Kate Shoemaker & Vianne. Picture ©susanjstickle.com
Week three of the 2025 Adequan® International Dressage Pageant (AGDF) in Wellington, Florida was a time of utmost highs and lows for para-athlete Kate Shoemaker. She put in three excellent performances contained in the white boards on her nine-year-old Vitalis mare, Vianne — culminating in a plus-80% freestyle victory within the CPEDI3* FEI Para Grand Prix Freestyle Grade IV on Sunday, January 26, to face present champion. However, on the house entrance, Shoemaker misplaced her different horse, the 11-year-old Quiana, after a freak accident during which the mare shattered her hip.
“I had the purpose of hitting 80% with this freestyle and we did it,” stated an emotional Shoemaker, who rode to music initially made for Quiana. “I believe they have been the most effective canter extensions I’ve ever ridden on Vianne as a result of they have been Quiana’s spotlight in that take a look at, and I rode it the identical means. It was particular on the market at present, each for the partnership I’ve with Vianne and the distinction I paid to Quiana on the identical time. With Vianne I’m having an amazing week, nevertheless it’s additionally been a really tough week and emotionally powerful to course of.”
The 37-year-old Shoemaker suffers from motor management dysfunction, muscle weak spot, and spasms on the best aspect of her physique, however she and Vianne have been stepping on the coaching gasoline and Shoemaker hopes to make her able-bodied grand prix debut later this 12 months.
“We’re going to attempt to safe the grand prix actions this 12 months and provides {that a} go,” she stated. “I’ve had that as a purpose for greater than 10 years and this 12 months we’re going to make it a precedence. It’s inexperienced, however all of the grand prix items are there. The entire level of dressage is the concord and style, and with good coaching the horse will do something for you.”
Final month Shoemaker secured possession of Vianne, regardless that the association with NorCordia USA had initially been meant to be non permanent.
“I’m extremely honored to have the chance with Vianne and I really like her to items,” concluded Shoemaker. “She was all the time good to me, however this fall it felt like we turned one, which is an unbelievable feeling. The truth that she will get to stick with me for the remainder of her life makes me really feel so good.”
by Alice Collins
Wellington Worldwide
information@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com
gdf.coth.com