EQUESTRIAN WWW.AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
SPRING 2018
VAULTING Official Publication of the American Vaulting Association
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EQUESTRIAN
VAULTING
SPRING 2018
VOLUME 50, ISSUE 1
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION
10 CELEBRATING HISTORY
Upon the 50th anniversary of the AVA, we look back at the history of our sport.
by Amy McCune and Emily Esterson
12 OFF THE LUNGE: CROSS-TRAIN WITH CAVALLETTI
Improve your horse’s rhythm, regularity, balance, and more with these time-honored exercises. by Natalie Defee Mendik
18 INTERNATIONAL INTENSITY
Want to be prepared for your first CVI? Expect the unexpected. by Kim Beisecker
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 9
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From the Editor
3
Vaulting News
Knowledgeable advice on the competitive changes coming this year from our resident expert
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Calendar of Events
16
Featured Moment
6
US Equestrian News
22
Judge’s Corner
Caught on Camera Photos from Pacific Cup, Rocky Mountain CVI, Junior Worlds, and Nationals
ON OUR COVER Bridget Kiernan and Janie Salisbury won the bronze
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medal, pas de deux, at the FEI Junior World Championships, August 2017, Ebreichsdorf, Austria.
AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION
1443 E. Washington Blvd. #289, Pasadena, CA 91104 323-654-0800
EQUESTRIAN VAULTING MAGAZINE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION. It is published three times a year by E-Squared Editorial Services on behalf of the association. EDITOR, Emily Esterson emily@emilyesterson.com; ART DIRECTOR, Glenna Stocks glenna@e-squarededit.com; MANAGING EDITOR, Alissa Kinney Moe alissa@e-squarededit.com. Send comments, suggestions, questions, ideas to evmcontributions@gmail.com. For information on advertising rates, contact andreaselch@earthlink.net. For address changes, go to www.americanvaulting.org/members/memberservices and click on Membership Updates to make the change. If you are having problems receiving your copy of the magazine or wish to receive additional copies, contact the AVA National Office (ph. 323-654-0800 or email info@americanvaulting.org). No part of this publication may be reproduced either in whole or part without written permission. Copyright by American Vaulting Association 2018. AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
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AVA VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Effective January 1, 2018 EDITORIAL BOARD
CHAIR, Andrea Selch DirectorMembership@americanvaulting.org EDUCATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS, Carolyn Bland vpeducation@americanvaulting.org
Launching Into a New Sport
TECHNICAL, Kendel Edmunds DirectorEducation@americanvaulting.org AVA VISION, Kathy Ray president@americanvaulting.org EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS ROB KORNACKI
T
HE ONE THING I LOVE MOST about being a professional magazine editor is the opportunity to be constantly learning. You see, I’m a lifelong student: holder of too many degrees, obsessive taker of lessons (from dressage to jumping to music), reader of many books. I first saw vaulting at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, where I was a correspondent for several national horse magazines. Little did I know then that I’d be editing a magazine about the sport in another WEG year. I’ve already learned so much since taking over EVM a few short months ago. This issue covers new rules for the 2019 competition season, tips for success at your first CVI, and a glimpse at the triumphs of vaulters around the United States. The truth is, I love niche magazines: these laser-focused and well-loved publications provide a level of creativity in their content and presentation that general interest magazines lack. And they are so very reader-oriented. That’s where you come in—for all my decades (too many to count!) of experience editing and managing magazines, I’ll need your help and input. My editorial philosophy has always been that the magazine must speak to its readers. It has to be about their interests, their passions, their experiences. It doesn’t matter what I think—my role is to put it all together in a compelling way. But it very much matters what you think. I’ll be depending on you for your contributions and thoughts, your photos, and your article ideas. A bit about us: I’m a career magazine editor—nearly 30 years—and have worked at and contributed to national equestrian magazines, including Equus, Dressage Today, and Western Horseman. Right now, I also edit and manage the quarterly Covertside, the magazine of the national foxhunting association, and the program for The Event at Rebecca Farm, which last year hosted the North American Junior Young Rider Championships. Two other people work closely with me—Glenna Stocks, who is our art director and whose masterful skills are already at work on this issue, and Alissa Moe, organizer extraordinaire, whose official title is managing editor. Between the three of us, we have produced countless magazines. As your editor, I care deeply about what you think. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
AVA HISTORY, Linda Bibbler vpmembership@americanvaulting.org
PRESIDENT, Katherine Ray president@americanvaulting.org EXECUTIVE VP, Kelley Holly execvp@americanvaulting.org GENERAL SECRETARY, Jen Williams generalsecretary@americanvaulting.org TREASURER, Jill Hobby treasurer@americanvaulting.org VP COMPETITIONS, Katherine Ray, president@americanvaulting.org VP DEVELOPMENT, Connie Geisler vpdevelopment@americanvaulting.org VP EDUCATION, Carolyn Bland vpeducation@americanvaulting.org VP MEMBERSHIP, Linda Bibbler vpmembership@americanvaulting.org DIRECTORS COMPETITIONS DIRECTOR, Emma Seely DirectorCompetitions@americanvaulting.org EDUCATION DIRECTOR, Kendel Edmunds DirectorEducation@americanvaulting.org FUND RAISING DIRECTOR, Robin Bowman DirectorFundraising@americanvaulting.org INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR, Kristian Roberts DirectorIT@americanvaulting.org JUDGES PROGRAM /TECHNICAL COMMITTEE DIRECTOR, Kendel Edmunds DirectorTechnical@americanvaulting.org MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Gibran Stout DirectorMarkComm@americanvaulting.org MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR, Andrea Selch DirectorMembership@americanvaulting.org SAFETY & INSURANCE DIRECTOR, Dena Madden DirectorInsuranceSafety@americanvaulting.org VAULTING PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, Mikhail Proctor DirectorDevelopment@americanvaulting.org VOLUNTEERISM DIRECTOR, Barb Brooks DirectorVolunteerism@americanvaulting.org
Emily Esterson Editor
EDUCATION DIRECTOR, Michelle McLean DirectorEducation@americanvaulting.org
REGIONAL SUPERVISORS
NEW FEATURE: Your Best Shot! FOR THE JULY ISSUE: WE ARE SEEKING PHOTOS OF FREESTYLE LEAPS. Please send us your best high-resolution shots (set your phone to HDR). Include the name of the vaulter, the horse, the lunger, and the location. We’ll pick the best five and publish them in the magazine. Email them to: evmcontributions@gmail.com and put EVM, YOUR BEST SHOT in the subject line. See the following page for photo tips.
