What are the qualities of a good vaulting horse? First, he must like his job. If he does, he’ll be good at it–steady, balanced, reliable and kind–and always eager to go into the ring at the barn or a strange competition venue. His job may be to work with beginners and, through basic vaulting exercises, introduce them to correct and sensitive riding skills and a superior riding seat. Or he may be one of the horses entrusted to carry vaulters in competition, in levels ascending from local club events right up to the World Equestrian Games.
No matter what the job entails, the vaulting horse benefits from a wide variety of experiences. Trail riding, dressage work, lunging and, of course, play, are integral parts in his training to be unflappable in all circumstances.
To truly know a vaulting horse, you must know his lunger. After all, it is a team of three–horse, lunger and vaulter. The lunger is responsible for keeping the horse in hand, paying attention to the requirements, and sending them with sensitivity along the lunge line or via visual signals such as the lunge whip. The lunge whip is the “leg” of the lunger. The vaulter is a bit busy!
The U.S. vaulting team horses for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games won’t be confirmed till the eleventh hour, but these are likely to be among the chosen for this high honor.
Palatine–While no one would say this beautiful 17.2-hand Westphalen chestnut gelding looks like the Energizer Bunny, he does just “keep on going” at an incredibly consistent level. Only a year after being purchased, he carried the F.A.C.E. Dark Side of the Moon team and individual competitors Devon Maitozo and Megan Benjamin through the selection trials for the 2008 World Championships. At the 2010 USEF National Championships he again partnered with the F.A.C.E. A Team and individual gold men’s champion Maitozo for the top spot on the podium.
Giovanni–Woodside Vaulters’ 13-year old bay Mecklenburger was imported to the West Coast of the U.S. in 2005. A beautiful and consistent performer in the “dance” with vaulters and lunger, he was the USEF Vaulting Horse of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Susie Bors, a long-time adult member/horsewoman in the club said that everyone was “absolutely stunned at how fast he became a vaulting horse.” Giovanni has carried teams and individuals and clearly loves to perform.
Sir Anthony Van Dyke–Ten years ago, this fine horse carried Mt. Eden Vaulter Kerith Lemon to a bronze medal at the 2000 World Championships in Mannheim, Germany, as well as her ninth USEF/AVA National Championship win. It wasn’t the first time or the first vaulter that this 17-year-old Shire/Thoroughbred cross has dominated the arena, and he’s still doing it. This year it was Mary McCormick, working with his elegant canter and lift and lunged by trainer Poppy Coulter, who captured yet another National Gold Women’s Championship on her way to the World Equestrian Games.
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Cheval–When lunger Poppy Coulter trots him out for the vet check, everyone pays attention to this 17-hand Percheron. Officials were so impressed by his turnout and presence at the 2010 USEF/AVA National Championships in Santa Barbara that he was awarded the 2010 Osierlea Award for turn out and presentation. He won’t be in the competition ring at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, but he will be in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Equine Village during WEG. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit him at the American Vaulting Association Friendship Team Exhibit. He’s used to crowds. He carried this year’s Woodside B Team and individuals–and he’s beautiful, body and soul.
If you’re lucky enough to be on hand for the vaulting competition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games–or a demonstration at your local stable–here’s what to watch for: continuity of stride and balance, ears flicking to attention whenever necessary, and the lift and steadiness to complement the dance of the vaulters.
It is subtle and gorgeous–and you just may be hooked!
