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