Tag Archives: Para-Equestrian

High Excitement in the Final Day of Para Dressage Team Competition

Charlotte Cundall (GBR) riding FJ Veyron in the team test Grade V © FEI/Leanjo de Koster

Sweden Qualifies for Paris

The excitement for the team rankings has been high at the FEI Para Dressage European Championships in Riesenbeck. Not only were the evident glory of team medals at stake, but for one team, a good result meant a nation spot for the Paralympic Games in Paris next year.

As the top placed team not already qualified for the Games would earn that spot, the stakes were high for countries such as Ireland, Austria, and Sweden. The last Austrian rider Bernd Brugger was also the last rider of the day, so tension was drawn out to the very end. It was therefore a happy and relieved Swedish team that found themselves in possession of a nation’s qualification for Paris 2024.

Mette Ubbesen, Swedish team trainer, says: “I am so excited! I think the riders have been doing a great job. For the last 10 months I have worked with them, they have just been getting better and better and they have worked so hard. Our plan for these championships was to qualify the team for Paris, but we didn’t quite believe in it. But we actually succeeded!”

The Netherlands takes Team Gold once again

The defending European Championship team from 2019 in Rotterdam has just reclaimed their title here at the FEI Para Dressage European Championships in Riesenbeck. For a long time, it looked like it could be German gold, but then the European championship debutant Demi Haerkens (Grade IV) and her super mare EHL Daula entered the arena. The pair absolutely smashed it in the Grand Prix B and were rewarded with outstanding 79.730%.

Not only did they have the highest score of the day, but more importantly, they put the Netherlands in gold position. Before her, Frank Hosmar (Grade V) riding Alphaville N.O.P. and Lotte Krijnsen (Grade III) on Rosenstolz N.O.P. had laid a strong fundament for the gold. Finally, Sanne Voets (Grade IV) and Demantur RS2 N.O.P. sealed the deal and brought the team score up to an impressive 232.637%.

In the end, the German team consisting of Heidemarie Dresing (Grade II) on Horse24 Dooloop, Melanie Wienand (III) on Lemony’s Loverboy, Martina Benzinger (Grade I) on Nautika, and Regine Mispelkamp (Grade V) on Highlander Delight’s took the silver medal with a total score of 226.979%.

On bronze, we have the super ladies from Great Britain, Georgia Wilson (Grade II) riding Sakura, Gabby Blake (Grade I) on Strong Beau, Charlotte Cundall (Grade V) on FJ Veyron, and Sophie Wells (Grade V) on LJT Egebjerggards Samoa finishing with a total score of 222.663%.

National trainer for the Netherlands, Joyce Heuitink, speaking after the final result: “I am incredibly happy, and I am more than proud. I think from most of them, it was a pure masterclass! It gave me goosebumps and tears during the test already, because it was so nice and effortless and beautiful and mistake-free. I have riders that perform under pressure and they have to show it every show, which is never a guarantee, but once again they have proven that they can perform under pressure, which also makes me extremely proud that you can rely on such good riding.”

Find out more HERE.

by Stinne Tange

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Winners Crowned as World and European Championships Conclude in Exloo

BRAM CHARDON © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

The thunder cracked and the lightning flashed, bringing a triumphant double championship to an end in Exloo.  The Para Drivers had exited the arena in time to avoid the storm, but in scenes reminiscent of the prize giving at the FEI World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA) last year, the Four-in-Hand medals were presented, and speeches made, during a deluge.

The Dutch crowd was thrilled to see their favourite Bram Chardon (NED) retain his European title, one he has now won three times consecutively.  As overnight leader, he was last to drive the Cones, but kept his cool and produced a double clear when he needed it the most.  That came just after his teammate Koos de Ronde guaranteed himself an individual medal after his double clear and sealed the sixth team gold for The Netherlands, aided by the iconic Ijsbrand Chardon.

