The Tribute Arena
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Caitlin
Parker Ben-Dror
November 21, 1985 - November 20, 2004
By Whitney Adams
On November 20, 2004 the
life of one of the most dedicated young riders was taken in a car accident.
One day shy of 19 Caitlin Parker Ben-Dror was on her way to the barn she
grew up in to see her mother for her birthday. Cait was living in Ringoes,
NJ working with Dr. Cesar Perra. She grew up living, breathing, eating and
sleeping dressage. When she heard music, she'd put together freestyles in
her head. She achieved such goals as 2001 CAMDA Rider of The Year, 2002 4th
level Young Rider high score of the year, and 2003 BLM 4th level Junior
Young Rider Champion. In 2004 she competed in a national championship,
Dressage at Devon, on her horse Navarro.
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Cait
on Oscar |
Graduation |
But what she accomplished in the ring was no
comparison to what impacts she made outside of competition. She was a
teacher, a friend, a student and a daughter. She was the most wonderful
person. She taught young children to ride their first horse. She was a
friend when you needed her most, on trail rides and around the barn she'd
listen to all your problems. She was a wonderful student and a quick
learner. No one could pick up a new skill as quickly as she could. Most of
all she was a daughter, to Maragret and Michael. But to every other adult
who knew her, she was their one "adopted daughter". She brought
light into everyone's life around her. Her joy spread into others like
wildfire.
She graduated from Susquehannock High School as an accomplished student. She
lettered in Choir. She kept herself busy with school and work around the
barn, always. Although she had her good times in school, she just couldn't
wait to get out and jump start her riding career. Nothing was more important
to her than her horses.
Cait was a skilled trainer, but touched people she hardly knew. So many
people looked up to her. She had more motivation and self discipline than
anyone could dream of having. Her ambition alone could have sent her to the
top. None of us will ever forget her. She will mark our hearts forever.
Never will she be forgotten.
"Champions do not
become so in the ring, they are merely recognized there."
If you'd like to do
something to help out everyone in Cait's memory please make any sort of
contribution to the memorial scholarship that was set up in Cait's name. It
gives other young riders the chance to live out their dreams the way she had
always wanted to. Please send contributions to Carl Asmis Memorial Dressage
Association (CAMDA), c/o Theresa Cain, 101 Stone Mill Road, Hummelstown, PA
17036.
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