THE PRODIGY & THE PATRIARCH: PROUDLEY PULLS OFF THE PUISSANCE & WHITAKER SHARES THE SIX-BAR FINAL SPOILS AT THE 2025 LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW

The atmosphere inside the Excel Arena reached a fever pitch, shattering the traditional silence of showjumping with the deafening roar of 10,000 fans. The 2025 London International Horse Show did more than just host competitions this week; it provided a masterclass in graceful agility and raw, pure, power during the legendary Puissance and Six-Bar showdowns.

THE WALL THAT WOULDN'T BREAK: PROUDLEY’S RECORD ASCENT

In a display of nerves that bordered on the exceptional, 20-year-old sensation Rachel Proudley proved that her 2024 debut was no fluke. Under the blinding spotlights of the International Arena, she and the extraordinary Easy Boy de Laubry Z took on the Great Red Wall.

As the bricks climbed to a staggering 2.21m - a new personal best for the combination - the arena fell into a vacuum of silence. With a rhythmic, powerful approach, Easy took-off, clearing the wall that the crowd erupted before his hooves even touched the dirt. Proudley stood alone at the peak, claiming the Puissance title and cementing her status as the new "Queen of the Wall."

THE SIX-BAR DOGFIGHT: A LEGEND AND A GIANT SHARE THE SPOILS

While the Puissance was about a single moment of vertical flight, the Cavago Six-Bar was a gruelling test of stamina and precision. Seventeen combinations started, but the relentless raising of the final vertical shaped the field down to a heart-stopping finale.

In a collision of eras, the victory was ultimately split. John Whitaker, the 70-year-old "living legend," showed the world that age is merely a number as he guided the spirited Sharid through the towering line of verticals with his trademark quiet brilliance. Sharing the top step was Sebastian Hughes and his literal mountain of a horse, the 18.2hh Colorado Volo (affectionately known as Chief).

The 1.90m final round proved so intense that the spoils were shared among Whitaker, Hughes, and Austria’s Max Kühner on EIC Cooley Jump the Q, marking one of the most competitive Six-Bar finishes in the show’s storied history.

--ENDS--

Photos by Equisportif

The LeMieux Puissance full results here

The The Cavago Six Bar full results here

Photo Gallery

Prev 1 of 2 Next