Justine Dutton Jumps to Victory in PRO Bareback Puissance

Justin Dutton and Casino Royale. Photo by Alec Thayer. Justin Dutton and Casino Royale. Photo by Alec Thayer.

Always a highlight of the festivities at the Best. Event. Ever., the PRO Bareback Puissance once again delighted spectators during the Sunday lunch break. Jennie Brannigan, who offered commentary during last year’s puissance, rode Stella Artois, joined by Waylon Roberts and Fair Fiona, Justine Dutton and Casino Royale, and Priscilla Godsoe and Sandro D’Amoury.

Priscilla went out first, then Waylon and Jennie took down the top block on the 5’11” wall to give Justin the chance to take the win. Justine successfully cleared the 5’11” wall with Casino Royale to win the $1,000 prize presented by everyone’s favorite vet Kevin Keane and Sports Medicine Associations of Chester County.

Justine has ridden Jollybo — who we just profiled last week in EN’s Got Talent — in the bareback puissance in the past, but since the mare was also competing in the CIC2* over the weekend, Justine needed another mount. “Cubby,” an Irish Sport Horse gelding she imported from England for a client four years ago, stepped up to the plate.

“I knew he was a pretty good guy, pretty laid back and a good jumper, but I didn’t think he could do that,” Justine said of clearing 5’11” to take the win. As for how much she practiced: “I hopped on him last week and jumped him bareback over a vertical a few times. We got to 1.35 meters and stopped, and he seemed to jump that OK, so we figured we’d give it a try.”

Justine also rode in the bareback puissance at Great Meadow, where riders could choose to take off a piece of clothing to get another shot if they dropped a rail or had a refusal. As to which puissance she liked better, Justine said, “I’m just glad I got to keep my shirt on this time!

Many thanks to Alec Thayer for graciously letting us use his photos for a gallery from the PRO Bareback Puissance. Click over to his Ab3 Photography Facebook page and website to see his other great photos from the weekend. Go Eventing.

Plantation Field Links: [Website] [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage] [PRO TV]

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