Known as the “high jump” of the Equestrian world, Puissance is a Show Jumping competition that horse and rider combinations bravely contest over one very signifcantly tall fence. Today puissance fences present themselves usually as red brick walls, however they have in the past consisted of rails or even a brush.
Puissance is a great competiton for horses that have the scope to jump really big heights, but not necessarily over an entire course. These jumps typically stand at a minimum of 1.40 m and increase gradually throughout the competition until there is a clear winner. The world puissance record is held by Franke Sloothaak, who cleared 2.40 m on his horse, Optiebeurs Golo, in Belgium in 1991. The highest ever jumped in the world was accomplished by Captain Alberto Larraguibel Morales, on his mount, Huaso ex – Faithful, in Chile in 1949. They managed to clear 2.49 m after three attempts and two years of training.
I think one of the most important things to point out is that Puissance is not for everyone, as there is a high amount of risk involved. Puissance should only be attempted by horses who have the ability and right amount of training behind them, and by riders with the respective amount of experience.
Feature Image courtesy of Living Equine.
-Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.