NZL-Louse Duncan with Showcase BC prior to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 2024 FRA-Haras de Jardy. Versailles, France. Sunday 25 August. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Dreams really do come true . . . just ask Louise Duncan who next week rides for New Zealand at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

There was a time when doctors told her she simply would never be back on her beloved horses. Thing was, they underestimated the tenacity of this lifetime rider from Levin. Out of those darkest days came a drive that saw her regain her life and achieve things that even she dared not dream of.

Today, she and Showcase BC, along with her husband Justin and parents Frankie and Lloyd Webb are in Versailles, preparing for the Games. Her coach Andrea Raves is about to arrive and things are about to get very real.

The team has been based at Haras de Jardy, not far from Versailles, and Showcase will go into the village on August 30. The New Zealand flag has generated plenty of interest with complete strangers striking conversations with the team. Showcase has also garnered quite the fan club with five-year-old twin girls calling by nightly with their parents to pat and give their favourite visitor some carrots.

“It is so beautiful here,” says Louise. “I still can’t believe I am here with Showcase. There is absolutely nothing more incredible in the world being in a beautiful place with some of my favourite people . . . and I get to bring my best friend along for the journey to dance together.”

The support from home had been amazing and very much appreciated. “So many people from back home are sending me the most beautiful messages. I just feel it is all such a special time, living my best life and enjoying all the things that I can while meeting fantastic people along the way.” She’s had support too from Olympians Samantha McIntosh and Melissa Galloway. “Sam has been amazing and Melissa a great help with all my questions.” Louise and Showcase have been having training sessions with Andrea via Zoom which has been working well.

Zoom coaching with coach Andrea Raves in NZL. Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 2024 FRA-Haras de Jardy. Versailles, France. Sunday 25 August. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

“I am so excited to be riding in one of the most beautiful arenas I have ever seen in my life.” There has been plenty of media coverage too, with Louise and Showcase delighting Breakfast show hosts on TVNZ on Monday morning. “I am still pinching myself . . . I really can’t quite believe this is all actually happening.”

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