Milestones

You are so strong, pound for pound, you keep making progress. It shows what can happen when you work hard.

Marie's spirit and determination and amazing support she has received from her family, have led to ongoing improvements far beyond those usually seen in similar cases of traumatic brain injuries. I and the rest of the team at Shepherd Center are very proud and blessed to be a part of Marie's journey.

- Dr. Andrew Dennison, Medical Director

Acquired Brain Injury Program, Shepherd Center

Coming Soon!

Marie VDH partners

with Urban Strides

in a limited edition fashion campaign

Introducing Bombastic

Bombastic was born in the Loire Valley at Elevage d'Arion. I first rode him last February. Today Ecuries Favereau is his home where he trains with Nicole Jean-Marc Favereau. Because of the global pandemic he cannot yet leave France to join me in the USA but I'll see him in December when we return for the holidays. A special thank you to Andy Booth for also spending time with him and to Calliane Decerle for the followup.

Learning to drive (again)!

Doctors say the brain can heal for upto 10 years after a TBI. My recovery has exceeded everyone's expectations. The next step in my independence is learning to drive. Wish me luck!

2019 FEI Finalist Against All Odds

The Fédération Équestre International (FEI) has released the list of finalists for the FEI Awards 2019, which includes U.S. para-dressage rider Marie Vonderheyden in the FEI Against All Odds category.

Marie 1st time riding

I survived!

Watch this video of my back to life story, a tale of hope, determination and a second chance at life!

Path to Paris

Timeline

In order to qualifying for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris I must reach all of the milestones listed below.

Training is intense and so are the financial commitments:

horses + farrier, medical care, boarding, food, health products, stable & show grooming
a trainer & manager
licenses + FEI / USEF registration & applications fees
all the equipment
entrance fees to international and national shows
domestic & international travel expenses as well as, transportation for the horses
promotional costs, etc.

All of this adds up to at least $250,000 USD every year.

Sponsor Marie's Next Milesone in 2021

CPEDI = The International Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition

3* =

March 2021 International CPEDI 3*

Macon Chantre, FR

May 2021 International CPEDI 3* Deauville, FR

Oct.-Dec. 2021 Para Dressage Shows

Wellington, USA

Sponsor Marie's Next Milestone in 2022

March 2022 International CPEDI3* Deauville, FR

April 2022 International CPEDI3* Waregem, BEL

May 2022 International CPEDI3*

Mannheim, GER

June 2022 International CPEDI3*

Kronenberg, NED

June 2022 International CPEDI3*

Grote-Brogel, BEL

June 2022 CH-M-PED

Herning, DEN

August 2022 Riesenbeck GER

Championnat d Europe 2022 Para dressage

Sponsor Marie's Next Milestone in 2023

Jan. 2023 Mater Class Lamotte Beuvron

March 2023 Domestic Amateur Elite MACON

Avril 2023 Deauville, FR

June 2023 TRYON Summer Dressage Competition CPEDI3* Mill Spring, USA

Oct. 2023 TRYON Dressage Competition CPEDI3*

Mill Spring, USA

Sponsor Marie's Next Milestone in 2024

Jan. 2024 Domestic CPEDI3*

Wellington, USA

March 2024 Domestic CPEDI3* Wellington, USA

May 2024 Deauville, FR

June 2024 TRYON Dressage Competition CPEDI3*

Mill Spring, USA

Sponsor Marie's Path to Paris

Thank you for your generous support. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I would LOVE to hear from you!

Contact Marie

The most wonderful gift I can give back to the world, is to help other people with TBIs. One day my vision is for Marie VDH to be a non-profit foundation dedicated to changing lives!