Goodness. I have respect for any horse who is even willing to attempt jumping that, even if they do hit a few blocks. Imagine being asked to jump something almost twice as tall as you are, with something on your back...that's determination and courage.
WOW!! I think I read that it took about 100 years for the record 6'9" hurdle to be broken--don't expect any horse to jump taller than this anytime soon.
Did you see how the horses that cleared it were SOOO careful about their back legs?
Also, how about the form of the riders when they landed.
...and the guy whose horse stumbled when landing, and how the rider went off afterwards. Don't think I'd try it again if that happened to me. It think my horse would have lost his nerve. =/
World record (unofficial) 8 feet 31/2 inches. A visitor wrote in to tell us that the "unofficial" world record jump is 8ft, 3 1/2 inches, jumped by Fred (Freddie) Wettach, Jr. Riding his horse King's Own. They jumped in front of 25 people with motion picture photographers capturing the occasion. The record was not considered official because it was not made in front of a public gathering.
This horse was a Thoroughbred born in Chile, and originally called "Faithful". He was a racehorse and retired from racing in 1944 to begin training in the Chilean Cavalry School. There he was taught dressage and jumping. His training was overseen by Chilean Cavalry Officer Major RAFAEL MONTTI, who was in charge of several other horses at the time and hoped to train one that could beat the current world record, set by Captain Antonio Gutierrez of the Italian Cavalry on an Irish horse named Osoppo.
Huaso's turn at the gigantic 2.47m fence came next. On his first try, he refused. On his second, with much effort, and showing correct form, he jumped... but his belly grazed the top rail. On his third, and last chance, he and his rider soared over the fence in perfect form and harmony. They broke the world record that day.
After setting the record, (he was 16 years old when he jumped) Huaso was retired and never ridden again. He died of natural causes at the ripe age of 29.
The record for highest obstacle cleared by a horse and rider in a Puissance competition is held by Leonardo and his rider, Franke Sloothaak. In 1991, this pair jumped a puissance wall standing 7 feet 10 inches high. Horses are also capable of jumping obstacles of great width. The world record long jump was set on April 26, 1975 by a horse named "Something" ridden by a Mr. Andre Ferreira. This pair jumped a distance of 8.40 meters (27 ft. 6 in.).[8]
You know what I love about that.....?
I love how BRAVE those horses are. They are so confident and the riders ride them right to the base of those fences, that even if they knock a block or two, the bravery in those animals is something to be wondered! Heart like that cannot always be trained.
This is truely amazing. Seen it before but everytime I see it I'm awestruck. What a rush that must be. I will never have the guts to do a 7ft wall, as it is I have only jumped 5ft and the first time was scary but thrilling! I highly respect and congratulate any ride/horse combo that does this! That's team work :p
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