Louise Duncan

I have my own hair salon Louise Duncan Hair Design based in Levin where I work full time . I was born into a horsey family – Mum is an ESNZ Coach and FEI level rider while Dad is a farrier, I rode before could walk. I went through the Pony Club system and was Captain for 4 times of the 7 times I represented Manawatu-West Coast at the NZPCA Dressage Championships.

I have been lucky enough to ride a number of fantastic horses and ponies. My parents broke in my first hack Witzana, which I took through to Level 5 before taking on the ride of my mums Grand Prix horse and competing him at FEI level dressage.

At 17 I contracted meningococcal meningitis which left me paralysed and unable to speak I also suffered from a series of strokes.  After an intensive rehabilitation programme at Palmerston North Hospital, I was considered a “miracle” and later resumed riding dressage in both able-bodied events and para as a classified Grade IV Para Equestrian.

My most exciting achievements have been being shortlisted for Tokyo Paralympic Games after winning regional, national titles on Wolkenstein BC, Don Ivanno  and Northern Ivanthus including Horse of the Year and NZ Dressage Nationals and North Island Championships. Just before COVID saw everything go on hold, I took Wolkenstein BC to Australia and captured The Queensland State Championship and secured a Certificate of Capability for NZ at Tokyo and adding the international title to our list of achievements.

In 2020 I was a member of the 4 man New Zealand team to ride Northern Ivanthus in the FEI World Dressage Challenge at Inter I level, which New Zealand went on to win.

My newest team member is Showcase BC who is half brother to Wolkenstein BC.  I am very excited for our future together and hoping to head to Australia to compete later this year .

My favourite products for our team are - Cortaflex Super Fenn, BLS Super Strength, Apple Lytes.  Pro-pell, Uls-Gard, Fungatrol Hoof Dressing,

My team and I are hugely appreciative of the support from Equine America NZ. The health of my team is one of my biggest priorities, so feeding them quality products that work is very important so that they can perform at their best at all times.