Catherine’s love for horses began at just eight years old thanks to a teacher who encouraged her to try Riding for the Disabled (RDA). She’s never looked back!
With the support of RDA, Pony Club and The Riding Patch, Catherine has achieved so much. She’s grateful for the mentors who have guided her—including Mary Longden, Kathy Angel, Di Keach, Fiona Muir, Sue Vincent and Amber Pyle who have helped her grow as a rider.
She draws inspiration from Para Athlete Noella Angel as well as many others throughout Australia. She has had the opportunity to compete on Noella’s horse Jackabite aka ‘Junior,’ at local, state and national levels.
Catherine acknowledges that her mother Sarah, and her coaching team of Mary Longden, Esther Stibbard and Kathy Angel have nurtured and developed her progress, and as a result, she has experienced amazing opportunities that she truly values.
Key Achievements:
- 2017 RDA Nationals in Victoria
- 2018 Special Olympics
- 2019 RDA Nationals in Victoria
- 2019 Completed Year 12 SACE
- 2020 Studied and completed Animal Husbandry
- 2020 Completed a Traineeship
- 2021/22 Stable hand at The Riding Patch
- 2023 to Current – Stable hand for MacMillan Racing
- 2024 Selected to represent Australia in the Virtus Open European Equestrian Championships in the UK
- 2025 Selected to represent Australia in the Virtus World Equestrian Championships in the UK
Future Goals:
- 2027 Attend the Global Games in Egypt
- Compete in the Paralympics
Why We Sponsor Catherine
Catherine is a passionate and dedicated equestrian, whose life revolves around her love of horses. Her hard work, joyful spirit, and humble nature make her a truly inspiring person. She’s always smiling, genuinely grateful, and brings a positive energy to everything she does.
We’re especially proud to stand beside Catherine as she champions Virtus Equestrian sports on local, national, and international stages. Her dream of seeing Virtus Equestrian included in the Paralympics is one we share wholeheartedly.
It’s easy to see why so many are in her corner. We’re thrilled to join her incredible support team—including her generous employer MacMillan Racing, Compass Feeds, Racing SA Off The Track Program, The Riding Patch, Equine Pathways Australia, and many others—as she continues her journey.