Five Minutes With... Krystle Lander

Krystle Lander is the current Australian Vaulting Champion. At 24 years old she has been all over the world representing her country, competed in seven National Championships and in 2010 was selected to compete for Australia at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Krystle is also studying Medicine at the University of Wollongong, and plans to combine her love of sports and medicine together in the future. 

Jo Johnson caught up with Krystle to find out more about this talented athlete and the sport of vaulting that she loves so much…

Krystle, when did you first become involved with horses?

I have been obsessed with horses since as long as I can remember... I watched movies and read books based on a horse's presence on the cover! I started having horse riding lessons when we moved to a more rural area when I was around seven, then did regular school holiday camps with RDA.

How did you discover vaulting?

When I was nine I went to my first horse riding camp at my local RDA centre. This is where I first heard of, and tried vaulting. Standing on a horse hooked me completely! I still vividly remember telling my mum about trying vaulting, and that the instructor said I could do it every Tuesday night, a fact I reminded her about when school went back weeks later and I still wanted to do it!

What do you enjoy most about vaulting?

Standing on a cantering horse. It hooked me at nine, and still makes me feel alive in an inexplicable way at 24. Aside from that, I love the multiple facets of vaulting. To be a top level vaulter you must be physically fit, strong and flexible, you need to artistically creative, expressive and charismatic, you require understanding of your own physique and that of the horse and you need to be able to work as part of a team. We have an amazing international family in vaulting... Turning up to a vaulting club almost anywhere in the world and announcing your membership to the same fraternity will provide you with a place to stay, food to eat, friends to socialise with and most importantly, the offer to 'jump on our horse' is something that is fairly unique to vaulting, and something I treasure greatly about this sport.

What are some of the challenges you face training/competing in vaulting?

In Australia one of the biggest challenges is competition regularity and distance. In NSW we are lucky to have four competitions a year, five if nationals are close by. The set-up of clubs in Australia also differs significantly from that of some other countries in that most vaulting clubs here are only vaulting clubs. Overseas (particularly in places like Germany) vaulting clubs are often a facet of a larger equestrian center, so facilities are often easier to access, there is usually a greater range of horses to choose from and costs are shared over a larger amount of people. 

Internationally one of the most challenging aspects of the sport is the regularity with which we have to change horses. To compete in an overseas CVI I have to borrow a horse, and would get to vault on that horse perhaps five times before competing. As you know, each horse has a different movement and canter, and we actually use this to assist in creating freestyle routines. A routine that takes 60 seconds on a small horse with a fast canter might take 65 or 70 seconds on a larger, slower canter. 

For me personally right now, the largest challenge for training is that I live in Wollongong (where I study) and train in Sydney! However, I travel to Sydney every weekend, and try to make the most of it. 

 

Performing the "technical test" which is a freestyle with compulsory moves within it that the top class (in Australia and internationally) compete in

 

Do you have your own horse at the moment?

The horses my club uses are all owned by our head coach, Lyn Lynch. I do not own my own horse at the moment, though when I settle down a little I plan to! When I compete in Australia I use these horses, though when I travel overseas I borrow horses. 

What type of horses best suit vaulting?

The level of competition planned for the potential horse will significantly impact on the relative importance of various aspects of a horse. Looking at a horse for local competitions the temperament, gentleness and ease of handling of a horse is important. When looking for a horse for high level competition the focus shifts to include the horse’s size, education level, and quality of canter, as well as temperament. Some of the buzz words we like are over 17hh, medium level dressage and quiet. A horse that is already competing regularly is great, as they have had exposure to stressful situations similar to that in which we will require them to remain calm. 

Are the horses given other work besides lunging?

They are. Vaulting horses should be ridden at least as many times per week as they are vaulted on. Most vaulting horses are given flat work as their primary cross training, though jumping is very useful for developing strength.  Even things like pony club can be great for them to have more exposure to various stimuli.

How often do you and the horses have vaulting training?

Our horses vault up to three times per week and are ridden at least twice. 

I train most days. During the week I live in Wollongong and I focus on fitness and strength. I go to the gym, do yoga and go to gymnastics. On the weekends I do more specialised training with horses and on a barrel (which is a specialised piece of equipment that replicates a horse). I have at least one day off a week, usually Saturday (when I coach). 

Do you always work with the same lunger and horse?

When in Australia I work with the same group of horses and the same lunger. Lyn, my lunger, is also my coach, and is a pretty important part of my vaulting life. When overseas I try to work with the same lunger and horse when it is possible. I actually had a wonderful horse and lunger based in the north part of Germany, but sadly the horse had to be put down recently due to colic. So, now I am back to looking for a horse and lunger combination in Europe!

Do you design your costumes, pick the music and create your own routines?

I do most of my own routines, come up with my own ideas regarding themes and costumes, but I turn to experts for the finishing touches of everything. Expert coaches and dancers for finalising choreography, and a big one for me now is working with my sponsors Camp Beauty to create an appropriate facial look to highlight the theme I am portraying. Vaulting is photographed up close, so even this level of detail is incredibly important to the overall picture. I design the costumes then take them to a local dress maker and work with her to make it possible! 

 

Performing the compulsories, which are seven set moves all vaulting competitors have to show.

 

Tips for anyone wanting to get started and succeed in vaulting?

Just do it! You are the only person who can get you anywhere... so make the choice and do it! 

What's been your proudest achievement in vaulting so far?

Definitely the moment I ran into the arena in Kentucky for the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Hearing "Aussie Aussie Aussie... Go! Go! Go!" from my team mates whilst representing my country was amazing!

Competition goals for the future?

WEG Normandy 2014 is my goal for the next two years. I was hoping to compete at the World Championship in Le Mans (France) this year, but I won’t be able to due to a leg injury. 

Are you involved with any other horse sports?

I do not actively participate in any other equestrian sports, though I have tried (and loved!) polo. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself as a doctor (I am studying medicine at the moment), as the coach of a vaulting club based wherever I am practicing and as a vaulting judge.

If you have spare time how do you relax?

Spare time? I am a medical student and on a National squad! Haha... I really don’t have a lot of spare time, but I like to hang out with friends and watch movies, do yoga, go for bike rides and other various things! 

If you weren't dedicated to vaulting, what would you be doing?

I don’t think I understand the question... a world without vaulting??? It’s not even possible! I honestly don’t know. It is such a huge part of my life, in so many ways... Maybe I would be a trapeze artist, or do ballroom dancing. Or be a Yogi? I have always loved the idea of surfing... and rock climbing!  

Do you like big dogs, little dogs or are you a cat person?

Middle sized dogs, though I am probably a cat person. They love attention, but cope when I’m too busy!

Shout out to supporters and sponsors?

Camp Beauty and FreeRein Photography are my wonderful sponsors, and I would like to thank them for their on-going support of my quest for excellence. My coach and parents are fairly instrumental too!

 

Performing her freestyle

 

Thank you so much for your time Krystle and for broadening our knowledge of the beautiful sport of vaulting! We look forward to seeing you in action at Normandy 2014.

Quick Link

• Find out more about vaulting at www.equestrianvaulting.com.au