Hometown: Wellington, Fla Birthday: 8/19/1990 Sport/Disciplines: Para-Equestrian

Marie Vonderheyden formerly represented France in the discipline of eventing and now represents the U.S. in para-dressage in Grade I competition. Vonderheyden was a successful eventing competitor at the FEI levels in France until 2012, before relocating to the U.S. In 2015, a horse she was hacking spooked and she fell, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury. Vonderheyden spent two months in a coma after the accident and lost much of her memory. Over the next two years, she began to re-learn how to walk, speak, and complete basic tasks. 

Vonderheyden returned to riding first as part of her equine-assisted therapy. She began competing in para-dressage in 2019 and was recognized by the FEI for her resilience and success when she was named as a finalist for the FEI’s Against All Odds award. The award recognizes equestrians who have worked through difficult circumstances to achieve their goals.  

In 2025, Vonderheyden and Fan Tastico H debuted their partnership in the AGDF 9 CPEDI3* at the in Wellington, Fla. The duo set a personal best in the FEI Para Grade I Grand Prix A Test with a score of 73.194%, helping the U.S. Para Dressage Team to their second consecutive victory of the 2025 season. The duo continued adding to their personal best streak at the TerraNova CPEDI3*, securing a score of 75.417% in the FEI Para Grade I Grand Prix B Test just a few weeks later. 

The pair have amassed nearly 23 top finishes in international Grade I competition since the start of their partnership, and most recently helped the U.S. Para Dressage Team in domestic team competition throughout Florida and North Carolina with impressive scores.