TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 7, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Devon Kane secured her first CDI victory after 35 starts, while Kate Shoemaker dominated the para-dressage ranks, signaling a strong start to the season for North American riders.
What Happened
The early April CDI3* and CPEDI3* at TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida, featured breakthrough performances for North American dressage and para-dressage athletes. In the Grand Prix Freestyle, American Devon Kane achieved her first international victory in 35 CDI starts. Riding Vamos, Kane scored a personal best of 75.465%, narrowly surpassing Canadian Olympian Camille Carier Bergeron and Finnländerin by just 0.08 percentage points. The weekend also showcased the strength of the U.S. and Canadian para-dressage programs. Equine veterinarian and double Paralympic medalist Kate Shoemaker secured the overall para championship title on her mount, Ghandi, with a 75.4% score. Canadian veteran Jody Schloss earned podium finishes in both team and individual freestyle competitions. The Grand Prix Special maintained high-caliber scores, with Olympic medalist Kasey Perry-Glass leading an American sweep aboard Heartbeat WP. Despite a minor error, their rhythm and passage tour contributed to a 71.255% score.
Why It Matters
These results are significant as riders look toward the upcoming championship season. For Devon Kane, the win marks a career milestone, validating years of development with Vamos. Camille Carier Bergeron demonstrated consistency, adding to her second-place Grand Prix Freestyle finish by dominating the CDI1* Intermediate I with a personal best of 72.206% on MSJ Valentia Roma. For the para-dressage community, Kate Shoemaker’s success with her "backup" horse, Ghandi, highlights the importance of string depth. Shoemaker confirmed Ghandi will now head to the final selection event in Tryon, North Carolina, as she prepares for the Aachen World Championships. This level of competition provides vital data for selectors and allows riders to test their horses in an atmosphere mimicking major international championships.
Discipline Context
The event prominently featured Dressage (covering CDI3* and CDI1* levels) and Para-Dressage. It highlighted key movements such as the piaffe/passage tour in the Grand Prix Special and the artistic precision required for Grand Prix Freestyles. The results underscore the continued regional dominance of North American riders in these disciplines as they refine performances for the global stage.
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.