Region I, Brian Winther RSI@americanvaulting.org
Region V, Beth Whillock RSV@americanvaulting.org
Region II, Sue Smith RSII@americanvaulting.org
Region IX, Sarah Phelps RSIX@americanvaulting.org
Region III, Jayne Beebe RSIII@americanvaulting.org
Region X, Jane Egger RSX@americanvaulting.org
REGION IV, Nicole Collins RSIV@americanvaulting.org
FEI Vaulting Committee Member, Suzanne Detol sdetol@aol.com
USEF VAULTING SPORT COMMITTEE
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EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
Linda Bibbler lbibbler@gmail.com
Craig Coburn craigcoburn@me.com
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO EVM Interested in contributing photos to Equestrian Vaulting Magazine? Here’s what you need to know:
Interested in writing for Equestrian Vaulting Magazine? We welcome your contributions.
1) Your cell phone shots are rarely good enough for high-quality print. Although each new generation of cell phone improves camera capabilities, they still rarely produce the quality images we need for print magazines. Highresolution cell phone shots can be great for candids or small pictures. If you want to make your cell phone shots better, follow these instructions: Make sure you have the camera set to “HDR,” and get as close as you can to the action; zooming in too much will pixelate the photograph.
Send us a query letter, including a one to two paragraph summary of what you plan to write about, and why it is of interest to EVM readers. Email queries to evmcontributions@gmail.com
THE LAST CIRCLE |
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2) Large photos (a quarter page or more) must be “high res.” High res means high resolution. Basically, resolution is the density of the pixels in a digital image: the more pixels, the higher the definition of the photo. Print publications require that photos have a resolution of 300 ppi at actual size, or the size the photo will print. Pictures you grab off the web rarely work for print, but if it looks giant on your web browser, it might be OK for printing. 3) Bigger is better. You can tell higher resolution images by their bigger
EDITORIAL DEADLINES FOR 2018: Summer issue: Editorial and photographs due April 15 Fall/Winter issue: Editorial and photographs due September 1
file sizes. Any image file less than 1MB will probably not be much use for high-quality printing (unless it’s going to be very tiny). Don’t try to scale up a low-res photo. Alternately, you can look at the photo file specifications:
• On a Mac: open the file in “Preview.” Then go to “ Tools” and click “Show Inspector” to see the file size. • On a PC: right-click the image; a window will appear with resolution details.
All photo and article submissions should be emailed to
EVMCONTRIBUTIONS @GMAIL.COM Emily Esterson, EDITOR emily@emilyesterson.com
Glenna Stocks, ART DIRECTOR glenna@e-squarededit.com
Alissa Moe MANAGING EDITOR alissa@e-squarededit.com
4) Please label your photos thusly: vaulter name, event, photographer. For example: melanieford_rocky mountain_royfriesen.jpg
DOC, 1991–2018 from the United States and the only Belgian draft horse in the entire games. In 2015, Doc was inducted to the US Equestrian Vaulting (AVA) Hall of Fame. When not competing, Doc was also a lesson horse and a performance horse, teaching riders the sport of vaulting and dazzling audiences with his beauty and power. He was honored by the Certified Horsemanship Association in 2007 with their School Horse of the Year award. Always gentle, steady, and reliable, he has carried beginner vaulters, disabled vaulters, adult vaulters, and all levels of competitive canter vaulters. His spirit lives on in the confidence, joy, and trust he instilled in all his vaulters.
PRIMO PONIES
OC, THE BEAUTIFUL SORREL GELDING that brought the sport of equestrian vaulting to many, passed away peacefully at his longtime home, and with his family by his side, on January 13, 2018, at the age of 27. Doc was owned throughout his career by the Martonovich family of Golden, CO. Early on, he became a champion vaulting horse, carrying teams and pas de deux, as well as individual bronze, silver, and gold vaulters to competitions throughout the country. For the next 10 years, he competed in every National Championship, as well as the 2002 World Equestrian Games, where he had the honor of being the only vaulting horse
AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS LOS ANGELES EQUESTRIAN VAULTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
REGION IV MAYFEST
APRIL 7:
MAY 12–13:
Los Angeles, CA AVA recognized Close of Entries: 3/14/18 Contact: Abigail Herrera, herr23era03@yahoo.com
Eaton, CO AVA recognized Contact: Nicole Collins, equichance@gmail.com
VAULT INTO SPRING APRIL 13–15: Lynden, WA AVA / USEF recognized, WEG Selection Trial Close of Entries: 3/8/18 Contact: Jeannie Patterson, ppatte6193@aol.com
MOZART MEMORIAL APRIL 21–22: Sherwood, OR AVA / USEF recognized, WEG Selection Trial Close of Entries: 3/23/18 Contact: Lori Robison, lori@fourwindsrc.com
PACIFIC CUP CVI APRIL 27–29: Hollister, CA USEF / FEI recognized Close of Entries: 3/29/18 Contact: Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com
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GREAT FALLS AND TOPAZ VAULTERS SPRINGFEST MAY 12–13: Herndon, VA AVA / USEF recognized Close of Entries: 4/21/18 Contact: Marie Brigham, mlbrigham@aol.com
GARROD’S SPRING CLASSIC MAY 19–20: Saratoga, CA AVA / USEF recognized Close of Entries: 4/15/18 Contact: Christina Cagliostro, cmgcagliostro@yahoo.com
WOODSIDE FEST JUNE 9–10: Menlo Park, CA AVA / USEF recognized Close of Entries: 5/12/18 Contact: Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com
NORTHEAST WASHINGTON MOUNTAIN FEST
HEART OF THE ROCKIES AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUP CVI
MAY 5–6:
JUNE 20–24:
Spokane, WA AVA recognized Close of Entries: 4/4/18 Contact: Lori Robinson, Lori@fourwindsrc.com
Loveland, CO AVA / USEF / FEI recognized, WEG Selection Trial Close of Entries: 5/15/18 Contact: Robin Bowman, rockymtncupcvi@outlook.com
EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
CALENDAR OF EVENTS TAMBOURINE FEST
REGION III CHAMPIONSHIPS
JUNE 23–24:
JUNE 30–JULY 1:
Petaluma, CA AVA recognized Close of Entries: 5/23/18 Contact: Kelley Holly, tambourine-farm@att.net
Moses Lake, WA AVA /USEF recognized Contact: Lori Robison, lori@fourwindsrc.com
