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My name is Caitlyn and I am a 16 year old para dressage rider. I compete nationally and internationally as a grade 1 rider. My main disability is Friedreich’s Ataxia which is a progressive neuromuscular condition that is both very rare and genetic.

I started riding after I was diagnosed in 2012. It was initially a recommendation from the physio but then I went to watch the Para Dressage at the Paralympics. It was then where I decided that I was going to be a Para Dressage rider and go to the Paralympics too. I had big ambitions at 11 years old didn’t I!

I was under no illusions that it was not going to be easy but I knew it would be worth it.

I didn’t compete much in the beginning but was successful in what I did. I gained a place on the BEF Entry programme in 2014 on borrowed ponies and gained a place on the BEF Excel Talent programme in 2015-17 on a pony that my trainer found for me who later became my own. I was re-selected in 2017-19 on the same pony and a new horse.

I have a 14hh cob pony called Percy who was found for me by my trainer, Olivia (Libby) Voce. He was the pony who took me from grassroots to competing internationally. Together, we went to our first international competition last year and brought home the Grade 1, 1* titles and I became the highest performing under 16 rider. He is now 20 years old and is still the life and soul of the party and is definitely the most famous member of #teamcaitlyn but has now taken on the role of companion/friendly horse for my newest horse.

My newest horse is a 16hh, 12 year old German warmblood called Dreamallo – or Remy to his friends! He has only just started his competitive career and he is doing well. He didn’t come from a dressage background so this lifestyle is completely new to him. We think he has an exciting future in the sport and can’t wait to see what the future brings.

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