Team PracSeventh down centerline in the Allianz Prize Stadium today, Kate Shoemaker had no way of knowing she was about to make history. By the final halt, she was in tears—and holding a world record.
The two-time U.S. Paralympian Shoemaker and her own Vianne, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare cared for by Jessica Martin-Legg, won individual gold in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A-Grade IV at the FEI Para Dressage World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The pair delivered a personal-best performance on Thursday, scoring 78.88% to break the Grand Prix Test A world record for Grade IV and clinch the top medal.
“The entire test felt harmonious, and that was the one thing I wanted,” said Shoemaker, who is competing in her third FEI World Championships. “I wasn’t thinking about points, or scores, or medals. I was thinking, ‘How can I show this very special horse to the best of our ability today?’”
The world record is Shoemaker’s second at this facility after taking over the title for the Grand Prix Test B at the CHIO Aachen in April. This week’s record-breaking personal best came with scores above 80% from judges at M and B.
Shoemaker was hoping to add to her bronze medal from the FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark, four years ago, partnered this time with her 2024 Paris Paralympic mount Vianne.
“Coming into Paris, we were trying to figure each other out; she was 8, and one day an aid would do one thing, and the next day it did something else,” said Shoemaker, who has partial paralysis of her right leg as a result of periventricular leukomalacia, a brain injury that occurred at birth.
“This year, we came into our own as a partnership, and it feels so easy,” continued Shoemaker, 38. “I can go in there and just think about it, and the ride’s going to happen. She gives me her whole heart. That’s what it felt like today; she was completely one with me. I was so happy, I was crying before the final halt.”
Shoemaker’s gold medal came a day after Marie Vonderheyden, riding Karin Flint’s Fan Tastico H, secured individual gold in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A-Grade I. Shoemaker will next return with Vianne on Saturday for the FEI Para Grand Prix Test B-Grade IV as part of the team competition.
“Two gold medals in two days is a very good feeling, and for Kate to have another world record is amazing,” said chef d’equipe Michel Assouline. “The higher grades are very technical, so for her to get a high score is difficult. We are very excited for the rest of the week.”
No U.S. riders competed in the Grade V competition that also took place Thursday. That individual medal was won by Great Britain’s Sophie Wells on MSJ Gold Standard (74.94%). Britney de Jong rode Caramba N.O.P. to silver for the Netherlands, and Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp rode Highlander Delight’s to bronze.
“I’m really proud of her,” Wells said. “I got the ride on her in December and started competing her pretty much straight away to campaign her [for FEI World Championship team selection].”
The FEI Grand Prix Para Test B for Grades III, I, and II will start team competition on Friday, Aug. 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m. local time (3:00 a.m. Eastern), with Grades IV and V closing out competition to determine team medals on Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. Eastern).