REGION II CHAMPIONSHIPS
REGION IX CHAMPIONSHIPS
JULY 20–22:
JUNE 29–JULY 1: Lexington, VA AVA / USEF recognized, WEG Selection Trial Close of Entries: 6/1/18 Contact: Sarah Phelps, sphelps301@yahoo.com
Woodside, CA AVA / USEF recognized Close of Entries: 6/22/18 Contact: Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com
USEF/AVA NATIONAL VAULTING CHAMPIONSHIPS AUGUST 2–5 Hollister, CA AVA / USEF recognized Contact: Kathy Ray, president@americanvaulting.org
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US EQUESTRIAN NEWS Murray Kessler, USEF President
BRINGING JOY, EMBRACING CHANGE
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he United States Equestrian Federation’s 2018 Annual Meeting, which took place in Lexington, KY, Jan. 17-20, showcased how recent changes in approach are making equestrian sports’ future brighter. Themed “Bringing Joy, Embracing Change,” this year’s convention honored champions, delivered updates on key strategies and initiatives, hosted a number of popular educational forums, and welcomed lively open discussion. US Equestrian President Murray Kessler’s upbeat progress report on the organization’s strategic plan was the Annual Meeting’s centerpiece. A year after launching the strategic plan—including the USEF’s consumer-facing rebranding as US Equestrian—Kessler showed how US Equestrian is rising to the challenges 6
EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
of its vision statement: “to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.” Among the general session highlights: • Membership has grown 28% to 105,000 members, including 27,000 at the new fan level. • A new grassroots advisory panel is addressing the decline in B, C, and local shows. • The new, searchable Rulebook app makes accessing rules faster and easier. • New, tougher penalty guidelines and Drugs & Medications program and rules amendments show a stronger stance for a level playing field. “The strategic plan—bringing joy, embracing change. This is a very broad yet meaningful statement. I think in order to grow our sport(s)
and increase membership, we must be about bringing joy AND embracing change,” said American Vaulting Association President Katherine Ray.
COLLABORATIVE AFFILIATE ROUNDTABLE The annual Affiliate Roundtable brought US Equestrian’s 29 diverse breed and discipline affiliates together. Based on feedback from the affiliate organizations, the collaborative meeting promoted idea-sharing on a number of issues, from membership to marketing to support for licensed officials and ways to improve communication between US Equestrian and affiliates. “Everybody in leadership at USEF is focused on growing equestrian sports and bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible through every breed and
TAYLOR PENCE
US Equestrian’s 2018 Annual Meeting spotlighted progress on the ambitious strategic plan. Bottom line: it’s working! BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD
discipline, and we know we can’t do that without great affiliate relations,” Kessler said in opening the meeting. “This is a major priority for us.” Affiliate representatives’ desire to see more breeds and disciplines in consumer-facing US Equestrian imagery prompted an idea to form a collaborative library of affiliate-approved, rights-free photos and videos that USEF can use to promote those breeds and disciplines. This year’s FEI World Equestrian Games™ at Tryon International Equestrian Center also presents promotional possibilities for a variety of breeds and disciplines, and USEF senior staff reported that the federation is working with WEG organizers on those affiliate opportunities. “I found the Affiliate Roundtable to be encouraging, as everyone was willing to be honest,” said Ray. “I thought that USEF was also very honest in their responses. I think a lot was covered and everyone felt it was well worth the time to attend. I appreciated that USEF had asked the affiliates for agenda items way in advance, and we ended up having a very good conversation with Bill Moroney by telephone, discussing the vaulting/USEF issues that we wanted to discuss.” The roundtable group agreed to reconvene once or twice by conference call in 2018 to follow up on discussions and continue sharing ideas, both among themselves and between affiliates and the USEF. “Overall, the Annual Meeting was inspiring, and I felt we got some work done,” added Ray. “[There were] very well-run meetings and very organized award banquets. I was honored to attend as a representative of vaulting.”
US EQUESTRIAN NEWS
SALISBURY IS USEF VAULTER OF THE YEAR
DANIEL KAISER
US Equestrian (USEF) recognized Janie Salisbury as the 2017 USEF Vaulter of the Year and Salisbury’s coach Isabelle Parker as the 2017 USEF Vaulting Coach of the Year. Salisbury, a two-time FEI World Vaulting Champion for Juniors Pas de Deux bronze medalist, stood out among the seven applicants for her competition success and extracurricular activity. Salisbury (Atherton, CA) began vaulting when she was seven years old as a member of the Woodside Vaulters out of Redwood City, CA, and amassed several top results with Parker’s coaching and training. In addition to her FEI World Vaulting Championships for Juniors bronze medals in 2015 and 2017, she was the 2012 USEF/American Vaulting Association (AVA) National Vaulting Champion, 2013 Region 2 Champion, and 2015 USEF/AVA Reserve National Champion, among others. Outside of vaulting, Salisbury has been active in her community. In high school, she led the Baking for Charity Club, where she helped organize bake sales with proceeds going to Pencils of Promise, a charity supporting children’s education in the developing world. She also volunteered for fundraising benefits and worked in the barns at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, a therapeutic riding facility that helps children and adults with neurophysiological, cognitive, sensory processing, and psychosocial challenges. Currently, Salisbury attends the University of Southern California, where she intends to graduate with a BS in business administration and a minor in dance.
USEF Coach of the Year, Isabelle Parker (Redwood City, CA), co-founder and coach of the Woodside Vaulters, represented the US in international competition for five years and earned her AVA gold medal in 1992.
