SpectraVET Performance of the Week: Olympia Puissance

Because at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, nothing says “Christmas” like flinging yourself at a giant wall.

Holiday traditions are varied and unique as those of us who celebrate the holidays in the first place: some folks like to take a tropical vacation, while others go skiing, and others spend time with friends and family at home. For some equestrians, Christmas means the annual December puissance at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, and that’s one tradition we’re happy to replay over and over again!

This year’s Olympia puissance saw two winners tie at 2 meters, 15 centimeters: Holly Smith of Great Britain, who had never ridden a puissance before this year, and Christopher Megahey of Ireland, just 18 years old and a first-time competitor at Olympia. That 2.15 height translates to about 7’1″!

The puissance is a test not only of the horse and rider’s athletic ability over massive heights, but the trust and relationship between horse and rider as well — when you can’t see the landing, you have to jump with faith, and that’s exactly what these pairs accomplished!

Here’s a compiled video of all five rounds of competition. Discretion is also the better part of valor where the puissance is concerned, and we salute the riders who chose to retire to fight another day — the puissance wall is no joke!

For more showjumping news and results, head to our sister site Jumper Nation!

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