Rachel Proudley made history by becoming the first woman in 61 years to win the Dublin Horse Show puissance, riding Graham Ward’s Easy Boy De Laubry Z. At just 20 years old and recently crowned young rider European champion, Proudley has dominated puissance classes over the past nine months, with victories at the London Horse Show, Bolesworth, and Mullingar. In Dublin, she cleared an impressive 2.15m wall, showcasing the bravery and trustworthiness of her 11-year-old horse, who is primarily prepared through hacking and hunting rather than wall practice.

The competition saw only two riders clear the 2.10m third round, with Proudley’s main rival, Paddy O’Connell, opting not to continue after a near fall. Proudley’s win is notable not only for her skill but also for breaking a long-standing gender barrier, as the last female winner was Pat Moss-Carlsson in 1964. Proudley’s relaxed and confident approach, combined with her horse’s calm demeanor, has earned her a remarkable place in the sport’s history.