Jumping high at Equifest

Eight of the best Australian show jumping combinations competed in a thrilling Puissance event staged during ‘Equifest’ at the Hawkesbury Showground across the weekend.

The challenge was to jump Australia’s largest wall jump, the prestigious Puissance Wall. $70,000 in prize money was on the line for any horse and rider able to break the Australian height record of 2.32 meters.

$70,000 in prize money was on the line for any horse and rider able to break the Australian height record of 2.32 meters.

In what was an enthralling competition, witnessed by thousands of spectators in the Horseland Premier Arena, the first round saw the height of the wall begin at 1.60 meters.

All competitors cleared the first round and the height of the wall was increased to 1.92 meters, with only five riders progressing to the third round of 2.02 meters.

Round three saw thrills and spills as three combinations; Ron Easey riding Simplistic, James Arkins riding Waitangi Skynet and Hayden James riding James’ Continue progression onto what was the final immense height of 2.13 meters.

Olympian Ron Easey was the first to attempt this increased height however his horse refused at the last moment, resulting in a no-jump.

Next to go was James Arkins on his New Zealand-bred Waitangi Skynet. A very impressive combination in the previous round however despite an honest attempt they were not able to clear the height at this level.

Final combination to go was Hayden James riding James’ Continue. This talented horse and rider displayed a remarkable performance, jumping the wall successfully, however knocking out one small top block.

The ultimate decision saw both Hayden James and James Arkins declared joint winners over a height of 2.13 meters. 

“It was an incredible feeling jumping over the Puissance Wall at the final round of 2.13 meters. My horse is as honest as the day is long, he has such a big heart and I couldn’t have asked any more from him. Having the Puissance Wall competition back in Australia, truly is an exciting time for the equine world. I know we do even better next time so I’m looking forward to tackling the wall again in the near future,” said Puissance Wall winner, Hayden James.

Other competition highlights during Equifest:

Thursday

• The Lady Rider Championship was won by Jess Stalling (EquiFest ambassador) on Diamond B Vermont.

Friday

• The Grand Prix Dressage Champion was Brett Parbery (EquiFest ambassador) on DP Weltmeister.
• The Grand Prix Showjumping winner was Tom McDermott and Diamont.

EIAF NZ vs Australia Test Summary: 

Aus Team of Clint Beresford on Emmaville Jitterbug, Billy Raymont and Anton, James Arkins and Rosthwaite Vigilante II and Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation won by 4points to 9points over the NZ team of Lily Tootill and Ulysses NZPH, Bridget Hanson and Toulon NZPH, Samantha Morrison and Biarritz and Katie Laurie and On The Point Eve. Special mentions to Billy Raymont and Lily Tootill who both jumped double clear (didn’t knock a bar off in both of their rounds).

Saturday

• The Grand Prix Freestyle winner was Rozzie Ryan and her horse Jarrah R.
• The Championship winner was Andrew Inglis riding Licaviv.
• The Puissance Competition was taken out by joint winners Hayden James on James’ Continue and James Arkins on Waitangi Skynet. Both couldn’t clear the 2.13m wall

Sunday

• The EquiFest Mitavite Sydney Open Grand Prix was won by James Arkins riding Da Vinci's Pride and taking second place with his other horse Rosthwaite Vigilante II. View full story HERE.
• The Young Rider Championship was won by Jamie Priestly on board KS Optimus.

RELATED NEWS STORIES: 

03/04/2017 - Jumping high at EquiFest

04/04/2017 - Arkins takes out prestigious EquiFest Sydney Open

07/04/2017 - junior Riders jump out at Equifest

06/04/2017 - Parbery back in top form with win in EquiFest Grand Prix