At the 1968 summer Olympics in Mexico, the tallest fences were 7’3″. That was back in the “old days” before the maximum heights were lowered. This year featured the largest jumps in any Olympic competition. Imagine then, riding a 14.1″ Connemara-TB cross around that course. Marion Coakes, riding her super pony Stroller, did just that, winning the individual silver medal.
I can’t find a video of her riding the course, but here’s gold medalist Bill Steinkraus riding his amazing horse, Snowbound, in the jump off. It is a breathtaking round.
Here’s a photo of Stroller jumping at the Olympics. Even with the photo evidence it’s hard to imagine.
Every time I watch Steinkraus jump, I year up. It’s like watching Secretariat. He flows like water over his horse’s back.
I thought you might find this book interesting. I have a battered first edition without a dust jacket, and certainly not signed, lurking in a box of books I moved to my new house. I couldn’t part with it.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F254201151545
I’ll need to look for a copy that. Probably don’t need one that’s signed but I love Sam Savitt.