Vincent-Cooke breaks new ground for Jamaica in Para Dressage at World Championships
Key Points(5)
- Tegan Vincent-Cooke has opened a new chapter in Jamaican equestrian sport after becoming the first rider from the island to compete in Para Dressage at the FEI World Championships, an achievement that has earned her a nomination for one of the sport’s prestigious international awards.
- Partnering with her horse, Stolen Kiss, Vincent-Cooke represented Jamaica at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, in August, marking a historic milestone for the country’s participation in the discipline.
- The Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ) has since nominated Vincent-Cooke for the FEI Inspire Award in recognition of her determination, commitment to Para Dressage, and efforts to promote greater inclusion and opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
- The awards ceremony is scheduled for December in Jiangyin, China.
- Historic debut on the world stage Competing in Grade I, Vincent-Cooke recorded 63.58 percent in the Individual Grand Prix A on August 19 before returning two days later to score 61.542 percent in the Grand Prix B.
Tegan Vincent-Cooke has opened a new chapter in Jamaican equestrian sport after becoming the first rider from the island to compete in Para Dressage at the FEI World Championships, an achievement that has earned her a nomination for one of the sport’s prestigious international awards.
Partnering with her horse, Stolen Kiss, Vincent-Cooke represented Jamaica at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, in August, marking a historic milestone for the country’s participation in the discipline.
The Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ) has since nominated Vincent-Cooke for the FEI Inspire Award in recognition of her determination, commitment to Para Dressage, and efforts to promote greater inclusion and opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December in Jiangyin, China.
Historic debut on the world stage
Competing in Grade I, Vincent-Cooke recorded 63.58 percent in the Individual Grand Prix A on August 19 before returning two days later to score 61.542 percent in the Grand Prix B.
Grade I is designed for riders with the most significant physical impairments, with all competitive movements performed at the walk. Para Dressage has five classification grades, with Grade V catering to riders with the least impairment.
Vincent-Cooke’s participation in Aachen represented a breakthrough for Jamaica, placing the country on the world championship stage in a discipline that continues to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Her nomination for the FEI Inspire Award adds international recognition to an achievement that the EFJ believes can help encourage wider participation and greater awareness of Para Dressage.
EFJ president witnesses history firsthand
EFJ President Heidi Lalor traveled to Germany to support Vincent-Cooke, represent the national federation, and learn more about the discipline.
“Knowing the importance of this history-making occasion, I made the decision to book the trip to Germany and join the incredible support team for Tegan, represent the National Federation and educate myself on the discipline of Para Dressage,” Lalor said.
Lalor described the experience as both inspiring and educational, with Jamaica’s presence attracting attention even before Vincent-Cooke and Stolen Kiss entered the competition arena.
“The Jamaican flag was a visual standout from the main entrance,” Lalor recalled. “Between requests for photos and selfies, they were superstars before they even entered the arena!”
The response highlighted the interest generated by Jamaica’s debut at the championships and the visibility that Vincent-Cooke’s achievement brought to the country.
Stolen Kiss captures attention in Aachen
The Jamaican combination also made an impression away from the arena.
Stolen Kiss, an elegant 18-year-old mare and former British eventing horse, was stabled between the German and Spanish teams and quickly became a favorite among spectators and fellow competitors.
Vincent-Cooke was supported by experienced British Dressage rider and coach Sarah Gorvett, who led her support team, alongside her mother, Sylvia Vincent, the owner of Stolen Kiss.
Sylvia has played an important role in her daughter's equestrian journey while also contributing to disability inclusion in the United Kingdom. She serves on the committee of Riding for the Disabled in Bristol, an organization that helps provide riding opportunities for people with disabilities.
Their involvement reflects the network of family and professional support behind Vincent-Cooke's historic appearance.
Para Dressage gains international prominence
For Lalor, the championships offered a valuable opportunity to observe the growing profile of Para Dressage within international equestrian sport.
The Aachen event also carried added significance as athletes across disciplines pursued the first opportunity to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
One of Lalor’s most memorable experiences came at the closing ceremony, where elite and Para athletes celebrated together before a crowd of approximately 40,000 spectators.
The occasion reinforced the visibility of Para Dressage and the place of athletes with disabilities within the wider equestrian community.
For Jamaica, Vincent-Cooke’s breakthrough represents more than a first appearance at the world championships. Her performances with Stolen Kiss have established a landmark for the sport locally, while her FEI Inspire Award nomination offers further recognition of her contribution to inclusion and representation on the international stage.