“It’s great to win the European Championship in your home country for your home crowd. I was particularly happy with my Dressage score and to have my season’s best here – it was such a relief as I knew what my team could do, but to be able to show it here was perfect.  In the Marathon, I knew I could not attack but had to be more defensive in my driving, which worked out and meant I could keep the quick guys behind me while also taking the lead.  It was really tight between us as they were pushing and were very fast, which we expected, but my horses did enough to keep me in front.  Today in the Cones, we knew that the routes were open and with so many double clears before me, it was tricky because with less than a cone between Michael Brauchle and me, I didn’t want to throw away my gold medal.  But I still wanted to have a double clear and finish in style – which I did, and it was wonderful to do it in front of the public with such a great atmosphere here in Exloo!”

The margins were minimal between the top three drivers and the top two nations, as Germany’s Michael Brauchle dropped to bronze individually after a ball roll to enable Koos to jump up a place to silver.  But Michael and his teammates Anna Sandmann and Mareike Harm had done enough over the four days of competition to seal their team silver.  Double clears from Belgium’s Glenn Geerts, Dries Degrieck, and Tom Stokmans ensured they too had a place on the podium for the bronze.

The Cones proved to be less decisive than in other championships, but had to suit the horse fours and the Para Equestrians.  The flowing course meant that there were 16 double clears in the horse fours, and the winner was Georg Von Stein (GER), with Jérôme Voutaz (SUI) second, and in third, Jiri Nesvacil Jnr. with the stunning grey Kladruber stallions.

Para Driving World Championships and Hand in Hand Trophy

The Para Drivers slotted into a later morning session after the lower order of horse fours placed 38 to 20 had driven.  The route was the same, but the cones were narrowed and time allowed increased.

Enjoying the expertise of Bram as her trainer before and during the championship, the first title of the day went to reigning Grade I Para Driving World Champion Tracy Bowman (USA).  She drove a flawless round with her pony Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars to win the phase and emphatically retain her crown. Together, she and Bram also won the Hand-in-Hand trophy and in the prize giving, Bram sat behind Tracy on the groom’s seat of the carriage to enter the arena.

Paying tribute for her success to the support she has received from the extended Chardon crew, who were recording the split times on the course to feed back to her, Tracy said, “This is the absolute fairytale and Lars is my unicorn! I think across all the equestrian sports, Lars is recognised for his quality and ability.  Bram was amazing and gave me a fantastic gameplan – which worked.”

Patricia Großerichter (GER) was one of five Grade I athletes to produce a double clear, which helped clinch a silver medal, ahead of Australia’s Jodie Mckeone in bronze after her storming round for a win in the Marathon.

Alexandra Röder (GER) was untouchable in the Grade II class, leading in all three phases and taking gold for the first time since she won at Sandringham (GBR) in 2014.  Silver and bronze went to the host nation’s Ingmar Veneman and Aad van Marwijk, both medallists at previous championships.

With the strong showing from the German ladies, who were joined on the national team by Para legend Heiner Lehrter, they were clear winners of the team gold for the fourth time.  The silver went to the USA with Tracy joined by long term team members Bob Giles and Diane Kastama.  They were only narrowly ahead of Great Britain by 0.74, who finished in bronze for the fifth time, helped by Deborah Daniel’s second placing in the Cones and strong performances by Mick Ward and Emily Ham.

During his closing ceremony speech, FEI Driving Committee Chair Karoly Fugli (HUN) paid tribute to the inclusivity of the championship and sport driving as a whole, citing the success of joining the Para Drivers with the Four-in-Hands.  The organisers at Exloo were delighted with the support from the large crowds who were present throughout the event, especially the many families who came for the day to enjoy Saturday’s Marathon.  Reflecting the international nature of the combined event, even more fans tuned in from all over the world to watch the live coverage of the action on FEI TV.

