Puissance night at Horse of the Year Show once again hit memorable heights as star performers Rachel Proudley and Joe Trunkfield produced a classic contest.
Joe Trunkfield, who was defending his Ripon Select Foods Puissance title at HOYS on Locomotion, and Rachel Proudley with London, Dublin and Bolesworth champion Easy Boy De Loubry Z, pushed each other every inch of the way.
The climax of a thrilling night’s action in front of a capacity crowd at Birmingham NEC saw both riders sail over the famous red wall that had been raised to 2.20 metres.
Prolific puissance winner Guy Williams took third aboard Cordessia Z after also reaching the final round, with Joe and Rachel sharing a crown that showcased everything about their fearless ability.
The audience was gripped throughout – from 14 starters at 1.80m in round one to its tension-packed finale – and both riders lavished praise on their horses as they recounted a true exhibition of power-jumping delivered with breathtaking precision.
“I am delighted to retain the title,” Joe said. “It was a great effort from the horse, and he did it all with a smile on his face.
“I am pleased for his owner Tracey Fletcher, who does everything with him. She schools, competes him locally, and I just get on at the bigger shows, which I feel privileged to do.
“This is a show we always want to come back to, and hopefully we can do the same again.”
Rachel, meanwhile, added: “I am absolutely over the moon. He tried so hard tonight, and every round he got better. I couldn’t have asked any more of him.
“He is called Easy Boy, and honestly he finds it so easy. Every round, the bigger the better for him. It was such an amazing feeling in there, it was a packed crowd, and I trusted him all the way.
“To tick this one off is a dream come true. Congratulations to Joe as well, he put in an amazing performance. It has been a great night.
“There are no words to describe the atmosphere here. It is great to be here, and thanks to everyone for having us.”
