Simply clearly a 6’5″ or higher obstacle aboard a horse is an astounding feat. Seven year ago, Ireland’s Susan Oakes’ did it riding side saddle. On two different horses. In the same day! In a traditional kit, no less. Last week, her amazing achievement became an official record recognized by the Guinness World Records. This is her story.

I am proud to announce that I am the official Guinness World Records Title Holder for the highest jump by a horse ridden side saddle.

Back in 2011, I decided to try beat an unofficial record of jumping 6’6″ by a Australian lady after seeing a picture of her jumping. I made my crazy ambition public. I was then a blank canvas, no show jumping horse, no show jumping trainer, only a dream.

 The unofficial record of 6’6″ set in Australia in 1912.

At the time, I thought how hard could this be? I’ll have this achieved in a few months.

Well, the reality was very different: Two years training, five days a week, many horses, many life lessons, and over 40 side saddles.

The attempt was scheduled for the 24th of October 2013. I was at the bottom of the barrel mentally, physically and financially.

In 2012, I contacted the Guinness World Records to see if they would verify my record but unfortunately they only had a category for The Horse that jumps the highest, whether ridden by man, woman or child, frontwards or backwards. The Record is still held today by Captain Alberto Larraguibel on Huaso in Chile in 1949. The news was disappointing, but at this stage I was too involved in my vision to back out.

On the 24th of October 2013 I had videographer, photographers, FEI officials, HSI officials and personal friends present to witness my attempts. I had only got the right side saddle two weeks before.

Finding the right saddle was a major struggle. I needed a saddle that was short and light so my horses could release behind and for me, I needed a saddle that had not much support as I was relying on my balance and core to keep me in the plate—a real balancing act!

On the day I rode SIEC Atlas over the wall. This horse had jumped to the top level internationally and was the ultimate schoolmaster. He fed me confidence and I fed him bravery. We jumped a few walls before the big one. The relief of landing clear over 6’8″ (2.07m) was and still is indescribable. The horse threw his heart over, followed by his body and all I had to do was give him encouragement and hang on.

Then I mounted SIEC Oberon to attempt 6’5″ (1.98m) over the triple bar. To date, this is the most difficult thing in my life I have ever attempted. I had to dig deep mentally but my trusty steed had to do so much more!

Hindsight…

I can now see how crazy it was riding two completely different horses over two completely different jumps and to do it on the same day was extremely ambitious, to say the least.

Six weeks ago out of the blue I was contacted by The Guinness World Records to say they would like to verify and recognise my record as it had received so much support and attention worldwide. I had to supply a lot of footage that they required over the last few weeks, I had to go back and revisit and relive many, many memories.

Now, I am delighted to make this official announcement that I am a Guinness World Records Title Holder.

For me, it’s the equivalent of Olympic Gold. I want to own it, cherish it and celebrate it!

None of this would have been possible without the grassroots of hunting and point to pointing, which kept me brave and fit. All the amazing horses that have carried me over many obstacles and terrain. Finally, to the support I have received from far and wide, Thank You!

I am extremely grateful and humbled for all the support I receive no matter what equestrian endeavor I take on.

“Dream your Painting, then Paint your Dream”

This story originally appeared on Susan Oakes’ Facebook page and is reprinted here with permission.