The U.S. continued its position on top of the world in Para Dressage as Marie Vonderheyden and Fan Tastico H took individual gold in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A – Grade I.
“They are really starting to come together,” said Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline as he discussed Marie’s performance on Wednesday at the FEI World Championships.
“They are definitely on an upward trend and it’s lovely to see them getting a high score. Overall, we had a good day,” said the man who has guided the U.S. to dominance in Para Dressage.
He warned, however, “Sport is sport. You don’t always win everything. We have combinations with known horses and the progression varies a little bit from time to time.”
Marie, who was making her championship debut, and Fan Tastico H have been together for just over a year. The combination delivered a standout performance in their first test of the week, earning 76.709 percent to rise to the top of the individual standings.
“I stayed organized in my head—it helps me be more accurate,” Marie said, explaining her gold-medal-winning technique.When asked about her relationship with Karin Flint’s Fan Tastico H, Marie replied, “He is a super nice person. And, yes, I say person, because that’s what I feel with him. He is very super.”
Six-time Paralympian Rebecca Hart and Rowan O’Riley’s Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare were the first U.S. combination down centerline, competing in the Para Grand Prix Test A – Grade III. Hart and Floratina earned 73.900 percent, fourth in the individual standings.
The experienced combination arrived in Aachen with an impressive record, highlighted by three gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Returning to the world stage with Floratina made the moment particularly meaningful for Hart.
“The entire experience of representing our country again and going down the centerline with my partner is a magical moment,” said Rebecca.
Last in the ring for the U.S. was Fiona Howard and the 2013 Hanoverian gelding Diamond Dunes, owned by owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann. With equally as impressive accolades as Rebecca, Fiona and Diamond Dunes put in a solid effort in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A – Grade II, scoring 75 percent to be la fourth.
“He has risen to every challenge I have thrown at him,” Fiona explained. “We didn’t have our best ride out there today, but I couldn’t fault this horse. He put his heart out there and I’m so proud of him.”
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