Stockdale stands his ground in the RWHS Puissance

A full five rounds played out during this evening’s Royal Windsor Horse Show’s (RWHS) Puissance in front of spectators, which was a welcome sight following the ongoing pandemic restrictions.

Six horse and rider combinations lined up for a shot at the RWHS Puissance wall, including the young and very talented Joseph (Joe) Stockdale, who’s mum stood nervously at the ring side awaiting the outcome of each round. Guy Williams, Robert Whitaker, Shane Breen, David Simpson and Elliot Smith made up the remaining five riders, all on board a selection of the finest equine athletes including Can Ya Makan (Breen), Major Delacour (Whitaker) and Mr Blue Sky UK (Williams).

It was an unusual first round for Smith, riding KWPN bay gelding, Flamboyant III where the wall started at 1.65m. The pair crashed straight through the famous red bricks following an aborted take-off, despite the horse being an experienced Puissance contender.

David Simpson and Mysao des Roches Rouges were next to go in round two after an unlucky hoof sent a segment to the ground.

Round three was clear for the remaining four competitors where the wall reached 1m80. However, it wasn’t to be for Whitaker and Breen’s mounts in the forth, leaving Williams and Stockdale heading into fifth and final round on horses that had made it look easy up to that point.

Notably, the RWHS Puissance sponsored by Baylis and Harding, was a first for Stockdale (22), who rode each round without seemingly breaking a sweat. The young rider’s confidence failed to falter as he held his own against a class of great talent, and experience.

Both clearing the wall at over 2m10, Williams and Stockdale riding Florida VDL shared the win, each taking home £2,500 as crowds erupted to celebrate the occassion.

For anyone unable to make it to RWHS, ClipMyHorse.TV will feature livestreams, with select classes shown on Facebook Live.

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