Parker has coached four National Champion A teams and the US team that won the bronze medal at the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome, Italy. She is a two-time United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation Trainer of the Year, the 2013 AVA Mentor of the Year, an
AVA judge and Technical Committee member, an FEI steward, and a member of multiple USEF vaulting committees. She is the current chief financial officer of Summit Public Schools. This is Parker’s second time receiving the USEF Vaulting Coach of the Year award.
Other candidates for the 2017 USEF Vaulter of the Year award included Tessa Belardi (Aptos, CA); Audrey Kiernan (San Mateo, CA); Elizabeth Osborn (Menlo Park, CA); Luke Overton (Stanwood, WA); Ana Schult (Longmont, CO); and Haley Smith (Parker, CO). AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
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US EQUESTRIAN NEWS
SPORTSMANSHIP AND LEADERSHIP Caitlyn Mendik was nominated for the 2017 AVA USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award.
NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK
Awarded annually to recognize youth within the various US Equestrian (USEF) disciplines and registries, the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award honors young equestrians from its recognized affiliates and international discipline associations. Youth selected for the award must be active members of USEF, and demonstrate ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport. They also demonstrate positive sportsmanship characteristics, get involved in their communities, and serve as positive role models for their peers. They can participate in their sport at any level: The key is that they demonstrate a high level of leadership and sportsmanship. This year, 17-year-old Caitlyn Mendik of Castle Rock, Colorado was chosen to represent the AVA for this award. Ranked at the top of her high school class while taking Honors, Advanced Placement, concurrent college credit, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, Caitlyn is pursuing an IB Diploma. She has maintained straight As throughout high school, and this past semester earned a 4.71 (on a 4.0 scale). For two years, Caitlyn has volunteered weekly at Skyridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO; she currently assists in the pre- and post-operative ICU, as well as performing duties as volunteer trainer. She plans to attain her Bachelor’s in biochemical engineering before going to medical school to become a surgeon. As part of her family’s team, Velocity Vaulters, Caitlyn has competed through Bronze and 1* Juniors. With a particular love for pairs, Caitlyn, together with her partner Hallie Dudley, won the 1* Juniors Pas de Deux at both Canada Cup CVI and Rocky Mountain Cup CVI in 2016. Caitlyn is directly involved in horse training and coaching for the team.
The Award
2017 Award Winner: US Equestrian awarded the overall youth award to Tabitha Bell, a member of the Arabian Horse Association. The other national nominees were: Caitlyn Mendik (Castle Rock, CO) – American Vaulting Association; Camryn Mallery (Goodrich, MI) – American Saddle-
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EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
bred Horse Association; Georgia Ranson (Charlotte, NC) – American Connemara Pony Society; Jackson LaTorre (San Antonio, TX) – United States Dressage Federation; Kaitlin Hofer (Saddle River, NJ) – Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America; Katherine Christopher (Bahama, NC) – United States Eventing Association; Katie Berger (Naperville,
IL) – International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association; Madelyne Brymesser (Boiling Springs, PA) – United States Hunter Jumper Association; Randie Jo Evans (Brighton, MI) – American Morgan Horse Association; Riley Wiltison (Oakland, MD) – American Driving Society; Taylor Rogers (Castle Rock, CO) – Western Dressage Association of America.
USEF Recognized National Affiliate Associations that submit a nomination will receive $1,500 for affiliate youth programs/ events. The Overall Winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award receives: • Youth Sportsman’s Award commemorative trophy • $1,000 grant, to be paid to an educational program (see funding criteria). • A nomination for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award The Overall Reserve Winner receives a $500 grant.
JUDGE’S CORNER
KENDEL EDMONDS BY PRIMO PONIES; SALLY CRANE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Changes Ahead for the 2019 Competition Year BY KENDEL EDMUNDS
T
HERE WERE NO MAJOR RULE CHANGES that will take effect at the AVA level this competition year. The biggest difference you will see in the rulebook is that all information for international classes has been removed; you can now find this information in the USEF rulebook. However, there are some big changes that will take effect on December 1, 2018, which will have an impact on bronze, silver, and gold levels. • There will no longer be rounds 1 and 2; all nationally recognized events will have one round, with overall placings after the three goes have been averaged. • Silver will consist of compulsories, freestyle, and compulsories to the right (no second freestyle). • Gold will consist of compulsories, freestyle, and freestyle (no technical test). • Replacing gold in the AVA and USEF rule-
books will be Individual 3*; eligibility and other requirements for this event will be identical to what is now required for senior individual. • Individual 3* will consist of compulsories, technical test, and freestyle. These changes were presented and approved at the AVA November 2017 board meeting held in Atlanta. Once in effect, the number of goes for bronze, silver, and gold will be the same, reducing horse time required for each individual. With the addition of the 3* class, the gold division will give vaulters who are beyond the silver level, but not quite ready for the challenge of the technical class, the option to compete at a higher level. Our upcoming 2018 competitive season will be exciting. With the World Equestrian Games to be held at the International Equestrian Center in Tryon, NC, I am sure that our selection trials will be filled with amazing
THE JUDGE’S CORNER was introduced in the last issue of Equestrian Vaulting. To date, no questions have been received. I encourage anyone (coaches, competitors, lungers, and parents) who has a question about competitive vaulting to utilize this resource. The intent is to provide relative information from the judge’s perspective, so please email your questions to thejudgescorner@gmail.com.
competitors vying for spots on the US team! The finalized selection criteria has already been posted on the USEF website. Additionally, the AVA will be having our 50th Anniversary Gala this year at our National Championships, August 2–5, at Gilroy Gates in Gilroy, CA. Make plans now to attend both events. AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
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PART I: 1968–1986
CELEBRATING
HISTORY
1968
AVA founded
1970 Vaulting: The Art of Gymnastics on the Moving Horse, by Elizabeth FriedlaenderSearle, is the first vaulting book published in English
1971 First organizational meeting of the AVA is held in Watsonville, CA, in conjunction with championships
1972 Top five German vaulting teams perform demonstration at Munich Olympics
1973 Officers are elected and constitution and by-laws are established
V
1974 There are 18 vaulting teams across the US
1975 Pony Club lists vaulting as an activity
1977 US wins first in team and first and second in individual (Scott MacDonald and Kim Dussenhoven) in international competition
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The American Vaulting Association celebrates 50 years in 2018. This three-part series traces vaulting from the Bronze Age to today.
EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
AULTING HAS EXISTED AS LONG AS PEOPLE AND HORSES HAVE BEEN PARTNERS, making it one of the oldest
forms of equestrian sport. Research on the history of vaulting reveals that as far back as the Bronze Age, there have been cave drawings of artistic riding. Many of these drawings include depictions of vaulting exercises that are still used today and reveal techniques practiced before the invention of horseback riding equipment. The clearest origins of the sport go back to early Roman times when the annual games—from which our modern-day Olympics are descended—included acrobatic displays on cantering horses. Vaulting was a permanent part of the educational program for young Romans of high social standing, possibly because only those with enough leisure time to dedicate to the sport could achieve the precision involved. “During the Middle Ages, knights practiced jumping onto horses and performing elegant exercises on horseback while in armor,” writes Ulrike Rieder, judge, coach and author of Correct Vaulting. During the Renaissance, “vaulting was a riding drill in academies for knights and served as agility training for young nobles,” she writes. The present name of the sport comes from the French la voltige, meaning “flight,” which it acquired during the
Renaissance. Vaulting was an Olympic sport performed by military cavalry teams in the 1928 Olympics—the only time it has been an Olympic sport. When the horse lost its importance for the military, the interest in vaulting also decreased. For a long time it was regarded simply as a children’s pastime, practiced while they were waiting to grow big enough for other riding disciplines or because they didn’t have their own horses.
TODAY’S VAULTING Modern vaulting developed in Germany as an efficient way to introduce children without their own horses to riding and equestrian sports, as many people can use the same horse. Elizabeth Searle, a dressage rider, brought vaulting to the United States in 1956, after being introduced to the sport during a visit to Germany. She added it to her riding school’s Pony Club program for children who did not have their own horses. Searle’s influence on equestrian sport in general was vast—she founded the first Pony Club west of the Mississippi; was a groundbreaking dressage competitor; and served as an officer in the USDF, USEF, and USPC. Searle and J. Ashton Moore founded the American Vaulting Association in 1966, and by 1968, it was incorporated as a recognized nonprofit organization to promote the sport nationally. Searle was its first president, producing its
PHOTOS: COURTESY AVA; ELIZABETH SEARL COURTESY USDF; BUNDESARCHIV, SCHMIDT
1977 36 clubs are registered across the US
1978 Application to American Horse Shows Association (now USEF) turned down; AVA will apply again
1979 US wins first and second in men’s (Brian Post, Kim Gussenhoven) and women’s (Kendal Edmunds, Eva Bryer) individual at International Fest
1980 Weight restrictions for vaulters established
1981
Counterclockwise from top: The 1984 US Olympic demonstration team; AVA Founder Elizabeth
Revised rulebook is created
Searle; German vaulting competition, circa 1960.
monthly newsletter on a mimeograph machine, and later writing the first English book about the sport, Vaulting: The Art of Gymnastics on the Moving Horse, in 1970. She was in tune with the growth of vaulting internationally, too: At the 1972 Munich Olympics, the top five German vaulting teams performed a demonstration—the first time vaulting was seen on the Olympic stage since 1928. The ’70s was a decade of organizational growth too: the first national officers were elected to the association, a judge apprentice program launched, and barrel standards and instructions were published. In the US, there were 18 teams in eight states by 1974, with California holding the most number, as it still does today. The United States Pony Club officially listed vaulting as an activity in 1975, even though many US Pony Club participants had already experienced it in some form or another. By the end of the decade, the US had won its first team medal at an international competition in Germany and 36 clubs in 11 states were registered with the AVA. Throughout the 1980s, vaulting continued to grow both national and internationally. The rules of competition evolved, including medal exams (to the right, for the equal development of vaulters), a series of rulebook revisions, and even weight limits for
1982 The AVA exceeds 1,000 members
1982 vaulters. By 1982, vaulting was recognized by the FEI, and by 1984, the AVA had more than 1,000 members; had launched a new logo, and sent six vaulting teams to participate in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics equestrian demonstration, called “The Cavalcade of American Horse Breeds.” Mt Eden, Sundance, Timberline, Hidden Hills, Pegasus, Dry Creek, and Rainbow all had members in the demonstration. One of the highlights of the decade was the success of the first ever FEI Vaulting World Championships, in 1986. Sydney Stang (4th), Jeannette Boxall (2nd) and Julie D’Atri (5th) all medaled during this inaugural event. The eighties would be known in AVA history as a decade of international exchange, expansion and competitive-ness, as the United States vaulters begin to make their mark on world competition. In the next issue, we’ll revisit vaulting history from1987 to 2002. Adapted from Coaching Equestrian Vaulting: The Motivation Behind Volunteer Coaching, by Amy McCune, 2012.
Vaulting is recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as an official international equestrian discipline
1984 Six teams of vaulters participate in the “Cavalcade of American Horse Breeds,” during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics
1984 AVA adopts a new logo
1986 The first-ever FEI Vaulting World Championships take place, with a large and successful US contingent; Jeanette Boxall wins individual women’s silver medal
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Once you’ve mastered the basics, raising the cavalletti helps the horse build muscle and athleticism.
OFF THE LUNG
CROSS-TRAIN WITH C
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NGE
BY NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK Photos by Sheryl Verbitski Photography
Looking for a horse with improved rhythm, regularity, balance, stride adjustability, and stretch over the topline? WHO ISN’T?
F
or the smooth, engaged, obedient, and happy vaulting horse, simple mounted cavalletti exercises may just be your winning ticket. First developed by Italian cavalry officer Federico Caprilli in the late 1800s, the use of cavalletti (Italian for “little horses”) to athletically develop the horse has certainly stood the test of time. Scientific research backs up the use of cavalletti: a recent study conducted at Michigan State University concluded horses working at walk and trot over poles demonstrated greater joint flexion, thereby improving range of motion, without adding stress to soft tissues. Vaulting horse trainers can use mounted cavalletti exercises to break up the boredom of the circle and promote their horses’ fitness and longevity.
