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Roxanne Trunnell (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Fan Tastico H were the first to represent the United States in the afternoon team competition. Despite being a relatively new pair, having only teamed up since early 2024, Trunnell and Fan Tastico H delivered a strong performance, setting a solid foundation for the team. They achieved a score of 77.000%, showcasing the 2017 Oldenburg gelding’s (Fuersentball OLD x Weltmeyer) potential, especially with his consistent work in the walk under Trunnell's guidance.
“I focused on having him march steadily,” Trunnell said of her performance. “At just seven years old, he’s amazing, and I’m excited to see how much better he will become.” Reflecting on the team’s success, Trunnell credited Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline for his significant role in their development and confidence. “Michel has been instrumental in our progress. His strictness and extensive experience have really shaped us.”
Fiona Howard (Boston, Mass.) and Diamond Dunes, a 2013 Hanoverian gelding (De L’or x Wibella) owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann, with care by Helen Claire McNulty, continued their impressive performance as Grade II debutants at the Paralympics. The duo achieved an 80%, the highest score of the week across all grades, setting another personal best for the pair.
“From the first trot, I felt like he was really on point,” Howard said. “I just focused on trusting him, and he kept delivering. By the end, my muscles were tired, but he kept going strong. It felt incredible to rely on him, and he never let me down.”
Howard praised the rapid rise of her and "Dunes" in Grade II and acknowledged the support of her team both in Paris and at home. With the gold medal secured, she saw the personal-best score as the perfect finish to a fantastic week.
“We have an amazing support network behind us—trainers, vets, farriers, and our federation—all backing us 110%,” Howard noted. “And of course, Michel Assouline is a fantastic team coach. The teamwork, mutual support, and shared drive have been key to our success.”
Rebecca Hart (Wellington, Fla.) and Floratina, the most seasoned pair on the U.S. team, faced the crucial task of securing the gold medal after a fierce competition against a strong Dutch team. Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz x Rubina) owned by Rowan O’Riley and cared for by Mackenzie Young, is one of the few horses to have won team gold at both an able-bodied continental championship (Lima 2019) and a para continental championship (Paris 2024). Hart and Floratina delivered their second personal best score of the Games with 78.567%, ensuring that the U.S. team remained at the top of the podium and achieving a dream Hart has pursued for nearly 25 years in the U.S. Para Dressage Program.
“It still feels surreal. This is the result of years of hard work, and I’m incredibly proud of the team because it’s been a collective effort,” Hart said.
Regarding the impact of the gold medal on the future of the U.S. Para Dressage Program, Hart expressed her hopes: “I truly hope this success brings more recognition and equality for para disciplines within our federations. We need to be acknowledged for our value and our ability to perform when it counts. This recognition could help grow the sport, attract more sponsors, and bring more talent into the program.”