FEI Jumping World Challenge – Competition 1 in Bermuda brings international‑standard showjumping to a small Atlantic island known more for pink‑sand beaches than for arenas. The Bermuda Equestrian Federation’s calendar confirms that FEI Jumping World Challenge, Competition 1 will take place on Saturday 7 February 2026 at the National Equestrian Centre on Vesey Street, Devonshire, Bermuda. This FEI‑sanctioned event gives local riders a chance to compete over standardized courses and heights that are run simultaneously in many countries, offering a pathway into the global FEI Jumping World Challenge rankings while staying on their home island.
Key Facts: Date, Organizer, and Venue
The Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF) event listing provides the core details:
- Event name: FEI Jumping World Challenge, Competition 1.
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026.
- Organizer: Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF).
- Venue: National Equestrian Centre, Vesey Street, Devonshire, Bermuda.
The listing sits in sequence with:
- CEA Regional Jumping Challenge & Support Show – January 31, 2026, also at the National Equestrian Centre.
- FEI Jumping World Challenge, Competition 2, which follows Competition 1 and is listed as the next event in the BEF calendar.
Devonshire Parish lies roughly in the center of Bermuda’s “fishhook” shape, making the National Equestrian Centre easily accessible by car, taxi, or scooter from Hamilton, Paget, and the south‑shore hotel belt.
What Is the FEI Jumping World Challenge?
The FEI Jumping World Challenge is a global development series created by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) to give riders in countries with fewer international shows the chance to compete under identical conditions and earn comparative rankings without leaving home.
Key aspects of the format, based on FEI general information:
- The series offers three consecutive competitions (Competition 1, 2, and 3) at a host venue, each with standardized course designs and heights.
- There are three height categories (Categories A, B, and C) that allow riders at different levels to compete, with FEI‑approved course plans sent to all participating national federations.
- Results from each country feed into world and regional rankings, giving riders exposure and experience in an FEI structure even if they are not yet on the international tour.
In Bermuda, Competitions 1 and 2 are scheduled separately in early 2026, allowing island riders to contest the series and potentially qualify for higher‑level opportunities.
Competition 1 in Bermuda: What to Expect in 2026
While BEF has not yet published the full 2026 class list, past FEI Jumping World Challenge programs give a good picture of how Competition 1 days run:
- Standardized classes:
- FEI course plans specify a set number of obstacles, related distances, and time allowed for each category, ensuring that a Category A course in Bermuda is comparable to one in another FEI World Challenge nation.
- Multiple rounds in one day:
- Many organizing committees run the three Challenge classes (one per category) in a single day, often starting in the morning and finishing mid‑afternoon so that footing and light are optimal.
- Local divisions wrapped around FEI classes:
- It is common for federations to add supporting classes for younger or less experienced combinations around the official Challenge classes to build a full show day.
- BEF’s schedule already brackets Competition 1 between the CEA Regional Jumping Challenge & Support Show and Competition 2, indicating an integrated winter jumping calendar.
For spectators at the National Equestrian Centre on 7 February 2026, this means a full day of showjumping with FEI‑spec lines, combinations, and jump‑off‑style excitement.
The National Equestrian Centre, Vesey Street, Devonshire
The National Equestrian Centre (NEC) is Bermuda’s main showground for jumping, dressage, and pony club events. While the BEF listing simply states the venue name and address, local equestrian coverage and federation history note that the NEC:
- Has a sand or all‑weather competition arena, spectator areas, and stabling, allowing it to host FEI‑calibre courses.
- Serves as the hub for Bermuda’s national and regional equestrian calendar, including CEA and FEI‑linked events.
Devonshire is just east of Hamilton:
- Visitors staying in Hamilton can reach Vesey Street in roughly 10–15 minutes by taxi or scooter.
- Many south‑shore hotels (Paget, Warwick) are within a 20–25 minute drive, making it easy to combine a beach‑focused holiday with a day at the show.
Bermuda’s Role in FEI Jumping World Challenge
Bermuda has been an active participant in the FEI Jumping World Challenge for years. Local media coverage highlights:
- In 2021, Bermuda riders achieved strong results in their FEI Jumping World Challenge division, with The Royal Gazette reporting on island combinations who topped their categories and gained international ranking recognition.
- In 2024, another Royal Gazette article previewed Bermudian riders preparing for the 2024 Jumping World Challenge events at the NEC, emphasizing that the shows offer a chance to “compete in an international series without leaving the island”.
The 2026 Competitions 1 and 2 therefore sit within a continuing strategy:
- Provide FEI‑level courses and judging at the National Equestrian Centre.
- Allow local juniors and seniors to measure themselves against global standards.
- Keep Bermudian equestrian sport visible on the international map in a World Championship and Olympic cycle year.
