What a day of sport it has been at the 2024 Paralympic Games for Team USA's magnificent para dressage horses and riders. Para dressage athletes Rebecca Hart, Fiona Howard, Roxanne Trunnell, and Kate Shoemaker, and their horses Floratina, Diamond Dunes, Fantastico H, and Vianne, are competing in Grades III, II, I, and IV respectively. For those of you new to the sport, Paralympic dressage competition is divided into three phases:
The Individual Phase, in which each horse and rider combination performs a set test specific to their grade, showcasing their horse's obedience, accuracy, and movement. Medals are awarded based on individual scores.
The Team Tests, which combines the scores of team members from each country, with the best results contributing to the overall team score. The team with the highest combined score wins the team medal.
And finally, the Freestyle, where riders that have qualified based on their scores in the Individual Phase, perform a dressage test of their own design, to music. Medals are individually awarded to riders based on artistic impression and technical execution.
Day one of the four days of competition began this morning in Versailles with the Individual Phase for Grades I, II, and III. First to go for the USA was Grade III rider Rebecca Hart, a multi-Paralympian (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and former bronze medalist. Becca and her fabulous mare, Floratina, laid down an incredibly harmonious and accurate test, nailing every movement and transition from start to finish. On the leaderboard from her first halt, Rebecca never gave up that position and concluded the Grade III Individual Test on top of the podium with a 77.9% score and a well-deserved gold medal.
The excitement had barely died down for Becca's brilliant results when it was time to turn the attention to Grade II rider (and current world no. 1 at the grade), Fiona Howard. Riding in her first-ever Paralympic Games, Fiona was poised and perfect. Her fabulous horse, Diamond Dunes, glided skillfully through each movement of the test, and the pair scored a 76.9% to take home yet another gold medal for the USA.
Last to go of the day was multiple Paralympian and current world # 3 Grade 1 rider, Roxanne Trunnell. Riding Karin Flint's young horse, Fan Tastico H, Roxy had no small task ahead of her - competing in a field of 22 world-class riders, while introducing "Fanta", as he is affectionately known, to his first-ever appearance at a Paralympic competition. With a full venue, and the impressive atmosphere of the beautiful Palace of Versailles, the young Fanta and Roxy were absolutely ready to go. Nothing disturbed their focused, accurate, and lovely dressage test, impressing the panel of five judges to generate a high score of 78%. Roxy and Fanta sat atop the leaderboard for most of the rest of the competition until just marginally outscored by 1.9% to go into second place for the silver medal. Considering that this is a pair that has just been together for six months, and that the young Fantastico H has never competed in such a huge competition, their results are simply remarkable.
The USA concludes day one of the Individual Phase of para dressage at Versailles with two gold medals and one silver. Still to come is our fourth and final rider for the Individual Phase - Grade IV rider Kate Shoemaker. Kate and her lovely Vianne will be entering the arena tomorrow at 11:58 am Paris time (5:58 am ET) and are expected to be atop the leaderboard once again.
Following the conclusion of the Individual Phase of the para dressage competition, the top three riders from each country will be selected to compete in the Team Competition on Thursday, and the top eight riders from each grade level, I - IV, will be selected to go on to ride in the Individual Freestyle competition. We will be following along each day of the competition on NBC and Peacock. Join us in cheering on our US Para dressage athletes as they proudly bring the Stars and Stripes to Versailles! Go team USA!
L to R: Fiona Howard, Rebecca Hart and Roxanne Trunnell celebrate their victories today in Versailles following the individual phase of the para dressage competition. PC: USEF
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