USEF Network

American Vaulting Association’s "Vault Kentucky" Initiative Gaining Ground

RELEASE: June 30, 2009
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Dina Yacoub

The American Vaulting Association’s (AVA) “Vault Kentucky” program is in full-swing, with a dozen vaulting-related events scheduled for the month of July all over the state. Equestrian vaulting combines both gymnastic and dance elements performed to music on a walking, trotting, or cantering horse.

As part of a key initiative to bring equestrian vaulting to the home of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the AVA is sponsoring two "introduction to vaulting" summer day camps for youth, two "train-the-trainer" sessions for riding instructors who want to add vaulting to their coaching repertoire, and multiple on-site clinics at riding facilities throughout the region, according to Wendy Ware, the AVA’s Vice President of Education.

“Our goal is to introduce this exciting and growing sport to Kentucky and surrounding states this summer, and to give riding instructors and equestrian facilities the tools to start new vaulting programs throughout the region,” said Ware.

The non-profit association has discounted both the Beginning Vaulting Camps and Train-the-Trainer sessions to just $75 for both programs, which each take place over three half-days. And when three or more riders/athletes sign up for a camp, their instructor comes to the train-the-trainer session free! At both camps (July 13-15 at the Meadow Lake Equestrian Center in Lancaster, and July 20-22 at the Kentucky Equestrian Center in Winchester), top U.S. coaches and equestrian vaulters will teach participants dance and gymnastics routines on a moving horse.

For those who prefer a custom session, the AVA is offering on-site half-day clinics throughout July, designed to bring vaulting directly to equestrian facilities in the greater Kentucky area, including the surrounding states. The AVA will provide coaches, vaulting horses and all equipment necessary for these sessions.

To register for the camps or to get more information on the on-site clinics, click on the “Kentucky Camps and Clinics” button on the American Vaulting Association website at www.americanvaulting.org, or for an online brochure, email wendy@americanvaulting.org, or call the AVA National Office at (323) 654-0800.

Vaulting Shows at the Kentucky Horse Park
In addition, three vaulting shows welcome spectators free at the Kentucky Horse Park this coming month: the AVA/USEF National Vaulting Championships (July 11-12), vaulting at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (July 22) and the Kentucky Vaulting Cup CVI (July 31-Aug. 2).

About Vaulting
Vaulting is both a recreational activity and a competitive discipline where both gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a walking, trotting or cantering horse. It requires a harmonious relationship with the horse and outstanding physical condition from the vaulter.

An FEI recognized discipline since 1983, vaulting competitions are held regionally, nationally, and worldwide and individuals, pairs and teams all compete in separate events. This variety creates an engaging experience for spectators as they watch athletes of all ages perform breathtaking routines that include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter, and kneeling and standing exercises.

Vaulting is a unique and growing sport with a rich heritage traced back to the ancient Minoans and later to Roman soldiers. It was featured in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp as artistic riding and has since evolved into the sport it is today. Vaulting is a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse; it is used around the globe as an introduction to the equestrian world and is recognized as a technique for developing strong riders in