GRADE IV rider Louise DUNCAN (NZL) & SHOWCASE BC train ahead of the Para Dressage competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Versailles, Paris, France 01 September 2024 – photo Jon Stroud Media
Louise Duncan is in seventh heaven at the Paris Paralympics. She’s got no nerves on the eve of the horse inspection and is bubbling that she has been able to meet many riders she has long admired from afar and followed on various platforms.
“I feel exhausted but so happy,” she says. “It is just the most beautiful place . . . Paris, the buildings, the venue, which is just incredible, and the palace. You can’t describe how amazing it all is. I am not nervous at all, just excited.”
GRADE IV rider Louise DUNCAN (NZL) & SHOWCASE BC train ahead of the Para Dressage competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Versailles, Paris, France 01 September 2024 – photo Jon Stroud Media
The Levin hairdresser is keen to embrace everything and live the journey. “I have gone and introduced myself to a whole lot of riders I have been stalking for years and told them how amazing they are. Everyone is so wonderful. It is an absolute privilege to be here and experience it all.”
She’s hugely grateful for all the messages of support from New Zealand. “I feel I have the whole of New Zealand behind me and I am excited to go out and dance with my best friend.”
Louise and Showcase BC will be the companion horse for Australian Grade 1 rider Stella Barton and Lord Lamarque. The two horses shared a crate on their trip to Paris and appear to have struck up a bit of a friendship. A companion horse is an official engagement for grades 1, 2 and 3 horses during their test but it is up to the rider to find that companion horse.
GRADE IV rider Louise DUNCAN (NZL) & SHOWCASE BC train ahead of the Para Dressage competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Versailles, Paris, France 01 September 2024 – photo Jon Stroud Media
Meanwhile, Showcase has taken everything in his stride. “He’s been so chilled and super cool. He loves having his people with him and now prefers to be hand fed but at a pinch will eat on his own if he has to.” Coach Andrea Raves is staying in the grooms’ accommodation near the stables and checks on him frequently.
Louise says she is surprised how calm everything is around the venue. “I really thought it would be ramped up but it just feels like a nice, relaxed show.”
Showcase’s horse inspection is set for around 6.30pm New Zealand time. Andrea will be trotting him up. There are 16 in their grade with competition set to start on September 4.
CLICK HERE FOR DRAWS & RESULTS – Available after trot up
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Jon Stroud Media