Bermuda are the World Dressage Challenge 2013 Group 10 champions after finishing ahead of five other countries for top honours.

The competition, organised by the Federation Equestre International, the international governing body for equestrian, took place during the months of February and March, with two judges travelling to each nation involved. Bermuda topped a group that included Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Haiti.

Mike Cherry, the Bermuda Equestrian Federation president, said he was thrilled with the team’s efforts.

“We are obviously pleased with this announcement, the team performed well and it’s a pleasure to see that we are being successful,” he said.

“Competing in events like this is somewhat of an unknown quantity because the countries don’t use the same riders all the time with junior riders coming through all the time, so it’s good to see this team claim this honour.”

Bermuda’s team of Michelle Ingham riding Roseland, Ashley Gibbs on Landtango, and Zoe Oleksak on her horse Limited Edition, accumulated a total score of 202.868 compared to Barbados’ 201.267.

Dawn Fox placed first in Group 10 in the highest class, Prix St Georges, Suzette Sailsman was first overall in the Advanced class, and Ashley Gibbs first in the Medium class.

The aim of the competition was to give the less experienced dressage riders who, under normal circumstances can’t take part in international dressage competitions, the opportunity to compete at the top level without having to leave their own country.

All riders are judged on the same tests and by the same Ground Jury within each geographical zone.