Aachen, Germany – Two-time U.S. Paralympian Kate Shoemaker (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Vianne, a 2016 Hanoverian mare (Vitalis x Ramiro’s Bube) cared for by Jessica Martin-Legg, won individual gold in the FEI Para Grand Prix Test A - Grade IV at the 2026 FEI Para Dressage World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The pair delivered a personal-best performance on Thursday, scoring 78.889% to break the Grand Prix Test A world record for Grade IV and clinch the gold medal.
“The entire test felt harmonious, and that was the one thing I wanted,” said Shoemaker in her second FEI World Championship appearance. “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 in Aachen after taking over the title for the Grand Prix Test B at CHIO Aachen in April. This week’s record-breaking personal best came with scores above 80% from judges at M and B.
Seventh down centerline in the Allianz Prize Stadium, Shoemaker was hoping to add to her bronze medal from the FEI World Championships in Herning (DEN) four years ago, partnered this time with her Paralympic mount from Paris, Vianne.
“Coming into Paris, we were trying to figure each other out; she was eight, and one day an aid would do one thing, and the next day it did something else,” said Shoemaker, a Grade IV athlete with 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 (Wellington, Fla.) and 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.
“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.”
The FEI Grand Prix Para Test B for Grades III, I, and II will start team competition on Friday, August 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m. GMT+2/3:00 a.m. EST, with Grades IV and V closing out competition to determine team medals on Saturday, August 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. GMT+2/2:30 a.m. EST.
Competition Information
The 2026 FEI Para Dressage World Championships will be a pinnacle of international para dressage competition this season and will be hosted during the second week of the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
Para dressage competition will conclude on Sunday, August 23, with all grades taking to the dressage court for their FEI Grand Prix Para Freestyles. Grade III will kick off the final day of individual medals at 8:15 a.m. GMT+2/2:15 a.m. EST, with Grade II to follow at 9:30 a.m. GMT+2/3:30 a.m. EST, and Grade I at 10:50 a.m. GMT+2/4:50 a.m. EST. Grade IV competition takes place at 1:30 p.m. GMT+2/7:30 a.m. EST, and Grade V will conclude the competition at 2:55 p.m. GMT+2/8:55 a.m. EST.
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