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Monday, April 13, 2026
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High Scores Highlight Bermuda Dressage Challenge
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Bermuda’s National Equestrian Center was the backdrop for a weekend of technical excellence as the island hosted the Regional Caribbean Dressage Challenge alongside a local Mini Dressage fixture.
Under the bright skies at Vesey Street, the discipline of dressage—often described as horse ballet—took center stage. Competitors navigated the rigorous demands of the Regional Caribbean Dressage Challenge, where the partnership between horse and rider is scrutinized by officials for rhythm, suppleness, and accuracy.
In the Junior division of the regional event, Lila Readdy emerged as the standout talent. Riding Edelweiss, Readdy demonstrated a composed performance that earned the pair a winning score of 57.8 percent. Her victory underscores the growing depth of youth talent within the Bermudian equestrian community, proving that the next generation is more than capable of handling the pressure of a regional stage.
The Adult division saw an equally impressive display from Vee McKey. Partnered with Happy Dance, McKey produced a fluid and harmonious test that was reflected in the judges' cards. Their score of 67.4 percent was enough to claim the top spot in the adult category, showcasing the years of preparation required to reach such a high standard of communication in the ring.
However, the headline performance of the weekend came from the local ranks during the Mini Dressage Challenge. Kelsie Carreiro, riding Sunrise Surprise, delivered a masterclass in precision that captivated those in attendance. Carreiro’s performance was not only the peak of the local competition but also represented the highest mark across the entire weekend of racing.
By recording an overall high score of 68.85 percent, Carreiro and Sunrise Surprise claimed the ultimate honors between the two challenges. The result served as a perfect conclusion to a weekend that celebrated the meticulous nature of the sport and the enduring strength of Bermuda’s equestrian programs.
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Friday, April 10, 2026
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Waldron Finds Form at Hoosier Park
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Harness driver Kiwon Waldron enjoyed a relentless and productive evening at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, navigating a demanding five-race card to secure several high-placed finishes. Competing against a formidable field in Indiana, Waldron demonstrated his tactical versatility across both trot and pace disciplines, culminating in a standout podium finish in the night's final sessions.
The evening began for Waldron in the fourth race, where he took the lines of Wiggy Hill in a competitive Trot Class. The pair maintained a steady rhythm throughout the mile, crossing the wire in fifth position with a recorded time of 1:58.4. Waldron was back in action immediately in the fifth, shifting to the Pace Class behind He’s Bubbly. In a faster-paced encounter, he steered the gelding to a sixth-place finish, stopping the clock at 1:55.2.
As the program moved into the seventh race, Waldron opted for a more aggressive line in the bike of Bluebird Capt Pj. Competing in another Pace Class, he managed to shave significant time off his previous efforts, finishing fifth in a sharp 1:53.4. The technical challenges continued into the tenth race Trot Class, where Waldron guided Ima Mess to a solid fourth-place finish, clocking a time of 2:00.4 on a track that was beginning to test the endurance of the field.
However, the highlight of the night was saved for the thirteenth race. Competing in the Trot Class, Waldron settled into the sulky of Bluebird Fancyswan for a spirited drive that saw him challenge for the lead in the final stretch. While the victory narrowly eluded him, a superb second-place finish in a time of 1:58.3 ensured the Bermudian ended his shift on a high note. The performance continues a consistent run of form for Waldron as he solidifies his reputation on the ultra-competitive American harness racing circuit.
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Tuesday, April 07, 2026
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Bardgett & Bees Crowned Tournament of Champions Winners
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Kayla Bardgett and her Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) teammates have reached the pinnacle of collegiate equestrianism, officially being named the 2025-26 Tournament of Champions Series winners.
In what has been a historic 35th anniversary season for the prestigious series, the SCAD "Bees" delivered a campaign of unprecedented dominance. The team secured their first national title of the year by claiming victory in three of the four major shows across the calendar, a feat that underscored their status as the premier force in the discipline.
Such was the clinical nature of their season that SCAD entered the final show of the series—the Spring Classic in Findlay—having already mathematically secured the overall championship. However, rather than coasting to the finish line, the Bees produced a performance that served as a definitive exclamation point on a legendary year for the program.
