The Paris 2024 Paralympics equestrian competition kicked off today at the beautiful and historic equestrian venue here at Chteau de Versailles in France. Grade III individual para dressage competition was first in the arena with 13 competitors from 12 countries, including Rebecca Hart (USA) riding the 16-year-old Hanoverian mare Floratina riding in her fifth Paralympic Games.Rebecca Hart and Floratina perform their winning para dressage test at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyGoing next to last in the class, they posted the best score of the group, and a personal best score as well (77.900 percent), to take gold. This was Harts first Paralympic individual medal, although she contributed to team bronze for the USA at the Tokyo 2020/21 Paralympics. Todays top finish also qualifies Hart and Floratina for the Paralympic Grade III Freestyle competition coming up on September 7.Hart talked about the experience of riding at the Palace of Versailles and her mount Floratina, It is such a surreal experience to ride into this venue with so much history and the majesty of this arena. I love the horse that Im sitting on. She has just felt like a partner since the day that I [first] sat on her. She is the ultimate professional. She has traveled around the world with me and other riders. She just knows her job. She is so confident in herself and is the kindest, most intelligent mare I have ever experienced.Rixt van der Horst and Royal Fonq from the Netherlands took the silver in Grade III (76.433) with Natasha Baker and Dawn Chorus in bronze (73.167).For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.Second in the stadium today was the Grade II individual para dressage competition. Nine competitors from eight countries took their turn in the ring, among them the newest member of the USAs Para Equestrian Team, Fiona Howard.Riding in her first Olympic Games, Howard partnered with Diamond Dunes, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann, to earn her first Paralympic medalgold as well. The other medalists in Grade II Individual Test were Denmarks Katrine Kristensen and Goerklintgaards Quater in silver position and Great Britains Georgia Wilson riding Sakura in bronze.Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes take bronze in Grade II individual para dressage at the Paralympics. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyKnowing that her horse is going to be steady under pressure means a lot to Howard. Diamond Dunes is amazing. He really tries so hard for me. It definitely gives me a sense of calmness. I can just go in there and be like, I trust you, and hes like, I got you. How beneficial is it that?As the neophyte on the team, she says she is thankful for her veteran teammates who have all done one or more Paralympics before this one. I am so honored to be on the team with all of them. If I had any questions Id just Id go to any of them and ask how does this work? And theyd say, dont worry. Well, explain everything.Fiona Howard celebrates the presentation of the United States national anthem on the podium, with Diamond Dunes and team alongside. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyThe final class of the day, Grade I Individual Test, was the biggest with 22 competitors from 19 countries. The U.S. rider in Grade I was the gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020/21 Games, Roxanne Trunnell. Although, her Tokyo partner, Dolton has since been retired, and in late 2023 she began a new partnership with Fan Tastico H, a 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Karin Flint.She and Fan Tastico H posted a very good score of 78 percent that put them into gold medal position. Then, Latvias Rihards Snikus and King of the Dance, who went fourth from last in the order, bested Trunnells and Fan Tastico Hs score by 1.167 points (79.167 percent) to earn gold and put Trunnell in silver position. (In Tokyo Trunnell and Snikus actually finished the other way around, with her in gold and him with the silver.) Italys Sara Morganti and Mariebelle took the bronze today in the Grade I class.Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H before the iconic Palace of Versailles. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyTrunnell had nothing but praise for the U.S. Chef dEquipe Michel Assouline and talked about the long-term strategy that has helped the U.S. Team improve so much in recent years. And, she said the venue was spectacular. We have all been working so hard. It is nice to see it pay off. Michel Assouline is a really good Chef dEquipe. Hes got us all shaping up well, with harder training and better horses. I think it is really cool to get to ride here and see it all.All three U.S. riders from today scored high enough to move on to Saturdays (September 7) freestyle class. All plan to ride to music from the movies. Trunnell chose The Lion King, Howard Avatar and Hart Driving Miss Daisy.The USAs final