In the high-performance world of para-dressage, where precision and partnership reign supreme, one newcomer has trotted straight into the spotlight. Meet Diamond Dunes, the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding (De L’Or—Wibella, Wolkentanz) who is redefining what it means to be a champion. Owned by Hof Kasselmann and Dressage Family LLC and piloted by Fiona Howard, “Dunes” has become an undeniable force in the arena—and an absolute character in the barn.

Despite being a relatively new duo, Fiona and Dunes shot to stardom by clinching three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, helping the U.S. win its historic first team gold in para-dressage as well as earning individual glory in the Grade II Grand Prix freestyle and individual tests.

Their success didn’t stop there. In 2025, they represented the United States at the CPEDI3* during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) 9 show, leading their team to victory and smashing the FEI Grade II Grand Prix Freestyle world record with a score of 83.26%.

Beyond his jaw-dropping scores and world-class performances, Dunes has a personality as big as his talent. Let’s dive into the quirks that make him truly one-of-a-kind:

The Tongue Of Champions

If sticking out one’s tongue was an Olympic sport, Dunes would take home another gold. When he’s feeling bored—or just plain cheeky—he lets it flop out of his mouth and waves it around like a victory flag. 

“In Paris, he was just hanging his head over the stall door, tongue flapping around,” Fiona recalled with a laugh. “He makes everyone laugh. That tongue reaches to his ear!”

Not A Horse’s Horse

Dunes isn’t exactly a social butterfly—at least, not with other horses. While he’ll tolerate their company, he’s largely unimpressed. That is, except for two pint-sized Quarter Horse mares living at a neighbor’s farm who seem to have stolen his heart. Meanwhile, he completely ignores his barn mate, fellow Paris Paralympic triple gold medalist Floratina.

“He walks straight past her, but those 13.2-hand ponies?” Although Fiona reminds him he’s a gelding, it’s still a total love affair with those little ladies. 

Devoted To His People

Dunes doesn’t just like people—he chooses them. Once you’re in his inner circle, you’re in for life. But earning his trust takes time. 

“He was super skeptical of his farrier at first,” Fiona recalls. But then Dunes realized the farrier always has treats, “and now he just stands in the crossties.” If he trusts you, he’ll follow you anywhere—even past the scariest of obstacles.

The Lap Horse

Despite his big, powerful frame, Dunes has the soul of a lap dog.

“If I sit in his stall, he just puts his head in my lap and stays there,” Fiona said. And it’s not just her—he recently walked up to Floratina’s rider, Rebecca Hart, while she was on her scooter and plopped his head in her lap, demanding attention. Who needs personal space when you’ve got a 1,200-pound cuddle bug?

A Snack (And Drink) Enthusiast

Carrots? Yes. Apples? Absolutely. Your iced tea? Also fair game.

“You have to be careful with iced teas,” Fiona warned. “He’ll drink them out of the cup.” 

If you have a snack in your hand, just accept that you’re obligated to share. 

The Dance Floor Is His Domain

For Dunes, music isn’t just background noise—it’s fuel.

“He’d rather go around with music blasting at full volume than in silence,” Fiona said. Without it, he’s distracted, but as soon as the beat drops, he locks in and delivers. His freestyle choreography—originally meant for Fiona’s other horse, Jagger—ended up suiting Dunes so perfectly that people thought it was designed just for him.

Unshakable Confidence

When Dunes stepped into the stadium at the Palace of Versailles, Fiona wasn’t sure how he’d react. He had only competed in three shows before the Paris Paralympics, and they’d only been a team for 10 months. But Dunes? He strutted in like he owned the place—er, palace. 

“He was like, ‘Look at me!’ ” Fiona recalled. “I never felt nervous because he gave me so much confidence. He fights for his person, no matter what.”

A Walk To Remember

Dunes’ ground-covering walk is one of his biggest strengths. But his trot? That’s an acquired taste.

“When I first rode him, it was so uncomfortable,” Fiona admitted. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage it.” 

But as their partnership grew, so did his trot—it transformed into a beautifully rideable gait. Now, anytime someone new gets on him, they immediately comment on how uncomfortable it is. Fiona just smiles and tells them, “Give it time.”

From his goofy antics to his gold-medal performances, Diamond Dunes is more than just a champion; he’s a character. His journey with Fiona Howard proves that talent, trust and a little bit of tongue-wagging can take you all the way to the top. And as they continue their meteoric rise, one thing is for sure: Dunes will always do things his way—one goofy grin at a time.