MARTA HUGHES BRAVO: TALL HORSES, FAMILY BONDS & SUPERSTITION
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AFTER SPOTLIGHTING THE FIRST OF THE HUGHES BRAVO SISTERS LAST WEEK, IT'S TIME TO MEET NUMBER TWO, MARTA. CURRENTLY IN CANADA TRAINING WITH TEAM MILLAR, THIS TALENTED 19-YEAR-OLD RIDER IS QUIETLY MAKING HER MARK ON THE INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING ARENA. WE DELVE INTO HER SPECIAL BOND WITH HER "HORSE OF A LIFETIME," HHS FIGERO, UNCOVER HER FAMILY'S UNIQUE TRADITIONS, AND GET A GLIMPSE INTO HER LIFE AS SHE NAVIGATES SOME OF THE TRIALS THAT COME WITH HER SPORT.
As you continue to walk your own showjumping path, what type of horses do you feel are uniquely "Marta"?
The tall, scopey and slower horses compared to Molly and Matilde whom much prefer the blood ones.
Tell us about HHS Figero, how has he helped you grow as a rider?
Figero is a very special horse to me. We were both born in the same year and at the same place. He was produced here at home until he was eight years old and then sold to Alexandra Thornton. I've had him for four years now, and even though he's 19, he’s still jumping at high levels and feeling as good as ever. It's truly great to still be able to compete with him. He's a horse of a lifetime, and we've built a really strong relationship and bond that has continued to grow over the years.
You've competed at some big shows. Is there a particular win or moment in the ring that you're most proud of?
Yes, when we won the CSI1* 1.40m Trofeo Porsche class at the LGCT in Madrid.
What is the biggest challenge you face as a young rider on the international stage, and how do you overcome it?
Competing against professionals with a lot more experience than me; I try overcome it by being the best I can on the day.
Growing up, were there any "behind-the-scenes" showjumping rituals or traditions that were unique to your family?
My mum and her mare HHS Fortuna always had a great partnership when I was growing up and their ritual was to always compete with three plaits at the top of her mane.
Your mum Marion, runs the family breeding farm, HHS. What's it like to be so closely involved with the horses from the very beginning of their lives to their careers in the ring?
It's very cool to be able to watch the horses grow and evolve, and to especially see the foals from my mum and dad's best horses now being produced and jumping at a very high level. It's also great to see the horses we've produced moving on and doing so well in their new homes, and keeping track of their progress is very interesting.
What's the best advice you've received from your parents that has nothing to do with showjumping?
To not to give up and to just keep trying.
If you had to describe your relationship with your sister Molly in one word, what would it be and why?
Entertaining! We get on very well and have a lot of fun together.
If your horse could talk for one day, what's the first thing you think he'd say to you?
Can we go for a hack instead of dressage?
What's a piece of gear or a good luck charm you absolutely have to have with you on show day?
My lucky charm that I wear on my ear bonnet.
When you're not riding or travelling, what's your go-to way to relax and unwind?
To spend time with my friends at home.
What's a song you listen to for fun, not necessarily to get in the zone, that might surprise people?
Novacane by Frank Ocean.
Beyond showjumping, what's a talent or interest you have that no one knows about?
I don’t have many other talents! HT
Marta was born on 14 February, 2006
Her best results and horses are
HHS Figero -1st place at CSI1* LGCT Madrid Grand Prix, 2023
HHS Figero – 3rd place and double clear at the FEI Youth Nations Cup Sentower Park, 2025
Miss Belgium 111 - 3rd place at CSI3* Sunshine October Tour, 2024
Photo Gallery
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