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Marathon Supremos Dominate in Exloo

PATRICIA GROßERICHTER (GER) with GENTLE-MAN © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

Bold brilliance from Marathon specialists Michael Brauchle (GER) and Koos de Ronde (NED) has put them in contention for titles in Exloo, while reigning Four-in-Hand Champion Bram Chardon (NED) is in front, but only just.

With the comfort of his sub-40 Dressage score, Bram had an advantage going into the second phase in his bid to remain European Champion.  As one of the first of the serious contenders to race through the eight obstacles, he took efficient routes and played it relatively safe.  With a score of 124.96, which placed him 7th to add to his Dressage of 39.85, the total of 164.48 is marginally ahead of Michael’s 166.21 and Koos’ 169.10, so there will be little margin for error in the Cones.

With Michael and Koos on the course at the same time, they were nip and tuck as to who was posting the fastest times through the obstacles.  Michael led the tally with five to Koos’ three, but after a slightly sticky obstacle seven for Michael, they averaged out closely with the German a slither in front on 115.30 and Koos on 116.19 – enough to raise them to silver and bronze positions.

“I was really happy with my team – my horses did a good job today.  I had one ball in the second obstacle and in number seven I made a small mistake, although I had a good line, but perhaps I put on a bit too much pressure.  But it was no problem in the end.  And as for the water, it wasn’t too deep, which meant that I could go through much faster and get the best time!” said Michael Brauchle.

Dressage leader Mareike Harm (GER) produced a Marathon that was on form, and after the two phases ties for 4th place (172.45) with countryman Georg von Stein, competing as an individual, who pulled out a great round to finish in 5th (123.27).  Glenn Geerts (BEL) put the setback of a disappointing Friday behind him when he stormed through the obstacles and found himself for some time the fastest overall.  Pumping the air as he exited the last obstacle, then pointing to his horses, he ended in 3rd on 119.64 and rose from 21st to 8th on the individual scoreboard with 179.67.

As one of the last of 38 the competitors to set out, Austria’s Daniel Schneiders produced a consistent round, which gave him a 4th place on 121.32 pulled him up to 7th (176.82).  Anna Sandmann, supported like the rest of the German team by Boyd Exell, who is their trainer for the event, dropped three places to 6th (174.19).  Radek Nesvacil (CZE), also trained by Boyd, improved on his 11th after Dressage with a 6th placing (123.53), which puts him just behind Glenn (179.70).

For the team event, the Dutch and Germans have swapped places, 326.66 to 328.01, but it’s a fragile lead as just one ball roll at 3 penalties could change the order.  The pressure will be on for cool, clear rounds on Sunday as the team and individual placings will go down to the wire.  Belgium retains the bronze position on 358.09, comfortably ahead of France on 369.82.

Consistent Para Equestrians

Starting the proceedings on a sunny Saturday morning, the Para Driving World Championship saw individual first places remain unchanged with Grade 1 Tracy Bowman (USA) on 132.23 ahead of Patricia Großerichter on 140.76 (GER).  However, storming rounds from Jodie Mckeone, who has travelled from Victoria, Australia, driving a Dutch Hackney loaned to her by British legend George Bowman, meant she won the Grade 1 Marathon with 81.46 ahead of Tracy’s 85.43 and move up to 3rd going into the Cones.  Both classes drove six of the eight obstacles, missing numbers three and four, and in the Grade 2 section, Dressage leader Alexandra Röder maintained her position with a leading round of 83.95. Aad van Marwijk, competing as an individual for The Netherlands, pulled himself up to 2nd with a great round of 89.31, although Alexandra has quite a margin going into the Cones, sitting on 132.91 ahead of Aad’s 152.59.  In 3rd was one of the home crowd’s favourites, Ingman Veneman (NED), who retained her position after the Dressage and is only just behind Aad on 154.50.

In the Para team event, Germany remains in front on 273.67 with the USA on 292.45.  The British have moved into bronze position on 299.69, with Emily Ham and Mick Ward putting their team into medal contention after confident rounds.

