Fiona Howard

Fiona Howard (born December 14, 1998) is an American para equestrian. She competes in Grade II para dressage.

Early life and education

Howard was born to an American mother and British father in England, and was raised in London. Starting when she was 11 and continuing into her teenage years, she faced a number of health problems. Issues with her bones inhibited walking. Her digestive system was impacted by bouts of scarlet fever and Lyme disease, resulting in the permanent use of a feeding tube. Howard immigrated to the United States in 2016 while pursuing medical treatment at Boston Children's Hospital.

She entered Northeastern University in 2017, and graduated in 2021 with a degree in psychology.

Career

Howard began riding at age three, joining Pony Club age age four. As a child, she competed in reining. At age 14, Howard represented Great Britain at the 2013 FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders. She returned to the competition in 2016.

Following time away from the sport due to health issues, Howard resumed riding in college. She began competing in para dressage in 2021. In 2022 she competed as a Grade II para dressage athlete at the FEI Perrigo CPEDI3* at the Tryon Summer Dressage. In 2023 she and her horse, Jagger, came second in the Grade II event at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week 3 CPEDI3*.

Howard was named to the United States Paralympic equestrian team in July 2024. She is scheduled to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics with mount Diamond Dunes, whom she has worked with since early 2024.

Since 2022 she has trained in Wellington, Florida with fellow para equestrian Kate Shoemaker. She also trains in Germany in the spring and summer.

Personal life

Howard lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Outside of riding, she works remotely at Boston Children's Hospital as a clinical cardiac research assistant.

She was diagnosed with dystonia at age 19, and uses both crutches and wheelchair. She has a service dog named Elvis.