Team USA delivered a stunning performance in Para Equestrian at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing Team gold on Friday.
The American team claimed their third title in the Paris 2024 Para Equestrian program, with Fiona Howard (Diamond Dunes) and Rebecca Hart (Floratina) adding to their Individual golds. Roxanne Trunnell, who won silver in Grade I with Fan Tastico H, also contributed to the US team's victory.
Howard’s impressive 80.000% score was the highest individual mark at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing the win for Team USA.
The Netherlands, reigning World champions, claimed silver, while Germany took bronze. Italy finished fourth, and host nation France improved to fifth, one spot higher than their Tokyo 2020 result. Great Britain, who had dominated every Team title since 1996, placed sixth.
Sixteen teams competed at the iconic Palace of Versailles, with three athletes from each country chosen to represent their teams. The competition was tight between the USA and the Netherlands, but Howard’s standout performance, along with solid scores from Roxanne Trunnell (77.000%) and Rebecca Hart (78.567%), pushed Team USA to a final score of 235.567, the only team to break the 80% barrier.
The Dutch team, featuring Sanne Voets, Demi Haerkens, and Rixt van der Horst, scored a total of 232.850, repeating their silver finish from Tokyo. Germany came in third with 223.116, led by Regine Mispelkamp’s 75.500% in Grade V. Italy narrowly missed the podium, driven by Grade I bronze medalist Sara Morganti’s 79.458%.
Belgium finished seventh, followed by Denmark, Austria, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and other nations. The Para Dressage event concludes with the Freestyle competition, giving the top eight riders from each grade one last shot at glory.
Words by Patricia Salem
Images by Liz Gregg
The Netherlands secured silver once again. With Team USA posting a total of 235.567 points, the Dutch faced a tough challenge. Sanne Voets (Demantur), Demi Haerkens (Daula), and Rixt van der Horst (Royal Fonq) combined for 232.850 points. Despite their strong performances and recent Individual medals, it wasn’t enough to overtake the Americans, but it did earn them a repeat silver, mirroring their Tokyo finish.
Germany wrapped up the event with a total score of 223.116%. Grade V silver medalist Regine Mispelkamp led the team with Highlander Delight’s, earning 75.500% from the international judges. Anna-Lena Niehues (Quimbaya 6) and Heidemarie Dresing (Doolop) added 75.351% and 72.900%, placing Germany just ahead of Italy by less than one point. Italy, driven by Grade I bronze medalist Sara Morganti and Mariebelle’s 79.458%, finished fourth.
Belgium took seventh place, followed by Denmark, Austria, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and others. The Para Dressage competition concludes on Saturday with the Freestyle, where the top eight Individual finishers in each grade will have one last chance to win medals.
Words by Patricia Salem
Images by Liz Gregg
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