Kaitlynn Lappan of Kingston, ON has been selected as the successful recipient of the 2025 Bridging the Gap Training Bursary with five-time Paralympian Lauren Barwick.
Make a Wish
Lappan, 29, is an identical twin with an extraordinary connection to horses. Her journey began when she was just four years old, after receiving a life-changing wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her wish was simple: a horse. The foundation granted her request, and she received Spot, a beautiful leopard Appaloosa. Spot was more than just a horse; he became her teacher. Through him, Kaitlynn learned the essential skills of horse care, grooming, and riding, while also navigating the challenges that came with Spot’s medical issues. These challenges deepened her understanding of what it truly means to be a responsible horse owner.
Her competitive riding journey didn’t start until she was 16, when she met a fellow horse enthusiast in high school. Persuading her parents to move Spot to a new stable, she attended her first competition at KR Stable near Toronto. It was here that she met Jamie-Ann Goodfellow from Equestrian Canada, who introduced her to the Para Dressage program. Kaitlynn’s passion grew quickly, and soon after, she traveled to Ottawa for classification, attending various symposiums and clinics to further her education in the sport.
One of the most memorable moments in Kaitlynn’s journey was attending a clinic with Canadian dressage legend Cindy Ishoy. Kaitlynn was starstruck, and the experience marked a pivotal point in her development as a rider. Cindy became a vital mentor, providing coaching, training, and unwavering support at competitions, helping Kaitlynn navigate the competitive world of Para Dressage.
Over the years, Kaitlynn faced numerous medical and personal challenges, including a devastating reclassification after suffering multiple strokes. Her sixth stroke left her paralyzed and blind, stripping away her ability to recognize loved ones or speak. The recovery process was grueling, compounded by the loss of her beloved heart horse, Kirriemuir, to cancer shortly before the stroke. His passing deepened her depression, and the road to recovery became even more difficult. Kaitlynn was forced to relearn basic skills - walking, talking, and riding - knowing that walking might no longer be an option. Yet, in the midst of this hardship, she held onto the memory of Kirriemuir, who had always been her source of strength in facing medical setbacks. She believed with all her heart that he was waiting for her to fight back.
Healing Power of Horses
Kaitlynn is deeply moved by the healing power of horses and remains forever grateful to Cindy Ishoy for introducing her to Kirriemuir and to Christina Sorba for entrusting her with him. As someone living with disabilities, Kaitlynn understands the significant investment that horses require, often relying on the generosity of others to be blessed with an equine partner.
In 2020, a magical new chapter began with the arrival of Satinka (or "Tink"), a remarkable mare that would become Kaitlynn’s new partner. Satinka’s owner and breeder, Raphaela Blum, was seeking a rider for her due to illness. Kaitlynn and her sister Kourteney took on the challenge, training Tink in Wellington, Florida.
Though the initial process was tough, they made significant strides with the guidance of Jacqueline Brooks. Tink proved to be an exceptional mare, known for her impressive movement and remarkable trainability. She has earned several prestigious accolades, including the Oldenburg Premium Mare status, the N.A. Star Award for conformation, movement, and performance, as well as the CWHBA premium mare award.
Since 2017, Kaitlynn has worked closely with Denielle Gallagher. From mucking stalls to intense training, Denielle has been an invaluable mentor, instilling a strong work ethic and high expectations in them. Kaitlynn often reflects on how Denielle’s mentorship has shaped her growth, both as a rider and as a person.
Kaitlynn’s journey is one of resilience, unwavering dedication, and a profound love for horses. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles and finding strength in unexpected places. With the support of mentors, teammates, and, of course, her horses, Kaitlynn continues to defy the odds, inspiring others to do the same.
Kaitlynn’s goal with Lauren is to focus on test accuracy, impulsion, and how to effectively showcase transitions, particularly in the walk requirements. “It’s such a privilege to be awarded this bursary, and the opportunity to work with Lauren is truly an honor,” said Kaitlynn. “I’m excited to learn from her—she’s such an icon in the sport, a member of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, and a multiple medalist in the Paralympics. I aspire to follow in her footsteps and embrace every opportunity and success with my mare, Satinka.”
Clive Milkins, EC’s para dressage High Performance Technical Advisor, commented: "This is an exciting new development for the Bridging the Gap bursary, with Kaitlynn being the first Grade I athlete to receive the grant. Her hard work and dedication have elevated her scores and competition performances to an impressive level, making her a truly deserving recipient."
"I'm excited to offer this opportunity for the fourth time to our developing riders,” said Lauren Barwick. “Five exceptional individuals applied for the Bursary, and our advisory team faced the tough decision of selecting just one. My dream would be to offer this opportunity to all of them. Bridging the Gap Horsemanship, located in Ocala, Florida, provides many chances for riders to gain invaluable experience. As a long-standing member of Team Canada, I'm fortunate to share my experiences and knowledge with others. I’m really looking forward to spending two weeks with Kaitlynn Lappan and helping her on her journey to potentially becoming a successful member of Team Canada’s international competition team in the future."
About the Bridging the Gap Training Bursary with Lauren Barwick
The purpose of the ‘Bridging the Gap Training Bursary’ is to develop the next generation of Canadian Para Dressage athletes. Throughout the week, the chosen athlete receives expert instruction on a variety of horsemanship topics in addition to intensive training sessions.
Barwick, Canada’s most decorated Para-Dressage athlete with two Paralympic Games and two World Equestrian Games medals to her credit joined forces with EC to provide this unique training and development opportunity to Canada’s next generation of Paralympic athletes.
Selected athletes receive two weeks (5 lessons per week) of private training with Barwick in Ocala, Florida, accommodations, horse board, and a $5,000 financial bursary to support with transport and meal expenses.