If you’re a showjumping fan like us, you’re about to witness something truly special. Showjumping gets the respect it deserves—even non-horsey folks understand it’s incredibly challenging. But let’s be honest: all equestrian disciplines are brutally difficult and highly competitive. Standing out as a rider takes years of dedication, training, and that special connection with your horse.
Today we’re sharing a moment that perfectly captures what true horsemanship looks like. This isn’t a flawlessly executed round, but rather a stunning example of a rider and horse working together when things don’t go to plan. Sometimes improvisation beats perfection, and this video proves exactly that.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Rider Richard Spooner and his horse Incento faced an unexpected challenge during their showjumping performance. As they approached a triple combination, Incento left out a stride—and Spooner’s reins slipped right through his fingers. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.
Rather than panic, Spooner stayed calm and composed. He released his hands to the side, trusting his horse completely while jumping through the entire combination without his reins. Upon landing, he smoothly picked them back up as if nothing had happened. Pure professionalism.
A Rider’s Honest Reflection
“It was my mistake that caused the problem,” Spooner later explained, showing the kind of accountability that separates great riders from good ones. “After that, I was trying to be out of his way and let him find his way.”
This attitude is everything in equestrian sports. Rather than fighting his horse or trying to compensate, Spooner did what every rider should do: trust their partner and get out of the way. The result? A performance that showcases real horsemanship far better than a perfectly executed textbook jump ever could.
Watch the Magic Happen
This video is the perfect reminder that horsemanship isn’t about executing a script flawlessly—it’s about partnership, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. Spooner and Incento demonstrated textbook professionalism by handling an unexpected situation with grace and composure.
What Makes This Moment Special
In a sport where perfection is the goal, this moment shines for a different reason. It shows us that:
- Trust is everything. Spooner trusted his horse to complete the combination without reins—and Incento delivered.
- Staying calm matters. Panic would have turned a minor issue into a major problem.
- Horsemanship > technique. The connection between rider and horse transcends perfect positions and flawless rounds.
This is why we love equestrian sports. These partnerships inspire us, challenge us, and remind us why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
What did you think of this incredible performance? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts—and please, share this video with your horse-loving friends! It’s these moments that make us believe in the magic of the human-horse bond.