AACHEN, Germany--Marie Vonderheyden of Wellington, Fla., on Fan Tastico H won the individual gold medal in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A - Grade I.

Marie Vonderheyden on Fan Tastico H (Photo by Sarah Miller forMacMillan Photo)Vanderheyden scored 76.709 to win over Mari Durward-Akhurst of Great Britain on Athene Lindebjerg, who won the silver medal on 74.542, and Sara Morganti of Italy on Bond Girl 18, who won the bronze on 74.459.

“I stayed organized in my head—it helps me be more accurate,” Vonderheyden said. "Fan Tastico is a super nice person. And, yes, I say person because that’s what I feel with him. He is very super.”

 “They are really starting to come together,” said Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline of Vonderheyden and Fan Tastico H. “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 Assouline. “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.”

Vonderheyden and Fan Tastico H have been partnered together for just over a year and are making their championship debut together in Aachen. 

 

SIX TIME Paralympian Rebecca Hart of Wellington, Fla., on Floratina scored 73.900% to place fourth in the Para Grand Prix Test A - Grade III.

Hart has 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 Hart.

Fiona Howard of Boston, Mass., on Diamond Dunes has equally as impressive accolades as Hart, and also placed fourth in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A - Grade II, scoring a 75.000%.

“He has risen to every challenge I have thrown at him,” Howard said. “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.”

The U.S. Para Dressage Team continues with competition tomorrow with Kate Shoemaker of Wellington, Fla. on Vianne competing at 9:24 a.m., which is 3:24 a.m. ET for their FEI Para Grand Prix Test A - Grade IV.