Paralympic debutante Louise Duncan was quite overcome after her Grade IV test last night with tears of happiness, gratitude and a little sadness in the mix too.

Yesterday was her grandfather’s birthday. He had been a lifelong supporter of Louise and her equestrian passion but sadly died the day she was named for Paris. The family had thought he would be with them in Paris to watch Louise and Showcase BC ride down the centre line, but it wasn’t to be. They were, however, able to tell him of her selection before he passed. “It just made it quite hard with it being Granddad’s birthday,” said Louise.

She and Showcase BC placed 13th with their 64.945% effort. The Netherlands took the quinella in Grade IV with the win going to Demi Haerkens on Daula with a score of 78.722% and Sanne Voets (NED) aboard Demantur second on 76.528%. Anna-Lena Niehues (GER) aboard Quimbaya 6 was third on 75.222%. The top eight – all of whom scored over 70% – progress through to the musical freestyle.

Louise DUNCAN (NZL) Individual GRADE IV riding SHOWCASE BC, Grand Prix. Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Versailles, Paris, France 04 September 2024 – photo Jon Stroud Media

“Showcase had already won gold to me before we left home,” said Louise. “His attitude, heart and soul is just amazing. The whole test was a highlight for me.” Her smile as she rode into the arena said it all. “It was just fantastic. Showcase was super. He was calm and with me the whole ride. I am so proud of him he really did give me 110%.”

The atmosphere at Versailles had been electric but didn’t seem to bother Showcase at all. “He really rose to the occasion when he heard the applause and loved looking at everyone. I felt him playing up to the audience which was lovely. I felt we could relax and ride through the test.”

Louise said there had been so many emotions going through her. “So much work went into this, and I have had incredible support. I could really feel everyone watching from home and there have been so many messages – some have no idea about horses but have been on this journey with us,” she said. “To have a test from start to finish where both of us were smiling and relaxed . . . it is all I could as for.” This was just their third FEI event together. “It is so big and we have travelled so far to get here.”

Louise DUNCAN (NZL) Individual GRADE IV riding SHOWCASE BC, Grand Prix. Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Versailles, Paris, France 04 September 2024 – photo Jon Stroud Media

She was excited, thrilled and honoured. “I am thrilled. It is humbling to have so much support and I am proud to be here from our little country on a New Zealand bred horse is just incredible. It shows was a great country New Zealand is.”Her first priority post-test was to ensure Showcase had plenty of attention and carrots. “He is always my first priority. I am privileged to have such an incredible creature with me making my dreams come true.”

Louise says she has met so many wonderful people along the way – from other riders to people who came up to say hi. Some were even planning trips to New Zealand.
She was hugely grateful to those around her – her parents Frankie and Lloyd, husband Justin and coach Andrea, and all the others who had supported her and encouraged her on her Paralympic journey.

Louise DUNCAN (NZL) Individual GRADE IV riding SHOWCASE BC, Grand Prix with mother Frankie Webb. Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Versailles, Paris, France 04 September 2024 – photo Jon Stroud Media

Showcase will go into quarantine on September 8 and will spend three weeks in the Europe followed by two more in Australia. “It’s hard being apart for that long. I always feel worried but I can drive them all nuts with messages and asking for photos!”

Fifteen-year-old Showcase (by Spellbound BC, who is by Salutation out of Wohlanne BC) was bred by Chris Beach from Beachcroft Equestrian and has been with Louise since June 2023. The combination were the furthest travellers for the Games.

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By Diana Dobson
Photos by Jon Stroud Media