Bert & Fairuza Break Records at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
At the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Bert Sheffield and her remarkable partner Fairuza—affectionately known as Wonky—once again made history by breaking the Canadian Paralympic Record. Despite a challenging spring season competing across Europe, the pair rose to the occasion, representing Canada with pride and finishing 6th in every test, including the Freestyle Individual Final.
Bert’s journey is one of determination, resilience, and passion. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she has built a career that bridges both para-dressage and able-bodied dressage, proving herself not only as a Paralympian and international competitor but also as a qualified, sought-after coach and mentor.
Why Work with Bert?
🌟 Proven International Success
Coaching & Mentoring with Bert
Through her Remote Coaching & Mentoring Programme, Bert offers riders around the world the chance to learn from her experience with a wide variety of horses and from training under leading international coaches. Whether online or in person, her coaching is designed to build confidence, strengthen horse–rider partnerships, and achieve competition goals.
Partner With Bert
Bert’s success—past, present, and future—is only possible thanks to the generosity of her sponsors, supporters, and family. By joining the team, sponsors benefit from:
Stay Connected
Bert’s journey is one of determination, resilience, and passion. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she has built a career that bridges both para-dressage and able-bodied dressage, proving herself not only as a Paralympian and international competitor but also as a qualified, sought-after coach and mentor.
Why Work with Bert?
🌟 Proven International Success
- Represented Canada at six major championships: Paris, Tokyo, and Rio Paralympic Games, plus three World Equestrian Games and World Championships.
- Highlights include 4th place at the 2014 World Equestrian Games (Normandy) and Top 6 finishes at the 2022 World Championships, 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
- Currently ranked 6th in the FEI World Rankings.
- Named Equestrian Canada Athlete of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- Honoured by the Sport Canada AAP Programme, which supports her pursuit of excellence.
- Exciting young horse Nardando (owned by Jolanda Brugman) is now stepping onto the international stage, building the next chapter of success.
Coaching & Mentoring with Bert
Through her Remote Coaching & Mentoring Programme, Bert offers riders around the world the chance to learn from her experience with a wide variety of horses and from training under leading international coaches. Whether online or in person, her coaching is designed to build confidence, strengthen horse–rider partnerships, and achieve competition goals.
Partner With Bert
Bert’s success—past, present, and future—is only possible thanks to the generosity of her sponsors, supporters, and family. By joining the team, sponsors benefit from:
- High-profile international exposure at major equestrian events.
- A positive, inspirational brand association with resilience, excellence, and horse welfare.
- Direct community reach through Bert’s engaged social media following and dedicated equestrian groups.
Stay Connected
- Facebook – latest updates and insights
- Instagram (@BertSheffieldParaEquestrian) – behind-the-scenes training, competition, and life with the horses.
New Kid on the Block - Nardando
Back in The Fall of 2022, I welcomed a young, gangly Nardando (Zardando x Negro), owned and bred by Jolanda Brugman, to the barn. After two and a half years of hard work this incredible horse is becoming quite the star.
Nardando is already powering his way up the Equestrian Canada National Team Program Rankings with his exciting performances at Addington FEI CPEDI3*, Wellington FEI CPEDI3* and Hartpury CPEDI3*.
Nardando is already powering his way up the Equestrian Canada National Team Program Rankings with his exciting performances at Addington FEI CPEDI3*, Wellington FEI CPEDI3* and Hartpury CPEDI3*.
November 2018
#WonkyHorse is a Video star! Her mounting training video goes viral!!!
#WonkyHorse is a Video star! Her mounting training video goes viral!!!
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"If you can dream it, you can do it, when you believe it!" |
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Photo Acknowledgements
Most of the photographs included in this site were taken by Kevin Sparrow, Mark in Time Photography, Helen Griffin Photography, John James, Rich Neale and Becky Taylor for TSM-HorseHage.
Most of the photographs included in this site were taken by Kevin Sparrow, Mark in Time Photography, Helen Griffin Photography, John James, Rich Neale and Becky Taylor for TSM-HorseHage.
