Renkum Kickstart – 0/0/8 48.05 

3rd – Indie McKeand & Ballvary Patsy – 0/0/WD  

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.    

Image: Jasmin Punter Photography