THE BASICS In a nutshell, cavalletti exercises use poles— ground-level or raised, evenly spaced, on a straight or curved line—to gymnastically develop the horse’s athleticism. Cavalletti generally come in three forms: plastic blocks on which poles rest in a cupped groove, the classic arrangement of poles attached to an “X” frame, and a newer type involving poles with square ends. All are adjustable at three different heights: ground level; slightly elevated; and the most elevated, usually at about 12”. You can also use jumping poles on the ground. The drawbacks to this arrangement, however, are that the poles can roll if the horse steps on them, and it’s not possible to set the poles at an elevated height without a pair of blocks to raise them.
H CAVALLETTI
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Adding cavalletti work to your vaulting horse’s riding agenda offers both physical and mental benefits. As the horse negotiates the poles, he engages the hindquarters, bends the joints, and shows a greater range of motion. The horse also lowers his head and neck, raising his back and using his abdominal muscles. This lengthens and strengthens the horse’s topline, bringing lift and swing through the back, which is particularly useful for horses with tight backs. The spacing of the poles improves rhythm and cadence. These effects work together to develop the horse’s natural gaits. Mentally, cavalletti make the work more interesting. Including cavalletti is a great way to add variety and give the horse something to think about. It trains the horse’s mind and makes him consider where to put his legs and where to step. This is useful for both smart horses that need mental stimulation and horses that are easily distracted.
START SIMPLY Before beginning any cavalletti sessions, warm up with your normal routine. For horses starting cavalletti work from scratch, simply walk the horse over a single ground rail. Warm up over this single pole on loose rein if possible, approaching straight and centered in a relaxed, rhythmic walk. Once the horse is comfortable with the single ground rail at walk, move on to rising trot over the rail. From there you can begin to ride single poles placed throughout the arena, first at the walk and then at the rising trot. Riding cavalletti follows the basics of all equestrian disciplines, with a particular nod to jumping:
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First introduce individual poles at walk, and then at trot. Keep it simple
approach the obstacle straight, maintain rhythm, ride to center, and keep your eyes up. Horses new to the game may make a larger effort than necessary; just quietly ride what they give you. Key to all cavalletti work is that the horse stays relaxed, working with a low neck and rhythmic gait; approach this simple exercise in an easygoing, playful way.
MOVING ON Once the horse has the hang of individual poles, the real fun begins with cavalletti set in sequence. Like the single-pole exercise, poles in a series should be ridden with rhythm and relaxation. A good starter exercise begins with a series of two, and then three, low cavalletti poles positioned along the rail. Spacing for sequential poles varies by gait, length of stride, and height of cavalletti, but a good rule of thumb for distances between ground-level poles would be about 2’7”– 3’ at walk and 4’–4’5” at trot. With a bit of pole adjustment, you’ll find just the right distance for your horse. You can also start your horse with double distance spacing, meaning you’ll set the distance so he takes two trot strides between each pole. First negotiate the ground-level line at the walk, with poles set at 2’7”–3’. Once the horse is comfortable, spread the poles from 4’–4’5” and move up to trot, establishing a rhythmic, working trot before approaching the line. Ride this exercise several times, until your horse has mastered the series with a round, swinging back and clear tempo. Over time, you can add more simple challenges that still shouldn’t overtax your horse:
RIDER’S ROLE
and playful.
As a rider, you’ll want to be sure you are following the horse and allowing the bigger movement. This means you’ll need a strong core that can absorb the bigger stride, along with quiet hands that don’t interfere. Be sure to ride the cavalletti straight and through the center, as deviating from the line throws your distances off. Incorporating basic cavalletti exercises into your under-saddle schooling provides physical development and mental stimulation. The genius of cavalletti is that the horse’s movement becomes rhythmic and elastic without rider intervention. This gymnastic training makes the horse stronger and more consistent as he learns to use his body to a greater degree, which will carry over to his performance as a vaulting horse. So go on, mix it up, cavalletti style! Special thanks to Veronica Brennan Walsh and her Hanoverian gelding, El Capitan. NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK is an award-winning journalist specializing in equine media. Visit her online at www.MendikMedia.com. An FEI-level dressage rider, Natalie is also lunger and “team mom” for Velocity Vaulters.
• ADD MORE CAVALLETTI into the sequence. • GRADUALLY INTRODUCE SHORT PERIODS OF SITTING TROT if your horse is strong enough to carry your weight while making the extra effort to lift his back as he negotiates the rails. • RAISE THE CAVALLETTI to the first elevated position. • INCREASE OR DECREASE SPACING A BIT between the poles to encourage a longer stride or a more collected stride. • RIDE BENDING LINES WITH CAVALLETTI SET ON A CIRCLE; normal distances are in the center of the poles, with shorter distances to the inside of the circle and longer distances to the outside.
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You can also ride poles set on a bending line. Be sure your horse is relaxed and attentive throughout the exercise.
This type of work naturally creates engagement of the
Once the horse is relaxed
hindquarters, articulation of the
over a single pole, introduce
joints, rhythm, and swing.
two sequential poles .
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Daniel Kaiser
Photo by
Ana Schult competing on the horse Dresdn (lunged by Corrine Bosshard) at the FEI World Vaulting Championships for Juniors in Ebreichsdorf, Austria. As a member of the American team, she placed 10th in the female individual division
Bodhi Hall competed at the Pacific Cup CVI, 2017
International Intensity PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST CVI MEANS KNOWING THE RULES AND EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED.
BY KIM BEISECKER
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has developed one-star (1*) and two-star (2*) competitions in which vaulters compete within their own age groups. This makes up a progression of qualifications that allows vaulters to develop confidence in competing in international events, leading toward the goal of competing at 3*, 4*, International Championships, and World Games. The following is an introduction to competing at a Concours Voltige International, a CVI. Although there is no substitute for experience, here is some advice that will start vaulters on their way to thinking about international competition.
