Aiken, South Carolina — 23 December 2025 — The South Carolina winter circuit reached a dramatic crescendo at Bruce’s Field Horse Park as Bermudian equestrian Tyler James delivered a series of precision performances to close his 2025 season. Competing at the final Aiken December Classic, James solidified his status as a rising force in the American equitation ranks, securing a pair of high-profile second-place finishes in the USHJA 3’3” Adult Jump Seat Medal and the THIS/NHS Adult Medal.

Under the bright lights of one of the region’s most historic venues, James and his seasoned partner, Cruise Control, navigated technical tracks that demanded both athletic power and meticulous timing. The duo’s consistency throughout the week served as a powerful exclamation point on James’s first full year of competition on the U.S. “A” circuit.

Precision in the Jump Seat

The USHJA 3’3” Adult Jump Seat Medal is widely regarded as a rigorous test of a rider’s versatility, requiring the elegance of hunter seat equitation blended with the strategic pace of show jumping. James and Cruise Control entered the ring with a visible rapport, tackling the gymnastics-style questions and tight rollbacks with remarkable fluidness.

Their performance earned them 2nd place in a competitive field, a result that underscores James’s ability to remain composed under the scrutiny of top-tier judges. The ribbon was not merely a trophy but a validation of a year spent refining the subtle aids and invisible cues required to excel at the 3’3” height.

A Campaign of Consistency

James’s momentum did not stop with a single podium. In the THIS/NHS (Taylor Harris Insurance Services/National Horse Show) Adult Medal, he once again claimed the 2nd place spot. This class, a staple for amateur riders looking to qualify for national indoor finals, rewarded James’s ability to maintain a rhythmic, forward stride while executing a demanding course plan.

The week’s accolades were further bolstered by a strong 5th place finish in the Ariat Adult Medal, ensuring that James featured in the top five of nearly every major equitation event he entered during the December fixture.

New Partnerships: Zero to Sixty

While Cruise Control provided the veteran experience, the show also marked a significant milestone for James’s future. Debuting the horse Zero to Sixty in the United States, James produced a series of clear and confident rounds in the 0.90m and 1.0m Amateur Jumper divisions.

The successful transition of a new mount into the high-pressure environment of Bruce’s Field speaks to the system implemented by coach Wendy Arndt and the support of Team I.E.C. (International Equestrian Connection). The ability to bring a young or green horse along while simultaneously competing at the podium level in equitation highlights James’s evolving depth as a horseman.

The Year in Review: From Tryon to Aiken

The success in Aiken was the culmination of a 12-month journey that saw James competing across the Eastern Seaboard. From early season ribbons at the Ocala Winter Festival to qualifying for the USHJA Adult Jump Seat Medal Finals during the Kentucky National, 2025 has been a year of rapid “A” circuit assimilation.

Event	Horse	Result
Aiken December Classic	Cruise Control	2nd Place, USHJA 3’3″ Jump Seat Medal
Aiken December Classic	Cruise Control	2nd Place, THIS/NHS Adult Medal
Aiken October Show	Cruise Control	1st Place, Open 3’3″ Jumping Medal
Kentucky Horse Park	Cruise Control	3rd Place, USHJA Jump Seat Medal (Qualifying Result)

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the 2025 season now officially in the books, Tyler James heads into the winter break with a significant haul of qualifying points and a bolstered reputation. The double-silver performance in Aiken provides a clear blueprint for 2026: a focus on national medal finals and the continued development of his jumper string.

As the Bermudian flag continues to fly at major U.S. venues, James’s performance at the Aiken December Classic stands as a testament to the rewards of discipline and the power of a strong partnership between horse and rider.