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Narrow Lead for Germans after Day 2 of Dressage in Exloo

Mareike Harm (GER) competes with ZALANDO, G, RACCIANO and ZAZOU 30. © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

In an elegant display, Germany’s leading lady Mareike Harm put herself into first place with a score of 38.52 in her bid for European titles, despite some heavy rain. As one of the last drivers of the day, she had a long wait and witnessed the top order change as defending champion Bram Chardon (NED) broke through the sub-40 barrier with an exceptional test to finish on 39.52. With a mere one point between them, as soon as they could, they returned to walking the obstacles with their trainers, leaving nothing to chance before the Marathon.

“It wasn’t so good at the start for me this afternoon, because everything had been cleaned for days; all the harness and the horses were so shiny, but as just as we walked out of the stables, it started to really rain.  But my horses gave everything and were so easy to drive and fantastic – they did nothing wrong,” said Harm.

Mareike’s teammate Anna Sandmann was the first of the competitors to gain consistently high marks from the five judges to gain a low score of 42.58 and 3rd place.  Their total puts the German team ahead on 81.10, dropping Michael Brauchle’s overnight leading score.

The Dutch just missed an early lead in the team competition because of a harness malfunction at the start of Ijsbrand Chardon’s test.  The penultimate driver to go, a frustrating loose strap on the right leader meant that the grooms had to dismount to correct the situation which added 5 penalties to his otherwise competitive score of 40.99. Showing all his years of practice and a cool head, Ijsbrand halted and raised his whip, pausing his test for a few moments before producing a commanding performance, which was to the judges’ liking.  Ending the day in 4th, he keeps himself in medal contention and contributes to the team score of 85.51.

Dries Degrieck was another who drove a mature test and tallied 51.04 to add to Tom Stokmans’ score from the previous day to give 108.81 and put the Belgians into 3rd for the teams.

For most of the day, it was overcast in Exloo but just as Fredrik Persson entered the arena, the weather broke and the torrential downpour began.  Despite the challenging conditions, he drove a fine quality test to finish on 48.31, which was good enough for 5th and put the Swedish team into 4th on 112.01, ahead of France in 5th on 113.48.

Meanwhile, the Para Drivers made the most of their day off from the competition to finalise their routes through the obstacles.  Course builder Jeroen Houterman (NED) commented that he had to prioritise the routes for the horse fours, because of the overall length of the turnouts, but include options for the single horses and ponies.  He is also delighted to see how many times they are being examined, which for him means he has presented plenty of alternatives for both championships.

Ahead of her bid to retain her Grade I gold medal and keep the American team in podium contention, Tracy Bowman stated, “The beginning looks amazing – it’s fast, it’s inviting, it’s flowing – even the water looks great!  Number 7 will be tougher, especially for Lars, as he’s a pony who really likes to power through, so I might need to take a slightly different approach.”

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Few Surprises on Day 1 of Dressage in Exloo

Tracy Bowman with Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars. Copyright © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

It was a day that stuck to form – for most – as the Championships got underway at the Hippisch Centrum.  With near perfect conditions for the equines and athletes, who benefitted from the smooth surface in the sand arena, it was previous medallists who led the way.

The Grade I Para Drivers opened with the first two sessions.  Chrissy Aitken from Ohio, USA, driving a borrowed Dutch horse which she only met for the first time in early August, set the standard with a score of 52.56.  Representing the USA for the first time as an individual, it was good enough to put her into 3rd place ahead of Saturday’s marathon, which she is delighted about.  With the weight of expectation on him, Germany’s multi-medallist Heiner Lehrter had a brief satnav error, turning left instead of right during his test which pushed him down the order.  However, the German team, thanks to the showing of Patricia Großerichter, who finished the Grade I class in 2nd with 49.36, and Alexandra Röder, who rounded off the Grade II class in 1st with 48.96, ensured that the defending champions are sitting atop the leaderboard for the nations.