rider, Kate Shoemaker riding Vianne, will compete tomorrow in the Grade IV Individual Test. Then, three riders will be chosen to represent the USA in the Team Test on Friday.Competition starts tomorrow with the Grade IV Individual Test beginning at 10:00 a.m. Central European Time (4:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time), with Shoemaker and Vianne scheduled to go at 11:58 a.m (5:58 a.m. U.S. ET). The Grade V class starts at 12:55 p.m. CET (6:55 a.m. U.S. ET). There are no Americans entered in Grade V.Wednesday, September 4 Orders of Go Grade IV Grade VCurrently, the USA leads the para equestrian medal count after day one with three. Great Britain has two medals and there is one medal each for Denmark, Italy, Latvia, and the Netherlands.Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information go to NBCOlympics.com.Tuesday, September 3 Results Grade III Results Grade II Results Grade I ResultsThanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: Heavy Medal Haul for USA on Para Dressage Day 1 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Points Volvo XC90 Volvo XC60 Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 pounds Up to 3,500 pounds Engine and Powertrain 2.0L I4, 455 hp, 523 lb-ft torque 2.0L I4, 455 hp, 523 lb-ft torque Vehicle Design Longer wheelbase, increased weight for better stability and control Shorter wheelbase, lighter weight Trailer Weight Consideration Handles most trailers with horses and supplies Limited to lighter trailers and fewer supplies Stability and Control Better stability due to design Less stability compared to XC90 Braking Power More robust braking system with advanced brake cooling Standard braking system Towing Accessories Handles more substantial towing setups Standard towing setups Fuel and Tire Considerations Better handling of weight and fuel considerations Less optimized for towing heavier loads Safety Higher capacity and stability provide safer towing Lower capacity might compromise safety with heavier loads Practicality for Frequent Towing More practical for frequent heavy towing More suited for lighter, occasional towing Overall Recommendation Better option for towing horse trailers Capable but less suited for heavy towing Is the Volvo XC90 or XC60 Better for Towing Horse Trailers: A Personal Experience Comparison When it comes to towing horse trailers, the choice of vehicle is crucial for safety, reliability, and overall performance. Two popular options from Volvo, the XC90 and XC60, are often considered for this task. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of each model to help you decide which one is better suited for towing horse trailers. Towing Capacity: The Key Factor The primary consideration when choosing a vehicle for towing is its towing capacity. Here, the Volvo XC90 and XC60 have distinct differences: Volvo XC90: The XC90 is rated for towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This higher capacity makes it more suitable for heavier horse trailers and additional cargo. Volvo XC60: The XC60, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, regardless of the trim level or powertrain. Engine and Powertrain Both the XC90 and XC60 Recharge models come with a 2.0L I4 powertrain, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. However, the towing capacity difference is not solely due to the engine's power output: Engine Tuning and Vehicle Design: The XC90's higher towing capacity is attributed to its longer wheelbase and increased vehicle weight, which provide better stability and control while towing. Additionally, factors such as engine cooling and braking power play significant roles in determining the towing capacity. Practical Considerations for Horse Trailers When towing a horse trailer, you need to consider not just the trailer's weight but also the weight of the horses and any additional supplies. Heres how the two models stack up: Weight of Horse Trailers: Most horse trailers weigh between 2,300 and 3,900 pounds. Adding the weight of the horses (typically under 2,000 pounds each) and supplies, the total weight can easily exceed 3,500 pounds. In such cases, the XC90's higher towing capacity provides a safer margin. Stability and Control: The XC90's longer wheelbase and heavier weight contribute to better stability and control while towing, which is crucial for safely transporting horses. Additional Factors to Consider Braking Power The XC90's more robust braking system, which includes features like advanced brake cooling, can handle the sustained load of towing heavier trailers more effectively. Towing Accessories Both models can be equipped with towing accessories such as trailer hitches, but the XC90's higher capacity means it can handle more substantial towing setups. Fuel and Tire Considerations The weight of the vehicle, fuel used, and tire pressure also impact towing capacity. The XC90's design and weight distribution make it more suitable for handling