Let’s get to know the USA Para Dressage Team!

First, what is Para Dressage? FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sport) explains, “Para Dressage is the sport of Dressage, the highest expression of horse training, for Athletes with an impairment. Conducted under the same basic rules, but with Athletes classified according to the level of their impairment, the horse has to perform at a walk, trot and canter, and all tests are ridden from memory and follow a prescribed pattern of movements. The only exception is the Freestyle which is specifically choreographed for each horse and is performed to music.”

Meet Team USA!

(Click on the rider’s name to see their Instagram)

Beatrice De Lavalette

riding The 14 year Old KWPN Gelding - Clarc

This is Beatrice’s first Paralympics. Beatrice’s mother loved horses, and Beatrice was riding almost as soon as she began walking. After riding throughout her childhood, Beatrice’s life changed during a 2016 terrorist attack at the Brussels Airport.

During the attack, Beatrice was injured losing both of her lower legs. After just five months of recovery, she got back on the horse and has gone on to compete internationally.

Rebecca Hart

Riding The 12 year old KWPN Gelding - El Corona Texel (Tex)

Rebecca is a three time Paralympian. She competed at the Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016 Paralympics. Rebecca got her first taste of equestrian competition in 1998, and was hooked. After getting her own horse, she has gone on to compete around the world. Rebecca has a rare genetic disease, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and is paralyzed from the middle of the back down.

In addition to riding, Rebecca sails, camps, kayaks and rock climbs. She also works to build awareness for HSP and works with children with HSP.

Kate Shoemaker

Riding the 14 year old Hanoverian Gelding- Solitaer 40 (Soli)

This is Kate’s first Paralympics. Kate and Soli have already been making their mark this year winning every outing. She competes in Grade IV due to white matter lesions from periventricular ischemia.

While riding, Kate wears a brace and uses special rein stops for added rein control.

Roxanne Trunnell

Riding the 9 year old Hanoverian Gelding Dolton

Roxanne competed in the 2016 Paralympic in Rio. Roxanne always loved horses and dreamed of being an Olympian from a young age. She bought her first dressage horse and was close to getting her Silver Medal in 2009 when she contracted a virus.

Swelling in her brain left her paralyzed, however after a long recovery she got back on the horse!