In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Northeastern graduate Fiona Howard and her horse, Diamond Dunes, swept the para dressage events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing three gold medals in her debut performance.
Howard, who only began riding para dressage three years ago, showcased extraordinary talent and composure, culminating in a stunning victory in the Grade II freestyle dressage event with a personal best score of 81.994%. Set to music from the “Avatar” film soundtrack, the pair’s performance was praised for its smoothness, elegance, and overall harmony.
The freestyle win followed two previous gold medals: one in the individual Grade II para dressage event and another as part of Team USA, marking the nation’s first-ever team medal in Paralympic equestrian history. Howard’s individual score of 80.000% in the team event was not only a personal best but also the highest individual score across any para dressage event at the Games up to that point.
Howard’s journey to Paralympic triumph is nothing short of inspiring. Diagnosed with dystonia, a neurological disorder affecting muscle control, at the age of 19, she spent years battling health challenges and undergoing treatment. Despite facing significant physical limitations, Howard’s passion for horses never wavered.
After a near-death experience during her time at Northeastern University, Howard resolved to return to riding. With unwavering determination, she relearned how to ride, adapting to her body’s new limitations. Her partnership with Diamond Dunes, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, blossomed, and together they ascended to the top of the para dressage world.
Howard’s success underscores the power of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit. Her extraordinary achievements in Paris serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals facing challenges, proving that with passion and dedication, anything is possible.
