Singapore’s Equestrian Stars: Gemma Foo and Laurentia Tan Shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Dressage, often described as a dance between an athlete and their horse, is a discipline that requires immense skill, precision, and a deep bond between rider and steed. For Singaporean equestrienne Gemma Foo, this dance has been a significant part of her life, especially as she navigates the challenges of competing at the highest levels of para-equestrian sport. Recently, Foo had to retire her partnership with her long-time horse, Cassis Royal, marking a pivotal moment in her career. This transition was not just a change of horse but a shift in her competitive journey as she prepares for the Paris Paralympics, where she will compete in both the dressage individual and team events.

Since ending her partnership with Cassis Royal three years ago, Foo has been riding Banestro, a horse owned by one of her teammates. Over these years, Foo and Banestro have developed a strong relationship, characterized by an intricate understanding of each other’s signals and cues. Banestro, described as a very sweet horse with a fondness for carrots and treats, has become an integral part of Foo’s training regimen. The bond they share is evident in their performances, which are marked by a seamless synchronization that is crucial in dressage competitions.

Working with a new horse can be a daunting task, often taking years to develop the necessary rapport and mutual understanding. Foo is currently training a seven-year-old mare named Mona Lisa, who, despite her young age, shows great promise. The hope is to showcase Mona Lisa’s talents in the coming years, adding another dimension to Foo’s competitive repertoire. The training routine is rigorous, involving daily sessions with only a few days of rest before competitions. This strict regimen ensures that both rider and horse are in peak condition, ready to perform the precise movements required in dressage.

Dressage, derived from the French word for training, involves a series of precise movements executed by a trained horse in response to subtle signals from its rider. Riders are judged on their control over the horse’s pace and bearing, making it a sport that demands both physical and mental acuity. For Foo, who has spastic quadriplegia, the journey into dressage began as a form of therapy when she started riding at the age of eight with the Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore. This therapeutic activity soon evolved into a passion, leading her to transition to para-dressage and compete in her first competition in 2008.

Foo made her Paralympic debut in 2012 and is now gearing up for her fourth Paralympics in Paris. Her preparation for the games included training in Germany alongside her teammates, Paralympic medallist Laurentia Tan and Hilary Su. This international training experience has been invaluable, providing Foo with exposure to different training techniques and competitive environments. For the Paris games, Foo will be riding Banestro in the individual and team events in Grade I, aiming to qualify for the finals and compete to the music of her choice, which will be a highlight of her career.

Laurentia Tan, another stalwart of Singapore’s para-equestrian team, has also made significant strides at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. At 45, Tan qualified for the finals after achieving a score of 72.000 in the grade I individual event, placing fifth. Her performance secured her a spot in the individual freestyle event, where she will have the opportunity to showcase her artistic expression through a choreographed routine set to music. Tan’s journey in para-equestrian sport is marked by numerous accolades, including becoming the first Asian woman to win a medal in equestrian sport at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Tan’s success is not just measured by her medals but also by her dedication to her teammates and the sport. She arrived early at the competition venue to support her teammate Hilary Su during her debut event, demonstrating her selflessness and commitment to the team. Tan’s presence had a calming effect on her teammates, particularly Su, who faced the pressures of competing on such a grand stage for the first time. This camaraderie and mutual support are hallmarks of the Singapore para-equestrian team, contributing to their collective strength and resilience.

In the team event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Gemma Foo, Laurentia Tan, and Hilary Su represented Singapore with distinction. Their combined score of 198.108 earned them a 15th place finish, a commendable achievement given the high level of competition. The team event required each athlete to perform a set of predetermined movements, with their scores contributing to the overall team score. Despite facing challenges such as larger crowds and the heat, the team remained focused and delivered solid performances.

Gemma Foo, in her fourth Paralympic appearance, scored 69.750 with Banestro, improving on her previous scores and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent Singapore once again. Hilary Su, in her debut, contributed a score of 55.066 with her horse Gambler, navigating the complexities of the competition with poise. Laurentia Tan, with her vast experience, improved her individual event score to 73.292 in the team event, showcasing her consistent excellence in the sport.

The individual freestyle event, scheduled for September 7th, will see Tan and her horse Coco (Hickstead) perform a routine set to music. This event holds special significance for Tan, as two of her four Paralympic medals were won in this discipline. To enhance her performance, Tan will use a haptic vest to feel and interpret the music, overcoming the challenges posed by her cerebral palsy and profound deafness. She hopes to end her Paris experience on a high note, adding another chapter to her illustrious career.

As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games progress, the performances of Gemma Foo and Laurentia Tan continue to inspire and captivate audiences. Their dedication to their sport, their unwavering commitment to their teammates, and their ability to overcome personal challenges are testaments to their resilience and passion. Both athletes have not only advanced the cause of para-equestrian sport in Singapore but have also set a high standard for future generations of athletes.

The journey of these equestriennes is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sport. From therapeutic beginnings to the grand stage of the Paralympic Games, their stories are a celebration of human spirit and determination. As they compete in Paris, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their nation, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with courage and tenacity. The legacy of Gemma Foo and Laurentia Tan will undoubtedly continue to influence and shape the landscape of para-equestrian sport for years to come.