TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 21, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
British Columbia rider Kassidy Keith and her mare Havana secured their fourth Maui Jim Grand Prix win at Thunderbird Show Park, utilizing a new equipment setup to outpace the field by over three seconds.
What Happened
Kassidy Keith and Havana secured a dominant victory in the Maui Jim 1.40m Grand Prix on April 20, 2026. This marked a triumphant return after a narrow loss in the same event the previous year. The British Columbia-based rider and her 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare finished the jump-off in a blistering 34.32 seconds, besting runner-up Katie Laurie (NZL) who finished in 37.35 seconds aboard ZF Chacco Rio.
This win was particularly significant for Keith, as she and Havana had previously won this season-opening Grand Prix three times consecutively (2022, 2024). In 2025, despite the fastest time, a single rail relegated them to third place. This year’s performance reaffirmed their status as local favorites at Thunderbird Show Park (tbird).
Why It Matters
This victory highlights the importance of equipment evolution in a horse’s career. Keith attributed Havana’s improved adjustability and speed to a recent equipment change: switching from a loose-ring gag to a combination hackamore. This adjustment allowed Havana more freedom in her stride while maintaining control for tight turns in the Grand Prix jump-off.
The story also emphasizes the psychological pressure professional riders face at home venues. Keith noted that expectations at tbird often feel higher than at three- or four-star competitions elsewhere. For the broader equestrian community, the event provided insight into the future of show jumping breeding, as Havana’s seven-year-old and four-year-old offspring are being developed to continue her legacy in the Grand Prix ring.
The Maui Jim Grand Prix was a highlight of the April Season Opener at tbird. Following Keith and Laurie, Sloane Betker took third place on Indiana II with a time of 38.36 seconds. The top five riders received Maui Jim sunglasses, a sponsorship tradition. This event falls under the Jumper discipline, specifically Grand Prix Show Jumping. As the 2026 outdoor season begins, results from major regional hubs like Thunderbird Show Park set the pace for North American rankings. The focus on equipment changes and horse welfare, noting Havana only jumped one class all week to stay fresh, reflects modern management strategies for high-performance athletes in the jumper ring.
The competition calendar continues at tbird with the Spring Festival, featuring young horse development divisions and USHJA National Derbies.
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.