Puissance

equestrian sport

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "puissance" in equestrian sport refers to a specific type of show jumping competition that tests a horse's jumping ability. In this event, horses and riders navigate a series of obstacles in progressively more challenging courses. The competition allows for a maximum of four jump-offs to determine the winner.1

The word "puissance" itself, originating from Middle English, means strength or power. This aligns with the nature of the equestrian event, which demands significant power and skill from both the horse and rider to clear increasingly difficult jumps.213

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show jumping
…on jumping ability alone, called Puissance, requires the horse to run over a set number of obstacles in progressively more difficult courses; there is a limit of four jump-offs for Puissance competitions.
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…on jumping ability alone, called Puissance, requires the horse to run over a set number of obstacles in progressively more difficult courses; there is a limit of four jump-offs for Puissance competitions.
Read More