Caitriona Murphy

RIDERS at this weekend’s rescheduled Sydney International Horse Trials will pause for a minute’s silence in memory of 19-year-old Caitlyn Fischer who was tragically killed in a cross-country fall at the competition seven days ago.

The rider and her horse Ralphie fell at the second fence on the one-star track. Fischer received urgent medical attention from the on-course paramedic and doctor but unfortunately could not be revived.

Her death came just weeks after 17-year-old Olivia Inglis died in another cross-country accident in New South Wales in early March.

Her family, mother Ailsa Carr, father Mark Fischer and brother Kristofer released a statement saying they were overwhelmed by the support they had received.

It read: “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.”

The Sydney International Horse Trials, which was abandoned following the accident, resumed yesterday, Friday, to allow senior Australian riders to gain their Olympic qualification for Rio 2016.

Equestrian Australia chair Judy Fasher said Fischer’s mother Ailsa Carr told her that her daughter would have wanted the competition to go on.

“She wanted all of the riders, the volunteers and event organisers to know that Caitlyn’s family absolutely endorsed the decision for events to go ahead and that it was her feeling that it would have been Caitlyn’s wish as well,” Ms Fasher said.