YourDressage

Three freestyle gold medals for the US contingent cap off exciting week of para-dressage competition at Aachen 2026

Two years ago, the US para-dressage team won a historic first gold at the Paris Paralympics. Today Team USA repeated the feat at Aachen 2026.

Winning rides by Team USA’s Marie Vonderheyden & Fiona Howard have put the US in team medal contention at the FEI Para-Dressage World Championships Aachen 2026.

By Kim MacMillan: Their Grade IV gold-medal-winning score sets new world record. “The entire test felt harmonious, and that was the one thing I wanted.”

By Kim MacMillan: Team rookie Marie Vonderheyden wins Grade I individual gold

All four US horses were accepted for competition by the FEI Para-Dressage Ground Jury here in Aachen during the first horse inspection on August 18.

The greatest equestrians in the world are set to face off in the 2026 FEI World Championships. Check here for dressage & para dressage competition coverage!

Results of the FEI study to establish a research-backed system of evaluating riders for para-dressage competition; Reprinted from USDF Connection Nov/Dec '25

When the search for a new competition partner seemed impossible during the pandemic, a nearby pony named Rudy changed everything for this para dressage rider.