Bareback jumping at its best (with a few hairy moments thrown in for good measure…)

Madeleine Silver's avatar
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Published In Features
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(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

If you were looking for proof that showjumpers know how to have a good time (and to make us smile), then the Bareback Challenge at Bury Farm on Saturday night (25 February 2017) is the perfect example. Held in memory of amateur showjumper Russell Pearson, who was tragically killed in a car crash in 2015, the event raises valuable funds for the Air Ambulance — which makes the fancy dress (and a few hairy moments) more than worthwhile… Watch the class, brought to you by CanterBanter.co.uk here

There’s no missing winner Dan Delsart’s ‘tache. What else would you expect from a French showjumper?
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

There’s no missing winner Dan Delsart’s ‘tache. What else would you expect from a French showjumper?

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

New Zealander David Murdoch steps up to the challenge, donning a red dress and green wig
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

New Zealander David Murdoch steps up to the challenge, donning a red dress and green wig

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

Leesa Long speeds around the course — but doesn’t make it to the joker
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

Leesa Long speeds around the course — but doesn’t make it to the joker

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

No saddle? No problem
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

No saddle? No problem

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

Ears pricked: Ben Diamond is on flying form
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

Ears pricked: Ben Diamond is on flying form

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

This young competitor shows us how it’s done
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

This young competitor shows us how it’s done

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

The party atmosphere was getting to some of the equine competitors…
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

The party atmosphere was getting to some of the equine competitors…

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

… who couldn’t stop dancing
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

… who couldn’t stop dancing

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

Is that a Teletubbie we spot?
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

Is that a Teletubbie we spot?

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

More glue was needed at times…
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

More glue was needed at times…

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

… But even a pair of wings can’t save you sometimes
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

… But even a pair of wings can’t save you sometimes

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

Are we seeing things?
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

Are we seeing things?

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

And finally, after a few technical problems…
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

And finally, after a few technical problems…

Image courtesy of SBM Photographic

… This equine competitor (aka Phillip Miller and Ben Diamond) gets into the swing of things with Dan Delart on board
(Image credit: SBM Photographic)

… This equine competitor (aka Phillip Miller and Ben Diamond) gets into the swing of things with Dan Delart on board

Madeleine Silver
Madeleine Silver
Former features editor

A graduate from Durham University, Madeleine joined H&H in 2011 and became Features Editor — producing content across the magazine and website, including the popular inside back cover article ‘The horse that made me’ and the weekly ‘The best of my fun…’ interview. She has written on topics as diverse as hay making and headcams, to hot totty in the horse world and circus horses. Madeleine now works as a freelance feature writer for Country Life, The Telegraph, Horse & Hound, cntraveller.com, The Spectator and The Field, as well as writing obituaries for The Times.