06/09/2025
Show Jumping Hall of Famer Bill Steinkraus and Ksar d'Esprit at Fairfield in the early 1960s.
Ksar d’Esprit exemplified the characteristics of a tall Thoroughbred, displaying a loose, fluid movement and an athletic, effortless jump. This was significantly enhanced by Bill’s light touch, which he consistently aimed to establish with his horses. Bill maintained a gentle connection with the horse’s mouth, coupled with a stable yet responsive posture that was secure and always in equilibrium. He was recognized as a rider who was invariably positioned correctly when a horse took flight. His ability to perceive the experience from the horse’s perspective contributed to his stylishness, empathy, and effectiveness as a rider. Photographs capturing him on Ksar d’Esprit consistently depict a balanced rider alongside a content, unrestricted horse, with ears pricked forward and gazing through the bridle.
A Specialist in Puissance
Although he was part of the Olympic team in Rome in 1960, Ksar d’Esprit developed a reputation as a high jump specialist, a tendency that may have stemmed from his aversion to smaller jumps. In his book, ‘Riding and Jumping,’ Steinkraus notes the grey gelding’s peculiarities, stating, “Ksarro had his share of personal idiosyncrasies, too, and getting bored with small fences was one of them.” Ksar d’Esprit frequently cleared walls exceeding 7 feet for Steinkraus at international events, achieving victories in New York, Washington, Ostende, Wiesbaden, Aachen, and London.