Sydney CVI*** and National Vaulting Championships 2013

Anna & Lucy Betts Qld - CVI* Pdd

CVI*** Lambert LeClezio - Mauritius

Krystle & Kayla NSW - CVI***Pdd

Welcome to this visually impressive sport, where you can sit in the comfort of the best indoor arena in Australia. Where vaulters dress in stunning unitards dance and move on a cantering horse to their favourite piece of music, as delicate as silk to the most strikingly dramatic. 

This fun sport is for all ages and promotes co-ordination, balance, physical health, self-esteem, the ability to work as a team member and long life friendships all linked by the overwhelming love and trust of a horse.

There is very special partnership between the horse, the vaulter and the lunger and this can affect the whole performance. Temperament & focus are paramount to the horse’s performance, as the horse should have even consistent paces, ensuring his balance and gait is not affected by the vaulter.

This is a truly amazing sport which is gaining momentum with prospects of an exciting future.

Australia hosted the first ever CVI*** Vaulting Competition on September 25-29, at Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park. With the presence of FEI international judges Sue Detol, FEI Judge Level 4 (USA), Helma Schwarzmann, FEI Judge Level 4 (GER) and Angie Deeks, FEI Judge Level 3 (AUS), competitors were given the opportunity to test themselves on a truly international platform.

This competition was combined with the Australian National Vaulting Championships, having clubs represented from NSW, SA, Qld, Victoria & WA. This competition gave vaulters from all levels the chance to compete alongside their interstate friends and peers.  The competition was well attended, with 155 vaulters, 38 horses and 33 lungers rolling up to participate.

The CVI 3*competition enticed International level vaulters from overseas to compete, including Alicen Divita from the United States, Lambert LeClezio from Mauritius, Rhyanna Vasta and Lily-Claire Palmer from New Zealand, and Shianne Hofer, Lisa Fisher and Shalene Hughes from Canada. These vaulters had to source Australian horses and clubs to train with, often having to modify their routines to accommodate the horse’s size or gait. 

Results of the CVI 1*, 2* and 3* event and the Australian National Championships can be found on our website. Anyone interested in finding out more about vaulting should visit the new website www.equestrianvaultingaustralia.com.au. There are clubs in most Australian states, and new vaulters are always welcome. Athletes with disabilities also find vaulting to be a suitable sport for developing coordination and strength.

An event of this size would not be possible without the support of sponsorship. The organising committee from VNSW & SVG appreciates the efforts of all our sponsors, and hope we can continue our association with you well into the future.