It was reigning Grade I champion, Tracy Bowman (USA), who on balance most impressed the five judges and went into 1st with 46.80.  Her trainer is none other than Bram Chardon and he briefly stepped into the FEI TV commentator’s box during Tracy’s near flawless test.  It was a treat to hear from him how thoroughly they prepared pony Lars, who had been ridden earlier in the day to warm up.  Nothing was taken for granted, despite the vast experience of both pony and athlete, a level of excellence which keeps them in strong contention for another gold medal.  Plus, it’s likely that Tracy and Bram will be the pairing to beat for the Hand-in-Hand trophy.

Although veteran Para Driver Bob Giles (USA) didn’t enjoy his best day with a borrowed Welsh pony, the experience of Grade II former medallist Diane Kastama paid off when she put down a solid test of 64.48 to help put the American team into second.  The Dutch are in third, the British in fourth, and Italy, with two drivers, are in fifth.

Opening the Four-in-hand European Championship event were 12 of the 39 athletes.  Staking their early claims to podium places were Germany’s Michael Brauchle, who tallied 50.91, and fellow marathon specialist Koos de Ronde (NED), who smiled broadly at the end of his smooth test to finish in 2nd overnight on 52.91 – both decent performances for team and individual placings.  Driving his bay Lusitanos, France’s Benjamin Aillaud is currently in 3rd with 56.84.

Afterwards, Brauchle said, “I was really happy with my horses, who made a good job of the test today.  The atmosphere was good and not too exciting for the horses, and it was great to have Boyd helping me as team trainer.”

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

The Para Equestrian Digest — Emma Golding and Mossy

The Para Equestrian Digest speaks to Para Driver Emma Golding, who has represented Ireland in six Para World Championships for Singles, about her unique relationship with her one-eyed gelding Mossy.

About The Para Equestrian Digest

The FEI launched The Para Equestrian Digest in February 2022. The online magazine was created for Para Equestrian athletes and the people connected to the sport so they can share – in their own words – their personal experiences and disability stories. The Digest puts the spotlight on an athlete or project in Para Equestrian sport with the aim of improving disability awareness and inclusion.

Previous editions of The Para Equestrian Digest: https://www.fei.org/stories/para-equestrian-digest.

Media contact:

Vanessa Martin Randin
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications – Corporate Campaigns & Advocacy
vanessa.randin@fei.org

The Para Equestrian Digest — Sanne Voets

Photo: Door Danny Fotografie

The Para Equestrian Digest speaks to multiple Paralympic Champion, World Champion, European Champion, and National Dutch Champion Sanne Voets (NED) about her time at the Royal Stables in Versailles.

About The Para Equestrian Digest

The FEI launched The Para Equestrian Digest in February 2022. The online magazine was created for Para Equestrian athletes and the people connected to the sport so they can share – in their own words – their personal experiences and disability stories. The Digest puts the spotlight on an athlete or project in Para Equestrian sport with the aim of improving disability awareness and inclusion.

Previous editions of The Para Equestrian Digest: https://www.fei.org/stories/para-equestrian-digest.

Media contact:

Vanessa Martin Randin
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications – Corporate Campaigns & Advocacy
vanessa.randin@fei.org

Ellie Brimmer Represents Para Dressage with Elected Seat on USEF Board of Directors in 2023