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TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE Know the rules! – EMMA SEELEY, Coach The most important thing to remember at your first CVI is that sometimes things don’t go as planned, especially if you are traveling or borrowing horses. Keep your sense of humor, make new friends, learn everything you possibly can, and enjoy the experience! – LIZZIE PHELPS, Vaulter A CVI is a little more formal and regulated than other competitions, even Nationals. This is the time to have your horse and lunger looking perfect, vaulters neat and tidy, and [to be] on time! Parents and vaulters won’t have access to the barn all the time, so schedules need to be worked out [in advance] for caring for the horse(s), tacking, etc. Rules are pretty strictly enforced, so expect it! – PATTI SKIPTON, Coach Most importantly, don’t forget the most valuable competitor on your team: YOUR HORSE. You do not leave ’til your horse is bedded down in clean soft shavings, has plenty of water and hay. Only when he is happy and comfortable can you go home and be happy and comfortable. – PATTY LITTMAN, Steward Many athletes forget that it’s not about them, but it is about representing the United States. – PATTY LITTMAN, Steward Be sure to have a nice outfit for the awards ceremony, and understand that ALL competitors stay for the awards. You actually need to have permission from the judge to not participate! – PATTI SKIPTON, Coach Passport and stabling requirements for horses are VERY different. Know the requirements before showing up to the event. Check with a vet who knows the FEI rules for vaccinations. – JULIE DIVITA, Lunger Time is essential. Having enough time, being on time, having all documents and credentials in time. – BRITTA KUHLEN, WEG Chief Steward
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Practicing your jog can
Helen Mills-Selch
ensure you present your
competing at CVI
horse well for inspection.
Ebreichsdorf, 2017
THE DIFFERENCES In many ways, competing at a CVI is similar to competing at an AVA or USEF vaulting competition: Vaulters need to have practiced hard, be ready as a team with their lunger and horse, and know their own and their horse’s warm-up routine. Another similarity is that Individual, Squad, and 1* Pas-de-Deux competitions include both a compulsories round and a freestyle round. However, there are many differences: Competing at a CVI is more intense, with more specific rules about credentials, qualifications, practice times, and clean sport/anti-doping regulations for both the athlete and horse (see the sidebar with a link to FEI rules). Additionally, the judging and the scoring are different. For instance, the same horse and lunger must be used for all rounds and there are three or more judges, one of whom gives the horse score (25% of final). A very significant difference is that a CVI is an international competition, and that means each vaulter represents his or her country. American vaulters should be especially conscientious that they are representing the United States.
Attendance at the awards ceremony is mandatory. And parents, take note: At CVIs, access to the barn and horse area of the competition arena is restricted to competitors, coaches, grooms, veterinarians, etc. Unless you’re registered and have a pass, you are not allowed in restricted areas. For the vaulter, the 1* competition is the entry point to the FEI competition format. Canter vaulters who are at least 12 years old, able to perform the required moves, and who have a horse that meets the FEI requirements, may enter a competition anywhere in the world with approval from USEF. Similar to the AVA system, specific compulsories are performed at each level; different from the AVA/USEF system is the minimum age and age groupings. The FEI 1* compulsories are familiar to AVA/USEF vaulters: seat, flag, stand, forward swing, leg passes, backward swing, followed by dismount. The judging differs, and thus it is important to be familiar with the FEI rules (see box). There is no qualification criteria for 1* competition, but athletes must obtain a qualifying score to advance to a 2* competition.
READ THE RULES! inside.fei.org/fei/regulations/vaulting
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
At the vet check, veterinarians will watch the horse jog and inspect his paperwork.
GETTING THERE Entries to CVIs are also handled a little differently. Instead of a parent or coach sending in the entries, the USEF is responsible for entering competitors in CVIs in foreign countries. To enter, competitors must first have a USEF membership and an FEI number, so the first step is to apply for these credentials through the federation. Each vaulter will have an online account at USEF and make preliminary entries there. Once the vaulter’s intention to compete is known to USEF through the online system, the federation will ask the organizing committee of the foreign CVI for an invitation. Deadlines are sometimes 60 or more days ahead of the competition, so start the process early. It is very important that all information be entered into the registration system completely and accurately. If you have previously competed in a CVI, you may be required to submit the scores from that competition.
All horses at an FEI event must hold a passport with accurate vaccination records. There is a very specific timetable for some immunizations; thus, it is important to start working with your veterinarian several months in advance. If all information is not presented at the competition, the horse can be prohibited from entering the competition venue. FEI has strict equine anti-doping and controlled medication regulations, all available online. Discuss these regulations with your veterinarian and remember the vaulter and lunger are responsible for compliance, so double check with FEI. There will be a vet check at the start of the CVI, so it’s important to practice the procedure. All vaulters should identify a primary and reserve horse in case the primary horse does not pass the veterinary inspection. The FEI Rule Book is lengthy and should be read in its entirety. Coach Emma Seely’s adage, “Know the rules!” can’t be overstated, but don’t be afraid to try a CVI—it’s a wonderful opportunity to travel, make new friends, and learn more about yourself.
FEI: Federation Equestre International is the world-governing body for equestrian sports CVI: Concours Voltige International is a compeition where vaulters represent their countries at an international level. Entries in Principle: Deadline for countries to indicate they are going to send vaulters to a CVI Nominated Entries: The names of vaulters and horses expected to compete Definite Entries: Final deadline
WHICH DIVISION? Coaches are responsible for determining class entries by age and qualifications. Children’s Division: Individuals from the year they reach the age of 12 until the end of the year they reach the age of 14; 1* and 2* Junior Division: Individuals from the year they reach the age of 14 until the end of the year they reach the age of 18; 1* and 2*. Senior Division: Individuals 16 years and older; 1*, 2*, and 3*.
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Pacific Cup CVI April 2017 Photos Jerry Yang, Linda Bibbler, Susie Bors
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Rocky Mountain Cup CVI and Heart of the Rockies July 2017 Photos Roy Friesen, Todd Tinkham.
