Caitlin towards Rio Paralympics
Donation protected
In 2012 I was diagnosed withChronic Juvinille Arthritis after a extreme attack that landed me in the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne, and Hypothyroidism. Two years later I competed at the Interschools Nationals in Perth, WA on a borrowed horse and was instructed by Paralympian Sharon Jarvis. Sharon was a real insparation to me and I can't thank her enough for all of her support. At the Victorian Dressage Festival in 2013 I had my first Para-Equestrian grading. We did not think that I would qualify, but then we received the email saying that the arthritis had so affected my mobility that I was classified at Grade IV. This was a huge shock. We spoke to Sharon who was also competing there and we quickly turned the situation around and I realised that this could be my chance to represent my country doing what I love.
March 2014, I purchased my current pony 'Boy' with the money that I had saved up for my first car. He has been the biggest learning curve that I have had and he has taken me from novice/prelim to medium level dressage. We then competed at Interschools Nationals and then onto the Australian Dressage National Championship where I competed in my first Para-Equestrian competition. We placed with 2 firsts and 1 second, and National Grade IV Para Champion. Then in December we went back over to Victoria to compete in the Dressage Festival and won the Victorian Grade IV Para-Equestrian Championship.
In January 2015 I competed in my first FEI event at the Boneo Classic CPEDI 3*. This was an amzing opportunity and I meet some more of the amzing and supportive para riders and they were more then happy to give me tips and answer any questions that Mum and I had. Boy was firing on all cylinders and we came away with 2 seconds and a third. Following on from this amazing first season as a Para Athlete I was named on the Australia Futures Squad. We owe this greatly to my pony 'Boy'.
Then most recently was the Sydney CDI where I competed on two borrowed horses; Ma Bella Ami and Absolute Indulgence. I can't thank Annie and Pip enough for letting borrow their amazing horses! The first two days was taken up by squad clinic and I had two great lessons with Lone Joergensen. Bella came seond in both tests and Indy came third in both tests and the whole trip was an amazing success.
The first person that I would like to thank is Susan Elekessey! She is the most amazing human being who is not only the best coach, but is also like a sister to me. Also to my Mum, Dad and my brother for always supporting me and allowing me to achive all of the amazing dreams that have happened so far. To the rest of my family and friends whether they are horsey or not you have all been amazing and I could not do it without you! Also to all of my previous coaches who have played a huge part in getting me to where I am today. To Equestrain Australia and all of the hard working people that are behind all of the amazing competitions and selections of these events I can't thankyou all enough for all of the work and time that you spend on giving people the opportunity of a lifetime!
Hartpury has been my first goal since I was graded as a Para Athlete and now my dream is coming true, representing Australia Internationally! Any donation towards supporting my dreams no matter how big or small is extremlely and gratefully appreciated.
March 2014, I purchased my current pony 'Boy' with the money that I had saved up for my first car. He has been the biggest learning curve that I have had and he has taken me from novice/prelim to medium level dressage. We then competed at Interschools Nationals and then onto the Australian Dressage National Championship where I competed in my first Para-Equestrian competition. We placed with 2 firsts and 1 second, and National Grade IV Para Champion. Then in December we went back over to Victoria to compete in the Dressage Festival and won the Victorian Grade IV Para-Equestrian Championship.
In January 2015 I competed in my first FEI event at the Boneo Classic CPEDI 3*. This was an amzing opportunity and I meet some more of the amzing and supportive para riders and they were more then happy to give me tips and answer any questions that Mum and I had. Boy was firing on all cylinders and we came away with 2 seconds and a third. Following on from this amazing first season as a Para Athlete I was named on the Australia Futures Squad. We owe this greatly to my pony 'Boy'.
Then most recently was the Sydney CDI where I competed on two borrowed horses; Ma Bella Ami and Absolute Indulgence. I can't thank Annie and Pip enough for letting borrow their amazing horses! The first two days was taken up by squad clinic and I had two great lessons with Lone Joergensen. Bella came seond in both tests and Indy came third in both tests and the whole trip was an amazing success.
The first person that I would like to thank is Susan Elekessey! She is the most amazing human being who is not only the best coach, but is also like a sister to me. Also to my Mum, Dad and my brother for always supporting me and allowing me to achive all of the amazing dreams that have happened so far. To the rest of my family and friends whether they are horsey or not you have all been amazing and I could not do it without you! Also to all of my previous coaches who have played a huge part in getting me to where I am today. To Equestrain Australia and all of the hard working people that are behind all of the amazing competitions and selections of these events I can't thankyou all enough for all of the work and time that you spend on giving people the opportunity of a lifetime!
Hartpury has been my first goal since I was graded as a Para Athlete and now my dream is coming true, representing Australia Internationally! Any donation towards supporting my dreams no matter how big or small is extremlely and gratefully appreciated.
Organizer
Caitlin Radford
Organizer
Bakers Beach, TAS