04 Jul Fiona Howard set a new Personal Best in Hagen – “He’s a one-in-a-million horse”
(Hagen a.T.W.) British-born American Paralympian Fiona Howard continued her outstanding form at the CPEDI3* during the Covalliero Dressage Days. Riding her Paris Paralympic partner Diamond Dunes, she claimed her second victory of the weekend in the “Bruns & Stamp Pferdezucht Prize” Grade II Grand Prix test B while setting a new personal best of 80.833%. To complete an exceptional day, she also finished second aboard her exciting young horse Ferguston with 75.889%.
The result marked Diamond Dunes’ first international competition in more than a year. The 13-year-old gelding by De L’Or, owned by Hof Kasselmann and Dressage Family LLC, picked up exactly where he had left off. Howard’s previous personal best of 80.444% had been achieved earlier this year at the Global Dressage Festival in Florida aboard teammate Kate Shoemaker’s mare Vianne. Despite the record-breaking score, Howard admitted she was simply grateful to be back in the saddle. After her last surgery she spent four weeks in a cast. Once that was removed she returned straight back to Hof Kasselmann to continue training and preparing for the FEI World Championships.
You set another personal best today. How did the test feel?
“Yesterday, when I rode into the arena, he just felt so good and completely with me. I only had surgery on my legs five weeks ago, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect. He really tried his heart out yesterday and that gave me so much confidence for today. He’s such a special horse and he doesn’t owe me anything. Every time we go into the arena, I simply want to enjoy the ride. He listens to me, carries me through the test and he’s truly a one-in-a-million horse.”
You seem to come back from every setback even stronger.
“The last 18 months have been incredibly tough. I’ve had several major surgeries, but I’ve also learned so much and grown as both a person and an athlete. I couldn’t have done any of this without my support team. They’ve worked so hard to help me through every setback, adapting my training and helping both me and the horses. Coming back after surgery is never easy, so I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done.”
You also finished second with eight-year-old Ferguston.
“He’s been incredible. This is only his third international show this year and he’s just getting better every single time. I’m really excited about his future.”
Which horse will you ride in Sunday’s Grade II Freestyle?
“Ferguston. I really wanted him to gain the experience, so I’m excited to ride the Freestyle with him tomorrow.”
Looking ahead to the FEI World Championships, would Diamond Dunes be your first choice?
“I think the scores tell their own story, but ultimately it’s not my decision. That’s up to our selectors. Of course, Diamond Dunes has already proven himself as a championship horse, but I’d be honoured to represent the United States in Aachen on whichever horse I’m selected with.”
Photo: Fiona Howard (USA) and Diamond Dunes © Foto Rüchel