Precision, Power and a Four-Way Finish in the Equiyd Puissance
A dramatic evening of courage, precision and spectacular jumping saw four combinations share top honours in the Equiyd Puissance at the Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International.
With eleven combinations representing Great Britain, Ireland and the UAE coming forward, the stage was set for one of showjumping's most iconic spectacles. Former winners, Puissance specialists and exciting newcomers all arrived with one ambition - to conquer the famous red wall and, if conditions allowed, challenge Bolesworth's standing Puissance record of 2.21m, jointly held by Guy Williams and Elliot Smith since 2024.
Equiyd joined the class as title partner for 2026, bringing together one of showjumping's most popular competitions with the equine data and intelligence platform's commitment to innovation and horse welfare.
"We are proud to sponsor the Puissance at Bolesworth," said David Lea, Managing Director of Equiyd. "Equestrian sport has long needed the same kind of intelligence that transformed Formula 1. The partnership between horse and rider is no different from the partnership between car and driver.
"Bolesworth's focus on horsepower and on the elite of the sport made the Puissance the perfect place to show what our platform can do, not just for those at the top, but for every horse and rider on the journey there. With a background deep-rooted in Formula 1, data intelligence and precision medicine, and as lifelong horse owners ourselves, we knew we were the team to bring Equiyd to the market."
The opening rounds offered an ideal introduction for several Puissance first-timers, with the wall beginning at 1.35m before rising steadily throughout the evening. The early rounds saw the field gradually reduced, while former Bolesworth Puissance winner David Simpson looked composed aboard Kolman VDP, a horse contesting only its second international show after an impressive performance in last week's Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby.
Defending champion Rachel Proudley returned to Bolesworth seeking back to back victories, this time aboard French Connection. One of the sport's most accomplished Puissance riders, with victories at the Royal Dublin Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show and London International Horse Show already to her name, she once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the discipline's leading specialists.
As the wall increased to 1.80m, several exciting newcomers demonstrated they have bright futures in the discipline. Tom Harrison's seven year old Ti Amo Van T'Elshout saw his evening end at that stage, but not before showing the scope and attitude expected of a future Puissance contender.
At 1.95m, the competition intensified. Ryan Page, Rhys Jones, Joseph Trunkfield and UAE Olympian Abdullah Mohd Al Marri all saw their challenges come to an end, leaving just four combinations to return for the fifth and final deciding round.
With the wall now standing at an imposing 2.10m, local rider Paul Sims and the aptly named Marshmallow came agonisingly close before dislodging the upper bricks. Morgan Shirley and Klaris Ride On produced another bold effort but also brushed the top of the wall, while Simpson and Kolman VDP saw their impressive challenge end in similar fashion.
Last to go, all eyes turned to Rachel Proudley. With the crowd holding its breath, French Connection produced another determined effort, but a single displaced brick denied the pair the opportunity to claim the title outright.
Instead, Bolesworth celebrated four joint winners, with Paul Sims, Morgan Shirley, David Simpson and Rachel Proudley all sharing top honours following a memorable evening of five rounds of competition.
While the 2.21m venue record remained intact, the 2026 Equiyd Puissance will be remembered for the emergence of new Puissance stars. Alongside seasoned specialists, several combinations showed the bravery, scope and technique to suggest an exciting future in one of showjumping's most demanding and entertaining classes.
A firm favourite with spectators, the Equiyd Puissance once again delivered everything the class is renowned for, combining world-class horsemanship, edge-of-your-seat drama and unforgettable entertainment.
For more information about Equiyd, visit www.equiyd.com or download the Equiyd app free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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Scott Rowley
SRPR
Fenwick Photography