Caitlyn Fischer’s Family: ‘Horses Loved Her and She Loved Them’

Caitlyn Fischer and Ralphie, taken April 2016. Photo by Stephen Mowbray Photography.

Caitlyn Fischer and Ralphie, taken April 2016. Photo by Stephen Mowbray Photography.

Caitlyn Fischer’s family has released a statement following her death on Saturday, April 30, while competing in the CCI* at Sydney International Horse Trials.

Tragically, 19-year-old Caitlyn, of Victoria, Australia, fell at fence two on cross country with Ralphie, her 12-year-old Thoroughbred cross gelding. She received urgent medical attention by the on-course paramedic and doctor but was unable to be revived. Ralphie did not sustain any serious injuries.

The statement, written by her mother Ailsa Carr, father Mark Fischer and brother Kristofer Fischer, reads:

“Our daughter and sister Caitlyn was a gifted, spirited and quietly determined young woman. Always striving to do her best, Caitlyn was an exemplary school student and disciplined horse rider. Caitlyn’s horses loved her and she loved them in return.

For Caitlyn it was never about the ribbons or accolades, in fact she had a dislike for having her name or photograph in the paper. For Caitlyn, the aim was always to improve on her last performance and she was fortunate to work with some phenomenal coaches through her riding career.

The main boy in her life was her best friend Ralphie and as a family we were so proud of the dedication that Caitlyn showed her horses. Even during her final year of school Caitlyn would wake at 4:30 every morning to make sure ‘Ralph’ was exercised and fed. We are pleased that Ralphie did not sustain any serious injuries and will be able to return home soon.

Our hearts are aching for our daughter and we have been overwhelmed by the support extended to us from members of our extended family, the horse riding and school communities.”

Caitlyn and Ralphie started competing at the one-star level last year, completing five CIC* competitions in all. They most recently finished seventh in the CIC* at Equestriad Australia.

Caitlyn will be cremated at a private ceremony, and a service celebrating her life well be held in Bairnsdale in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, at a time and date to be announced.

The EN team continues to send our condolences to Caitlyn’s family, friends and all who knew and loved her. Our thoughts are also with the Australian eventing community, who have suffered another terrible loss so soon after losing 17-year-old Olivia Inglis on March 5.

[Caitlyn Fischer Dies at Sydney International Horse Trials]