these factors. Personal Experience and Recommendations For those who frequently tow horse trailers, the Volvo XC90 is generally the better choice due to its higher towing capacity and better stability. Here are some key points to consider based on personal experience: Safety First: Towing a horse trailer is not just about the vehicle's capacity but also about safety. The XC90's higher capacity and better stability ensure a safer towing experience. Practicality: If you often tow heavier trailers or need to transport multiple horses, the XC90's additional capacity will be invaluable. Performance: Both models offer excellent performance, but the XC90's design and features make it more suited for the demands of towing horse trailers. Conclusion When deciding between the Volvo XC90 and XC60 for towing horse trailers, the XC90 stands out as the better option due to its higher towing capacity, better stability, and robust braking system. While the XC60 is a capable vehicle, its lower towing capacity may not be sufficient for heavier trailers and additional cargo. For those who prioritize safety, stability, and the ability to handle heavier loads, the Volvo XC90 is the clear choice. Explore More Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Horse Treats And Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Stable Rugs Turnout Rugs Horse Fly Protection References [Towing capacity, 2024 XC90 vs XC60 Recharge : r/Volvo - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/comments/1959njj/towing_capacity_2024_xc90_vs_xc60_recharge/) [Volvo XC60 Towing Capacity: Informational Guide & Towing Chart](https://www.johnsonvolvocarscharlotte.com/volvo-xc60-towing-capacity-information.htm) [2024 Volvo SUV Engine Options & Towing Capacity | Volvo XC40 ...](https://www.mclaughlinvolvocars.com/research/xc40-xc60-xc90-towing-capacity.htm) [Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity Guide By Year & Trim](https://www.volvocarsrichmond.com/volvo-xc90-towing-capacity.htm)

The Paris 2024 Paralympic para dressage competition continued today with Grades IV and V vying for individual medals. Going third from last in the Grade IV competition, the USAs Kate Shoemaker and Vianne presented a lovely picture as they flowed through their test.A very uncharacteristic spook by Vianne caused a momentary issue in the canter work in a movement that counts for a double score. But overall during their test, they earned mostly 7s and 8s to finish on a score of 72.222% for 5th place individually. The pair is qualified to move on to the Grade IV freestyle competition on Saturday, September 7 where they will ride to the soundtrack from Forrest Gump.Kate Shoemaker and Vianne. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan PhotographyVianne is an 8-year-old American-bred Hanoverian mare (bred by Catherine Haddad) by Vitalis, out of a mare by Ramiros Bube. She is owned by Nocordia USA and cared for by Katherine Barrett. Shoemaker has only been competing with the mare since early this year.For more coverage, visit ourParis 2024 Paralympics main page.Two riders from the Netherlands topped the individual medals today in Grade IV division, Demi Haerkens and Daula, gold, 78.722%, and Sanne Voets and Demantur, silver, 76.528%. Germanys Anna-Lena Niehues and Quimbaya 6 won bronze (75.222%). French rider Vladimir Vinchon and Pegase Mayenne finished to thunderous applause from the full stands in the stadium to take fourth place (72.889%).Grade V individual tests are currently ongoing and should finish up at around 3:35 p.m. Central European Time today (9:35 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time), followed by medal ceremonies for both grades.View the full Grade IV results here.Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information go toNBCOlympics.com.Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: USAs Kate Shoemaker and Vianne 5th in Para Dressage Grade IV appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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A beaming Sarah Slattery completed a clean sweep of top-10 finishes for the Irish in the Grade V Individual Event at the Paralympics this afternoon in front of her proud husband and daughters. The Galway woman, making her Paralympics debut on Savona, put together a fantastic test to score 68.410% and finish ninth overall, giving the Irish team plenty of momentum ahead of Fridays team event. Slattery was unlucky early on as Savona took a small misstep which cost her slightly on the judges scores but the pair recovered instantly and ultimately there was delight, despite just missing out on a top-eight finish and qualification to Saturdays Freestyle. Slattery said: Im absolutely thrilled. It was amazing, we had a little stumble at the start but I recovered, she recovered and the test couldnt have gone any better in my eyes. Im thrilled with the test, thrilled with her []

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