The puissance is a favorite spectator event at some hunter/jumper shows. In it, riders attempt to clear a high jump. If they have a knockdown or a refusal, they’re out of the competition. After each round, the jump is raised until one rider remains. At top level competition, the fence heights can exceed 7 feet. The record, which was set in 1949, is a terror-inducing 8′ 1″.
As if the puissance weren’t enough of a nail-biter already, some riders have found ways to stir up the competition. For example, Susan Oakes recently set a sidesaddle puissance record at 6′ 7″. But why ride sidesaddle when you can ride no-saddle? That’s what Robert Whitaker thought, apparently, when he rode Waterstone II to a new bareback puissance record at 6′ 9″ at the 2011 Stockholm International Horse Show. Well done, Robert. We hope Waterstone does not have prominent withers.
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Wow, I mean really, WOW, absolutely incredible, thanks for sharing with us,
This is awesome! BAREBACK!
This is an astounding feat! That is one exceptional rider.
outstanding feat
that is soooo COOL!!!!!
Amazing! I couldn't even do that WITH a saddle! lol
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