Ellie Brimmer and London Swing by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2023 – Ellie Brimmer of Wellington, Florida was named to the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Board of Directors in January 2023. Brimmer, a current USEF Para-Dressage Development athlete representative, is also on the board of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA). She will serve on the USEF Board of Directors for a four-year term. Brimmer, a sixth-generation equestrian, has been an athlete in the international Para-Dressage world since 2011 and a spokesperson for athletes with disabilities her entire life. Brimmer has traveled the world not only as an athlete but as a friend, volunteer, and supporter of Para-Dressage. She has advocated for the Paralympic discipline helping trainers, riders, and press understand the parallels of Para-Dressage and Dressage as a high-performance sport. Brimmer was a daily call and friend of Hope Hand (1949-2022) who pushed Para-Dressage into the mainstream equestrian world and made it what it is today. Brimmer was there when the term Para-Dressage was in its infancy and she was there when the first U.S. para-dressage rider, Roxanne Trunnell, earned two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics along with the team bronze medal for the USA, and then once again at the 2022 ECCO FEI World Championships where U.S.A earned a team bronze, an individual silver, and an individual bronze, earning a berth for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Brimmer is looking forward to her four-year term with USEF.

Brimmer expressed, “I’m honored to have been voted onto the USEF Board of Directors as an active athlete representative by my peers. Hope Hand and Lloyd Landkamer, who have both passed away, were my biggest mentors and really pushed me from being a competitor to the national volunteer realm. Both Hope and Lloyd had illustrious service careers, and I think of them often as I’m finding my own voice on this board. Hope spent a lot of time advocating for the para-equestrian board seat and I’m glad I can fulfill this role. My personal goal as a board member is to spend time getting to know the leadership from other breeds and disciplines and find ways to create more interest in and understanding of para-sport. As a board member, I want to serve my small para dressage community and the larger equestrian well.”

Tina Wentz, interim President of the USPEA, stated, “Hope would be so proud to see Ellie fulfill this role with USEF. Hope knew it meant a great deal for the discipline to be represented in this manner and she worked hard to create future seats for the para-equestrian discipline. Ellie will do a fantastic job on the board and we look forward to her representation over the next four years.”

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org.

Hope Hand (1949-2022) Honored with 2022 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award

Lexington, Kentucky – December 13, 2022 – Paralympian, eleven-year USEF Board member, and United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) founder Hope C. Hand of Newtown Square, Penn. was honored with the 2022 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Lifetime Achievement Award. Hand died June 12, 2022, of pancreatic cancer in her home surrounded by her family before being honored with this title. An accolade that envelopes a passionate career and personal journey for Hand. An honor she would accept with a large smile and laugh. Hand was the Executive Director of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association, a two-time U.S. Paralympian, and international board member representing the para-equestrian sport. She was an equestrian athlete first, riding as a 10-year-old with Spina Bifida, leaving her wheelchair on the ground to enjoy the technique, challenge, and love of bonding and riding a horse. When her daughter Amy researched the Para-Equestrian discipline and the Paralympics for school, Hope (a competitive athlete in many sports) was excited that she could possibly reach the world stage on horseback. There was no goal too high for Hand, a lifelong theme always encouraging others throughout her equestrian career. As a horse family she was surrounded by the sport. Her daughter was a pony clubber. She lived along the property where the Radnor Fox Hunt would run. She attended all different shows in many different disciplines, and maintained friendships that lists like a Who’s Who of famous equestrians. She never hesitated to introduce herself and there was no bridge she wouldn’t cross.

Hand’s first Paralympics was Atlanta 1996. In 1997 she earned gold and bronze at the British Invitational. In 1997 she competed in the Bradshaw Challenge Cup at the Festival of Champions, with fellow team members Steffen Peters and Guenter Seidel. At the 1999 World Dressage Championships Denmark, Hand earned a bronze. She was on the U.S. 2000 Sydney Paralympic team and served as Team Captain. With her experience and desire to grow the Para-Equestrian discipline, in 2006 she was instrumental in helping include Para Dressage into the USEF and FEI. She served on many boards and committees through multiple decades including the FEI, USEF, Para Dressage, Technical committees, Path International, USDF, Reins for Life, NAJYRC, U.S. Pony Club, and more. Her own project began in 2009 when she created the non-profit, the United States Para-Equestrian Association. She saw the need to have USPEA help to market, grow the grassroots, encourage young equestrians, and help support and promote the international riders, drivers, and events. The USPEA was the main reason U.S. Para Dressage became a common word and talked about in other equestrian disciplines. She was proud of what she accomplished but never stopped. As the Para-Equestrian discipline became known she continued to focus on new athletes, training coaches, and creating opportunities at the national and local level. She worked passionately with a smile on her face. This decoration truly represents a lifelong commitment and love to the equestrian sport.

