Team USA Dominates Para Equestrian at Paris 2024 Paralympics
By Bizbuzzup | September 2024
Team USA’s Unstoppable Performance
Fiona Howard led the charge with an exceptional score of 80.000%—the highest at the Games. Rebecca Hart followed closely with 78.567% on her horse Floratina, while Roxanne Trunnell delivered 77.000% aboard Fan Tastico H. These impressive performances combined for a total team score of 235.567, clinching the gold medal.
The reigning World Champions, the Netherlands, were strong contenders and finished just behind with 232.850. Despite their consistent rides, they couldn’t surpass Team USA. Meanwhile, Germany earned the bronze with 223.116, thanks to solid efforts from Regine Mispelkamp, a silver medallist in Grade V.
A Close Battle at the Iconic Versailles
Held at the historic Palace of Versailles, the event featured 16 nations competing in front of a passionate global crowd. Each team selected three riders based on individual scores to compete in the Team Para Grand Prix B test. The venue added grandeur to an already intense showdown.
Throughout the day, Team USA and the Netherlands traded the lead. However, Howard’s performance, breaking the 80% barrier, ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the Americans and sealed the gold in dramatic fashion.
The Netherlands and Germany Push Hard
The Dutch team, anchored by individual gold medallist Sanne Voets on Demantur, along with Demi Haerkens and Rixt van der Horst, finished with a total score of 232.850. Their performance was commendable, falling just short of Team USA. Germany’s trio performed consistently, with Regine Mispelkamp leading the way to a final tally of 223.116 and the bronze medal.
