British Eventing Laura Collett clears 1.85 meters at Blenheim last year sans saddle (photo via Laura's FB)
Plantation Field didn’t know what they started when they casually suggested a Bareback Puissance class be added to the roster of their fall horse trials. Not only are the crowds unreal, but the enthusiasm of the competitors is unequalled. Many riders were inspired by Jennie’s big win last year, and have been literally practicing bareback jumping all year in preparation. Caroline’s hard work payed off, but what I really want to know is, exactly how much sticky spray are they using on their bums?? I feel like the answer is “a whole can”.
In celebration of Caroline’s win, and the overall amazing addition of bareback puissance jumping to the world of 3-Day Eventing, I thought I’d bring you all a little taste of Puissance jumping from across the world. There are far too many puissance videos out there, but I’ve chosen the world record holders, as well as some of my old favorites. Nothing beats the thrill of clearing a seven foot wall with only a bridle (or so I hear…), and the second best is watching it as a spectator.
First up, we’ve got World Record Bareback Puissance holder Robert Whitaker (of course it’s a Whitaker) on Waterstone II, who at the time was only eight years old. Robert Whitaker was competing at the Stockholm International Horse Show when he cleared this positively enormous wall to claim the World Record. The wall is 2.12 meters, or 7 feet.
While this next video may not be the highest jump record, it remains one of my favorite videos for a number of reasons. Nick Skelton, of recent Olympic Gold in London, rides the wonderful horse Everest in a high jump competition from 1978 to clear 2.32 meters. This horse looks like it was bred to pull a plough, but clearly has springs in his legs instead. I also really enjoy the fact that Nick carries a hunting whip with him throughout the ride. Stick around until the end for the slow motion replay.
This video really gets me too, because Sweet & Low simply canters up to these enormous fences and hops over them. Talk about some old fashioned jumper style! Anthony D’Ambrosio clears 2.35 meters (7 foot 7) at the Washington International Horse Show in 1983.
Of course, we can’t leave without paying homage to our most recent bareback champion!! I give you: Caroline Martin & Nacho, winners of the 2012 Plantation Field Bareback Puissance over 5″11′! Many thanks to James Daniel Connor for sending us this quick video of her warming up!
(photo by Samantha)
