It’s a remarkable hat trick for Tracy Bowman and her longtime partner Lars, as they secured the individual silver medal at the 2025 FEI Para Driving World Championship, adding to their previous gold medals from 2021 and 2023. The duo continues to solidify their status as one of the sport’s top combinations.
Bowman, of Martinez, California, and Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars, a 2009 Welsh Pony gelding, represented the U.S. as part of the Para Driving Team, alongside:
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Diane Kastama (Arroyo Grande, Calif.) with Freedom, a 2010 gelding owned by Koos De Ronde
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Deborah Marcuccilli (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) with Tjibbe, a 2004 gelding also owned by De Ronde
The U.S. team delivered a strong showing, ultimately finishing fourth overall in the team standings.
Consistent Performance Across All Phases
Bowman and Lars opened their campaign in dominant fashion, taking first place in the dressage phase for Para Equestrian Grade I. They followed up with a clean and efficient run through the marathon phase, finishing fourth. In the cones phase, the pair again delivered a solid performance, earning another fourth-place finish and securing the silver medal with a final score of 142.59.
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“Lars has been completely undefeated in dressage all season long, even in the two-star events,” said Bowman. “That’s kind of his specialty. He’s probably equal across all three phases, but he’s really known for dressage.”
European Season Pays Off
Lars has spent much of the year in Europe, allowing Bowman to compete extensively in both para and able-bodied competitions leading up to the championship. Although she had planned to compete at a spring event at the Lähden venue, high demand forced a change in her preparations.
“We’d heard how nice the venue was, and it definitely lived up to the hype,” Bowman shared. “The obstacles were massive timber. It was really nice. The routes were super technical—and that proved the downfall of many. I’ve never seen so many balls down. Only four para drivers went clean, and luckily, I was one of those.”
Rivalry with Poppen Continues
Jacques Poppen (NED) and Horses2Fly Anniek claimed the Grade I gold medal, continuing a friendly rivalry with Bowman.
“The very first time I went to the world championship [in 2018] was just to experience it with another pony. Then Lars came into the picture,” said Bowman. “At Schildau [2021], nobody knew me, and [winning] was such a surprise. At Exloo [2023], I felt the pressure—like the target was on my back. This time, Jacques wanted it badly, and his mare is so nice. He went for it, and he did it.”
Poppen is expected to retire Anniek after this championship, marking the end of an era in the division.
Praise for the Venue and Team Effort
Bowman had high praise for Lähden, which hosted both the FEI Driving European Championship and the Para Driving World Championship this year.
“It was a great venue, and they really did right by the para-athletes,” she said. “The facilities were all accessible. The Sandmanns, who own the place, did a really great job and had a great show.”
In the team competition, both Kastama and Marcuccilli—who were driving borrowed horses—finished 10th in their respective grades (Kastama in Grade I, Marcuccilli in Grade II), contributing to the team’s overall fourth-place finish. It was Marcuccilli’s World Championship debut.
“The Para Driving World Championships are the most special of shows,” said Marcie Quist, U.S. Para Driving Team Chef d’Equipe. “The positive energy and joy of seeing the drivers excel is the best part. Bringing home a silver medal is the icing on the cake!”