Under the guidance of Director of Equestrian Ashley Henry and Assistant Coach Sammy Perlman, the team finished the series with a record-high 98 points, a total calculated from their highest two-show scores. The season will be long remembered for a historic milestone reached in January 2026, where the Bees achieved the Tournament’s first-ever "perfect" score during the Winter Classic.
For Bardgett and her teammates, the Series Championship marks the culmination of a relentless training program and a testament to the depth of talent within the Savannah-based stable. With one national title already secured, the focus now shifts to the remaining postseason championships as SCAD looks to add further silverware to a record-breaking 2025-26 campaign.
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Saturday, April 04, 2026
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Bermuda Crowns FEI Jumping World Challenge Champions
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The thunder of hooves returned to the National Equestrian Centre on Vesey Street as Bermuda’s finest riders gathered for the final showdown of the 2026 FEI Jumping World Challenge.
Under the bright Atlantic sun, the third and final day of competition provided a fitting climax to the season, with the island's junior talent stealing the limelight in the jumping ring. The afternoon was defined by precision and poise, particularly in Category C, where Logan Flood and Lily Butler produced standout performances. Flood, in particular, demonstrated remarkable synergy with her mount, navigating two flawless rounds to leave the fences untouched and set the standard for the day.
In Category B, the vastly experienced Philip Correia continued his consistent form. Tasked with navigating a technical course that caught out several competitors, Correia and his partner Poker Face remained composed to deliver the crucial results needed to solidify their standing at the top of the leaderboard.
The drama shifted to Category A as the overall title hung in the balance. Jay Lynn Hines, entering the day as the rider to beat, faced a testing opening round that saw her battle for rhythm. In a strategic move reflecting the high stakes of the series, Hines opted not to contest the second round. Having already secured dominant scores in the first and second legs of the challenge, her existing tally proved insurmountable, safely anchoring her position at the summit of the elite category.
With the dust settled on the final fences, the official Bermuda Team for the 2026 challenge was confirmed based on the best two results across the three-part series. Jay Lynn Hines and Toto Dysenbeeck Z take the honors in Category A, while Philip Correia and Poker Face claim the Category B mantle. Rounding out the championship trio is the impressive Logan Flood and Dorus Du Domain Z, who secured the Category C title after a clinical display of horsemanship.
The results mark another successful chapter for Bermudian equestrianism, showcasing a healthy blend of veteran reliability and a rising generation of riders ready to test themselves on the international stage.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2026
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Bardgett & SCAD Claim IHSA Zone 5 Championship Glory
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Bermuda’s Kayla Bardgett produced a flawless display of horsemanship on home turf as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) secured the IHSA Zone 5 Championship title in emphatic style.
In a high-stakes weekend of equestrian action, SCAD played host to 31 colleges from across the region, with the top five schools battling through specific team classes for a coveted spot at the IHSA National Championships. With the pressure of expectation on their shoulders, the hosts rose to the occasion, delivering a series of clinical performances to be crowned overall champions.
The individual spotlight fell firmly on Bardgett, who was among five SCAD riders qualified to compete in the individual classes. Competing in the Open Equitation on the Flat, the Bermudian standout faced a grueling test against ten of the region’s elite riders. The competition demanded absolute precision as riders were initially tested on the flat without stirrups, before a tactical reshuffle saw the top four selected to swap horses for a final round of evaluation.
Bardgett’s adaptability and technical prowess proved the difference, as she was named Champion in the Open Equitation on the Flat. The result secures her place at the IHSA Nationals, where only the top two riders from each zone are permitted to compete.
For Bardgett, the victory carried significant emotional weight, marking her final competitive appearance in the ring she has called home for the past three years.
"This is one of those moments I know I’ll carry with me forever," Bardgett said following the trophy presentation. "Closing out my last time competing in this ring was an extremely emotional moment. I’ve felt every ounce of support that’s carried me here. Every person, every push, and every bit of belief has led me to this."
With their Zone 5 title secured, Bardgett and her SCAD teammates now turn their attention to the National Championships. Having dominated on home soil, the team departs for the season finale with their hearts full of gratitude and their sights firmly set on national glory.
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