Olivia Wrathall Secures NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier Victory at Morris Equestrian Centre

Fastest jump-off earns Billy Rhodes and Olivia Wrathall a place in the next stage of the championship 

The NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier took centre stage at Morris Equestrian Centre at the weekend, where 22 horse and rider combinations came forward to tackle John Bedford's technical course in pursuit of qualification for the next stage of the championship. 

The course proved a fitting test, with only seven combinations producing two faultless rounds to secure their place in a competitive jump-off. 

Setting the pace was Olivia Wrathall riding her own Billy Rhodes, who delivered a superb clear round against the clock to stop the timer in 32.35 seconds, securing the top spot. 

Finishing in second place was Billy Comrie aboard An Grianans Classic Cruis, who also produced a polished clear round in 34.60 seconds. 

Completing the podium was Natalie Devlin riding Levanorella W, crossing the finish line clear in 35.89 seconds. 

With qualification now secured, the successful combinations will set their sights on the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Semi-Finals later this summer, where they will bid to earn a coveted place in the championship final at the Horse of the Year Show this October. 

“It’s the first time I have done a Bronze League Qualifier. I actually stopped riding properly two years ago, my horse has been sat in the field, I don’t know what got into me, but I thought, I am going to give it a go, jump the qualifier see what happens and we won! Snowy jumped so well and I’m so glad it went so well. I jumped at Stainsby a couple of weeks ago and won both classes, that’s the only other show we have done.  I am so grateful to have Snowy, he’s the best. When you go in the ring you know you are going to make it from the start to the finish a probably get a rosette, he’s got the biggest heart.   

“We have had him three years, from a good friend and I competed for a season then gave up. My mum was riding him a bit but got diagnosed with cancer, she’s fine now but it meant he was doing nothing so I decided I’d start riding a couple of days a week. Having a bit of fun hacking, xc schooling and riding on the beach then I just thought I’m going to take myself to a show! He was jumping so well I thought it would be good to do the qualifier. 

“Although it wasn’t a huge class, everyone was really good and quick, I thought I’ve got not chance here. I’m so rusty, I got though the first round and thought I’ve just got to jump clear, then the third round felt huge – we’ve not jumped that big in over a year. He jumped the whole thing so well, like he’d never had a break. I could not have jumped that class without the horse I have; he’s amazing. 

“I know I haven’t qualified for HOYS yet, but this is the closest I’ve ever been having jumped BS since I was nine or ten, but we never had the opportunity or ponies.  It would be a dream to qualify, it’s easy to lose sight of the reason we ride and compete and that’s to have fun and enjoy it, which is what we are doing. I am going to wear my pink jacket, numnah and boots and have some fun, that’s why we do it and for the enjoyment of horses – I don’t ever want to lose that.  We are looking forward to preparing for the semi-final now.” Olivia said. 

NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier 

Morris Equestrian Centre, Saturday 27 June 2026 

1st – Olivia Wrathall & Billy Rhodes – 0/0/0 32.35 

2nd – Billy Comrie & An Grianans Classic Cruis – 0/0/0 34.60 

3rd – Natalie Devlin & Levanorella W – 0/0/0 35.89 

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

Image: Jamie Agnew Photography