Spectator Information and Likely Costs
The BEF event listing for FEI Jumping World Challenge, Competition 1 – February 7, 2026 does not specify ticket pricing. Historically, local equestrian events in Bermuda:
- Have been open to the public, with modest or no entry fees for spectators at NEC shows.
- Occasionally charge small car‑park or gate donations to support federation activities and facility upkeep.
Given that this is a national‑level FEI development event rather than a commercial tour stop, visitors can reasonably expect:
- Free or low‑cost access to watch from designated spectator areas.
- A small canteen or food stall on‑site for snacks and drinks.
Riders pay entry fees per class and stabling charges as per BEF regulations, but those costs are handled directly through the federation and are not relevant for casual visitors.
For the latest 2026 spectator information, it is best to:
- Check the Bermuda Equestrian Federation website closer to the date.
- Follow BEF’s social media or contact local riding clubs for confirmation of start times and any gate details.
Travel Tips: Combining FEI Jumping World Challenge with a Bermuda Holiday
When to Visit
- Event date: Saturday 7 February 2026.
- February is part of Bermuda’s cooler, drier season, with comfortable daytime temperatures, low humidity, and good footing for outdoor equestrian events.
Plan to be on island at least:
- From Friday 6 February to Monday 9 February 2026 if your primary goal is to attend Competition 1.
- Longer if you want to explore the island’s pink‑sand beaches, golf courses, and historic forts around the show day.
Where to Stay
Good areas for combining the show with island life:
- Hamilton:
- Central for restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
- Quick taxi ride to the National Equestrian Centre in Devonshire.
- Paget / Warwick south shore:
- Home to the island’s classic beaches such as Elbow Beach and Warwick Long Bay.
- Within 20–25 minutes of Vesey Street by car or taxi.
Because February overlaps with high season, booking early is recommended.
Getting to the National Equestrian Centre
- Taxis are the simplest choice; ask for National Equestrian Centre, Vesey Street, Devonshire.
- Visitors comfortable with local rules may also rent electric mini‑cars or scooters to travel independently.
Arrive ahead of the main class start to find parking and a good viewing spot.
Why FEI Jumping World Challenge – Competition 1, 2026 Is Worth Your Island Time
For equestrian fans, FEI Jumping World Challenge – Competition 1 in Bermuda offers a chance to see serious showjumping in a uniquely intimate island setting. You can stand close enough to hear horses’ hoofbeats on the approach, watch developing riders tackle FEI‑designed lines, and still be back on the south shore in time to catch a pastel sunset over the Atlantic.
If you are already planning an island break in early 2026, weaving a day at the National Equestrian Centre into your itinerary can add depth and variety to a Bermuda stay. You will experience not only beaches and golf, but also the passion and precision of the island’s equestrian community.
Mark Saturday 7 February 2026 on your calendar for FEI Jumping World Challenge – Competition 1, Bermuda. Book your flights and a Hamilton or south‑shore base, plan a morning at the showgrounds, and let Bermuda’s combination of high‑level sport and ocean‑island beauty make this an equestrian weekend to remember.
Verified Information at glance
Event Category: Equestrian sports / Showjumping competition / FEI development series
Event Name: FEI Jumping World Challenge – Competition 1 (Bermuda)
Island / Location: National Equestrian Centre, Vesey Street, Devonshire, Bermuda
Confirmed 2026 Date:
- Bermuda Equestrian Federation event page: “FEI Jumping World Challenge, Competition 1 – February 7, 2026”.
Organizer:
- Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF), listed as organizer on the event page.
Venue Details:
- Venue listed as “National Equestrian Centre, Vesey Street, Devonshire, Bermuda” on the BEF event entry.
Related Events in the 2026 Calendar:
- CEA Regional Jumping Challenge & Support Show – January 31, 2026, at National Equestrian Centre, shown as the event immediately before Competition 1 in the BEF calendar.
- FEI Jumping World Challenge, Competition 2, listed as the next event after Competition 1 on the BEF site.
FEI Jumping World Challenge Context:
- FEI general information notes that the Jumping World Challenge consists of standardized Competitions 1, 2, and 3, with identical courses and rules across participating nations, enabling global and regional rankings without riders needing to travel internationally.
Bermuda’s Participation:
- Local media such as The Royal Gazette have reported on Bermuda riders taking honours in previous FEI Jumping World Challenge seasons and preparing for Challenge events at the National Equestrian Centre, underscoring Bermuda’s ongoing role in the series.
Spectator Access and Costs:
- The BEF event page for Competition 1 does not specify spectator ticket prices, indicating a typical local‑show format where public viewing at the National Equestrian Centre is usually free or low‑cost, with details confirmed closer to the event.