President of United States Eventing Association, Diane Pitts, noted, “I had the true pleasure of getting to know Hope Hand through various governance activities with the USEF. She was always very gracious but extremely focused and a fierce advocate for para-equestrian athletes. In the brief time I got to work with her, Hope taught me so much about the discipline of para-equestrian. She also demonstrated the power of dedication and the willingness to find solutions to issues by developing new ideas and new pathways to success. Losing Hope is a major blow to all equestrian sports.”

USPEA Secretary and international para-dressage athlete Ellie Brimmer added, “I first met Hope at my FEI classification. She mentored me as I found my footing on the international scene. We grew to become very good friends over the years, and she gave me the confidence to feel like I had the skills to take up a lot of my current leadership positions. Hope was tenacious in her quest to grow the para dressage sport in the United States. She understood growth comes from all levels and together we did things like attend development clinics in Virginia and FEI meetings in France. Without Hope, para sport in the United States wouldn’t be where it is today, and as she receives this award, it should drive the rest of us in the community to continue Hope’s vision of the United States para dressage program as an international powerhouse, with a strong foundation of grass roots athletes that have the tools to be able to reach the elite level.”

Hand was an important figure in so many aspects of the para-equestrian discipline, but she was also the one that made the world go around for her family. Her daughter Amy Hand Capozzoli expressed, “My mom is still getting the recognition she truly deserved, yet never asked for. What an incredible person: daughter, sister, athlete, friend, equestrian, wife, mom, mom-mom, world-renowned leader, and advocate in para-equestrian sports. She wore many hats and was never idle, always looking for the next great life adventure. I will proudly accept this great honor and award for my mom in Lexington, KY next month at the Pegasus Awards dinner on January 12th. I will always reach for the stars, mom, so that one day I may see you again. I love you more.”

Hope Hand earning the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award is a tribute to her lifelong love and commitment for the Para-Equestrian sport and for all riders that took one extra step further in their own lives and equestrian paths because of Hope Hand. Hand truly represented the definition of this accolade.

From USEF: “The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the horseman or woman whose lifetime experience and accomplishments in the equestrian world exemplify uncommon devotion to competition with horses and whose equestrian career and horsemanship have continually elevated the sport’s excellence.”

If you would like to attend the presentation of the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award during the Pegasus Awards Reception and Dinner, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, please visit https://www.usef.org/annual-meeting.

Attend the USEF Lifetime Achievement Presentation
2023 US Equestrian Annual Meeting and Awards
Where: Hyatt Regency Lexington, 401 W. High St. Lexington, KY 40507
When: Pegasus Awards Reception and Dinner – Thursday, Jan. 12th

Hope Hand Memorial Grant Fund

USPEA will be establishing a Hope Hand Memorial Grant fund in memory of our beloved Hope Hand to be used toward direct athlete grants for competition and education.

Donations may be made to USPEA and earmarked for the Hope Hand Memorial Fund. Donations made be sent to: USPEA c/o Ellie Brimmer, USEPA Secretary, 12359 Westhall Pl., Wellington, FL 33414.

Donations for the grants can be made through PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88PXC4YCSXTV4.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org.

US Para Dressage Qualifies for Paris 2024 with Their World Championship Bronze in Herning

Roxanne Trunnell, Kate Shoemaker, Rebecca Hart, Beatrice de Lavalette, and Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline. Photo courtesy of U.S. Equestrian.

