The Paralympic Games are a series of international contests for athletes with disabilities that are associated with and held following the summer and winter Olympic Games. A total of 22 sports were on the docket for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, including para equestrian.
Equestrian became a part of the Paralympic Games for the first time in Atlanta, in 1996. It is open to athletes with any type of physical or vision impairment. Events are mixed and grouped according to their functional profiles. Riders are judged on their display of horsemanship skills and are permitted to use devices such as dressage crops, connecting rein bars, rubber bands, and other aids.
Two time Paralympian Roxanne Trunnell, aboard Dolton, four-time Paralympian Rebecca Hart, with El Corona Texel, first-time Paralympian Kate Shoemaker, aboard Solitaer 40, and Beatrice de Lavalette aboard Clarc were there to represent the US and they all brought their A-games! Team USA had a record breaking performance at the Tokyo games, winning its greatest tally of Paralympic medals in 25 years.
Here are a few of the most memorable dressage moments from Team USA at the 2020 Paralympics!