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2
American Team:
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INDIVIDUAL FEMALES: ANNA SCHULT (1) Horse, Dresdn Lunger, Corrine Bosshard SUI 10th place TESSA BELARDI (2) Horse, Diva 506 Lunger, Carolyn Bland
4
BODHI HALL (3) Horse, First Nobady Lunger, Elke Nousse
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INDIVIDUAL MALES: JACE BROOKS (4) Horse, Dresdn Lunger, Corrine Bosshard LUKE OVERTON (5) Horse, Dresdn Lunger, Corrine Bosshard PAS DE DEUX BRIDGET KIERNAN AND JANIE SALISBURY (6) Horse, Diva 506 Lunger, Carolyn Bland Bronze medal
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PAS DE DEUX BODHI HALL AND CAROLINE MORSE (7) Horse, First Nobady Lunger, Elke Nousse GER
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SQUAD VAULTERS: TESSA BELARDI, BRIDGET KIERNAN, JANIE SALISBURY, AUDREY KIERNAN, LENA NICOLETTI, MIKI YANG (8) Squad Horse: Amontillado 9 Lunger, Carolyn Bland Coaches: Krista Mack, Carolyn Bland, Kristian Roberts Chef D’equipe: Mary McCormick
FEI World Vaulting Championships for Juniors August 2–5, 2017 Vaulting photos: Daniel Kaiser, Candids: Jerry Yang The American team placed seventh in the squad event (with a very impressive fourth place finish in compulsories). Vaulting to “Singing in the Rain,” Janie Salisbury and Bridget Kiernan won the Bronze Medal in Pas de Deux. Ana Schult finished 10th overall in Junior Individual Female. AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
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CAUGHT ON CAMERA A TEAM
FACE Madeline Lampard, Kalyn Noah, Shaina Hammond, Alyssa Stoddard, Alena Hammond, Luke Overton with Maximillian and Devon Maitozo
B TEAM
MT. EDEN VAULTING CLUB USEF/AVA National Champions August 24-27, 2017 Salt Lake City, Utah
Marie Obeloer, Clara Oberg, Emelie Tyschak, Amanda Backholm, Madelyn Hubb, Maya Drusinsky with Sir James and Olivia Griswold
Photos Jerry Yang, Joe Simonds, Roy Friesen, Blake Dahlgren, Tim Sutherland, Thomas Madrid
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C TEAM
TROT TEAM
MT. EDEN VAULTING CLUB
OC VAULTING
Megan Stambaugh, Marina Kaypaghianm Stefano Corno, Emily Ventura Gianna Cagliostro, Sofia Oberg with Vivaldi and Laura Yelavich
Emma Dill, Olivia Carlucci, Griffyn Stout, Addison Zumba, Malone Avakian, Allison Binckes with Gigi and Gibran Stout
EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
GOLD WOMEN
GOLD MEN
MARY MCCORMICK
KRISTIAN ROBERTS
XM EQUESTRIAN with Duke Wilhem, Carolyn Bland, R F Bentley and Jill Palmer
PACIFIC COAST VAULTERS with Cypress Hill and Duke Wilhelm and Carolyn Bland
alone
OPEN 2-PHASE TEAM
LOS ANGELES EQUESTRIAN VAULTING CLUB
PRELIMINARY 2-PHASE TEAM
Mary McCormick, Rachael Herrera, Portia Jeronimo, Josslyn Tonge with Charles and Saacha DeAmborossio
Hayden Avakian, Jaden Massaro, Giana Massaro, Julie Fuller with Shelby and Jodi Rinard
OC VAULTING
PRELIMINARY PAS DE DEUX
SYDNEY SCHIMACK/ JIM ROEDEL MILE-HIGH VAULTERS with Sampson and Jodi Rinard AMERICANVAULTING.ORG
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SILVER WOMEN
SILVER MEN
BRONZE WOMEN
CAROLINE MORSE
LUKE OVERTON
SYDNEY SCHIMACK
MT. EDEN VAULTING CLUB with Grasshopper AF and Samantha Matson
FACE with Maximilian and Devon Maitozo, Grasshopper AF and Samantha Matson
COMPLETE EQUESTRIAN VAULTERS with Dozer and Nicole Collins, Xena and Jodi Rinard
TROT WOMEN
TROT MEN
TROT PAS DE DEUX
ANNA SULLIVAN
BRYAN SUTHERLAND
BEAU SOLEIL VAULTERS with Jake and Gaelle Cimetiere
MILE-HIGH VAULTERS with Amidala and Deann German
OLIVIA CARLUCCI/ ALLISON BINCKES OC VAULTING with Gigi and Gibran Stout
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with Rinard
BRONZE MEN
COPPER WOMEN
COPPER MEN
CHARLES SMITH
MAYA DRUSINSKY
MARSHALL COLLINS
EVX VAULTING CLUB with Acke and Andrea Brown
MT. EDEN VAULTING CLUB with Sir James and Olivia Griswold
COMPLETE EQUESTRIAN VAULTERS with Fantasia and Nicole Collins
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EQUESTRIANVAULTING | Spring 2018
Lynne Owen Photography
PROFESSIONAL VAULTING PHOTOGRAPHY since 1986 Available by appointment 831-535-3929
Karin Schmidt Grand Rapids, Michigan 616-498-7028 www.KarinsHorses.com Karin’s Horse Connection is a Non-Proift 501 (c)3 PHOTO CREDIT: AMBER ELLIOTT
Healing With Horses
a documentary about hope
Kelsey’s spine was nearly severed after a life-altering car accident. Four months later she started riding horses as a part of her physical therapy. The connection with horses brought a newfound hope to her healing. www.HealingWithHorsesDocumentary.com Filmed and Directed by Jeffrey T. Morgan and Amber Elliott PHOTO CREDIT: AMBER ELLIOTT
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SAVE THE DATE
AUGUST 1-5 USEF / AVA 2018 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
AUGUST 4-5 AVA GOLDEN JUBILEE, CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF VAULTING
JULY 31-AUGUST 1 CALIFORNIA FUN FEST
SCHEDULE: TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY: California Fun Fest, unrecognized classes WEDNESDAY: Nationals Vet Check THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: recognized classes FRIDAY: Parade of horses SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: AVA Golden Jubilee Celebration and Nationals Awards
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