Wellington, Florida – August 24, 2022 – Adequan® U.S. Para Dressage Team continued to prove themselves at another world event with multiple medal wins at the Orifarm Health FEI Para Dressage World Championship held in the BB Horse Arena. The 2022 ECCO FEI World Championships were held August 6-14 in Herning, Denmark. This was the ninth edition of the Games, which are held every four years and run by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). These championships which were formerly the World Equestrian Games included jumping, dressage, para-dressage, and vaulting. Eventing, driving, and endurance will be held at a later date. The Adequan® U.S. Para Dressage Team included Roxanne Trunnell and Fortunato H20, owned by Lehua Custer; Kate Shoemaker and her own Quiana; Beatrice de Lavalette and Sixth Sense, owned by her parents Elizabeth and Nicolas; Rebecca Hart with El Corona Texel, owned by Rowan O’Riley; and Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline. The team had top scores earning them a team bronze, an individual silver, and an individual bronze. They have now qualified the United States for a team berth at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Kate Shoemaker of (Wellington, Fla.) and Quiana earned a fantastic score in the FEI Para Dressage Grade IV Freestyle, receiving an 80.275 percent. For Shoemaker and her 2014 Rhinelander mare, this was a personal best, winning them the FEI Para Dressage Grade IV Freestyle silver medal. Rebecca Hart (Wellington, Fla.) and El Corona Texel had some new experiences, but the veteran duo secured a bronze medal in the Individual para-dressage championship test grade III. They provided excellent scores for the team helping to secure the team bronze medal. In Grade II, Beatrice de Lavalette (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Sixth Sense did quite well, placing 4th in both her Grade II Individual and Team tests. Roxanne Trunnell (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) rode her new mount Fortunato H20. The pair had a great showcase and Trunnell was quite proud of the six-year-old Oldenburg stallion, scoring the pair’s personal best of 76.447 after only a very short time together.

In 2018, the trio of Shoemaker, Hart, and Trunnell made history with their unprecedented four medal wins for para dressage at the World Equestrian Games held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina, United States. In 2021, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the same trio secured a team bronze medal, Trunnell earned two gold medals, and the fourth current team member in Denmark, Beatrice de Lavalette, was an individual at that 2020 games.

Trunnell noted, “I cannot believe that Fish (Fortunato H20) handled that show as well as he did. The atmosphere at a big Championship is very different from any kind of show he had ever done. It was a big question mark whether he could keep it together for the whole event. He not only kept it together, but he scored above a 75% in only his second International show. Lehua Custer, Karin Flint, Andrea Woodard, and I all took a chance on Fish, and it paid off. Fish is definitely a superstar in the making and we’ll be back for more dancing down the centerline in the future.”

President of the USPEA Tina Wentz was alongside the riders and U.S. staff while in Denmark. She remarked, “The World Championships at Denmark exceeded our expectations and was truly a team effort. Watching each athlete, horse, trainer, and groom give 110% toward producing their best performances was a joy. Beginning at training camp under the leadership of Michel Assouline the athletes showed improvement each day leading up to the first day of competition. The goal was to secure a Team spot for Paris 2024, but the cherry on top was their team bronze, and individual silver and bronze. This definitely would not have been possible without everyone pulling together to help the athletes succeed including their sponsors and horse owners Karin Flint and Rowan O’Riley, Elizabeth & Nicolas De Lavalette, Deena & Craig Shoemaker, Lehua Custer, their trainers, Andrea Woodard, Nicole Wego-Engelmeyer, Jennifer Baumert, and Shayna Simeon, grooms Lillie Durbin, Molly O’Brien, Esteban Quintero, Rafael Hernandez Carrill, along with Chef d’Mission Will Connell, Team Leader Laureen Johnson, Chef d’equipe Michel Assouline, Team Vet Meg Mullins, and team Physio Joanna Frantz. A huge thanks to these and everyone who supported and worked hard to produce this tremendous result. I can’t help but think how proud both Hope Hand and Jonathan would be with the Team’s performances.”

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org.