by Bert Sheffield | Canadian Paralympian | Para-Dressage Grade II
Hartpury CPEDI3* is written into the books, and with it, our 2025 summer international season draws to a close.
In only the fourth show of his life—and just his third at FEI 3* level—Nardando took another huge leap forward last week. This talented young horse, owned by the ever-supportive Jolanda Brugman, continues to grow before our eyes, and Hartpury marked an exciting milestone on that journey.
On day one, he earned his second qualifying score for the Equestrian Canada National Team Program Squad A, bringing us one step closer to our longer-term goals. Then, in our final test, we broke the 70% barrier for the first time. That number means more than just a score—it reflects the trust, confidence, and maturity starting to blossom in him.
What made these results even more special is that they came just 15 days after Wellington CPEDI3*. For a seasoned campaigner, that might not seem tight—but at this stage of Nardando’s training, it is. We’re still in a phase of rapid progression, where every show brings a steep learning curve. Fifteen days isn’t much time to recover, reflect, and put new lessons into action. We’re definitely not at the “skip the truck out, repack, and go” stage yet!
With such a short gap between two internationals, we had to be strategic. Our focus was on smart recovery, gentle schooling, and maintaining confidence. The days between were carefully balanced with turnout, bodywork, and low-pressure rides. We even managed three trips away from home to keep building his experience in new environments.
The sudden summer heat added another layer to manage. We shifted our routine to the cooler parts of the day, prioritised hydration, and kept sessions short, positive, and peaceful. At this point, it’s not about drilling—it’s about giving the horse tools and confidence without overloading him physically or mentally.
And that plan paid off.
While we’re still very much in the “young horse” phase—yes, there were plenty of baby moments, and the halts are still… under discussion—it was Nardando’s mindset that stood out. He showed a new level of try, focus, and a willingness to work through the atmosphere and pressure. He’s starting to understand the job.
Even outside the arena, he turned heads. During the horse inspection, he gave a trot that drew a collective gasp from onlookers. That natural power and elegance we see at home is beginning to peek through at shows—and I’m confident it will soon become part of his tests.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible people behind the scenes. Alyssa Carter was brilliant all week—calm, focused, and even sprinting alongside him at the jog when he decided to show off! Her care and quiet confidence helped keep Nardando happy and relaxed throughout the show.
A big thank-you as well to Clive, our Equestrian Canada team advisor and coach, for his steady guidance, sharp eye, and ever-reliable supply of coffee and fizzy water. And to Jolanda Brugman—thank you for trusting me with the ride on such a special horse. It’s a privilege every day.
Through all this travel and training, one constant has been HorseHage. Nardando eats High Fibre HorseHage wherever we go—on the truck, at shows, or when we’re winding down at home. The consistent quality, digestibility, and cleanness have made it our go-to forage on the road. It’s easy to store, simple to travel with, and there’s always an emergency bag tucked in the lorry, just in case. When everything else is new or changing, having something familiar and gut-friendly helps keep him happy, settled, and ready to perform.
So yes—Hartpury was a success. Not just for the results, but for the progress. These early achievements are just a modest beginning of what Nardando is capable of. We’re building thoughtfully, step by step—with rest when needed, training for progression over perfection, and the best team (and forage!) behind us.
Here’s to what’s next.
