Q If you had the chance to jump ANY horse over the big wall, who would it be?
A I´d still choose Sagrat.

Q Who do you consider the best puissance rider?
A It has to be the current world record holder, Franke Sloothaak.

Q Is riding in a puissance more nerve- racking than other classes?
A Yes. Because the fences are so much bigger there´s less chance of getting away with mistakes.

Q What makes a good puissance horse?
A He must be talented, brave and have complete trust in his rider.

Q What´s the worst moment when jumping the wall?
A The take-off, if you think it´s wrong and the landing if the take-off was wrong!

Q What tips would you give H&P readers who are scared of jumping big fences?
A Gain confidence over smaller jumps first and then gradually progress to bigger ones. always imagine the next fence will be even bigger than the one you´re jumping - then it won´t seem so scary.

Q What plans do you have for Sagrat this year?
A He´s been resting since January and I plan to start building up his fitness in March, reay for the new outdoor season. Nineteen ninety six was his first year on the international circuit and I hope he has benefited from the experience. I´m looking forward to jumpping him in the Hickstead Derby and some Grand Prix classes. We were equal second in the Derby last year, at our first attempt, so hopefully we can improve on that result in 1997.