OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-288, West Hollywood, CA APRIL 2007 Photo: Nancy Stevens-Brown Photo: courtesy Wendy Ware Photo: Tom Sayles Photo: Annie Rouvillois Winter Vaulting Activities Top left: 2007 Northwest Spirit of Vaulting Conference participants learned team-building techniques - page 31 Top right: AVA members at the annual meeting attended many educational seminars and workshops - page 4 Bottom left: The January USEF High Performance Clinic featured top clinicians and tough workouts - page 28 Top right: Region X vaulters performed demonstrations at the Michigan Stallion Expo - page 32

2 Call for Nominations Amy McCune The AVA General Secretary has announced that nominations are now open for the board of directors and officers of the AVA. Nominations to the board of directors may be offered to any current AVA sustaining member except board members with another year to serve. Any current AVA adult member may be nominated for an officer position. Eight board members shall be elected in The following board members whose terms are valid until November 2008 should not be nominated for the board, but may be nominated for officer positions: Jessica Ballenger, Carolyn Bland, Bill Brown, Merry Cole, Blake Dahlgren, Sydney Frankel, Connie Geisler, Rick Hawthorne, Marianne Rose, and Karin Schmidt. The following board members terms expire in November 2007 and they may be nominated for board, officer and/ or regional supervisor positions: Carol Beutler, Priscilla G. Faulkner, Katie Flannagan, Susan Frankel, Virginia Hawthorne, Devon Maitozo, Yossi Martonovich, Sue Smith, and Bob Weber. The following officer positions expire in November 2007 and are open for nomination: Office Current Officer Executive Vice President...Kelley Holly Treasurer... Jan Garrod VP Education... Noel Martonovich VP Competitions...Patty Littmann New AVA Clubs Catt Farms Vaulting Team 19 South Hampton Drive, Charleston, SC Phone: 843/ Coach/Contact: Anja Cain Welcome! Position Responsibilities Those elected will take office at the November Board meeting and will serve a two year term. Term includes attending Board meetings (Annual Meeting, National Championships, conference calls, etc.) and serving on at least one committee. Executive Vice President Responsible for ensuring that the business of the AVA is conducted legally and ethically; oversees the National Office and administrative related committees; serves on the executive board. Treasurer Responsible for accurate and timely tracking of all AVA finances and accounts; prepares annual budget and reports for each meeting; safeguards our tax-exempt status; oversees grant related committees; serves on the executive board. Vice President Competitions Responsible for growing the sport of vaulting through successful competitive ventures, including National Championships; oversees competition and award related committees; serves on the executive board. Spruce Valley Vaulters RR#2 Site 15, Camp 21, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada T4T2A2 Phone: 403/ info@sprucevalleyachers.com Coach/Contact: Becky Marland New AVA Region X Supervisor AVA president Nancy Stevens-Brown recently appointed Jane Egger, coach of Agape Vaulting Club in Dowagiac, MI as the new AVA Region X Supervisor. Jane may be reached at phone 269/ or jegger@remc11.k12.mi.us. Vice President Education Responsible for growing the sport of vaulting through the development of various educational opportunities and resources; oversees education related committees; serves on the executive board. Board of Directors Ensures the vision and mission are appropriate, relevant and vital to the U.S. vaulting community by striving for effective organizational planning and implementation. Eight positions open. Regional Supervisors Function as the liaison between their region and the AVA and works to develop and support area growth; must attend at least one Board of Directors meeting per year; serves as ex-officio member of the Board. Open in all regions Nominating Committee Kate Dalby (Chair), Region IX katedalby@earthlink.net 703/ (cell) Craig Coburn, Region I nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org 323/ Star Hughes, Region IV equestar@rkymtnhi.com 720/ Marianne Rose, Region II marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net 408/ Karin Schmidt, Region X wkschmidt@core.com 616/ All nominations must be received by the nominating committee by April 30, All nominations must be made with the full knowledge and consent of the nominee. You may nominate yourself Election Schedule April 30, 2007 Nominations close. Nominations must be received on or prior to this date. May 21, 2007 Deadline for receipt by Nominations Chair of questionnaires from nominees. June 29, 2007 Deadline for ballots to be mailed by the national office to adult members. July 30, 2007 Ballots must be received by the national office. August 9-12, 2007 Ballots to be counted by the ballot committee at the National Championships. Vaulting World

3 What s Bugging You? Nancy Stevens-Brown Green Leaf-hopper vaults on Spring is here and I can almost feel the hay fever in the air, and I m not even allergic! Longer days and better weather makes us want to break out of our cocoon, clean out the closets and start anew. Spring is also the perfect time to figure out what is bugging you about vaulting. For me for a ride! the AVA to metamorphose into the even more exciting association that you want, you must first decide what that might be! So what s bugging you? How can we build our sport that meets, or, better yet, exceeds your expectations? And, what will you do to make that dream come true? For anything great to sustain itself, it has to be maintained and updated. A spider knows this instinctively when she rebuilds her web from scratch. And spiders really depend on the things around them to secure their web. The strength and growth of American vaulting lies in our ties to you and the contributions that you make to support us. How can you help us to build your dreams? We want to build a web of greater communications and more exciting opportunities for our members, but since we are an all-volunteer Lady Bugs gather to create warmth. Bugs help spread the pollen for plants to thrive. association, like a bee colony we must all be workers for the hive to thrive. So, go on, create a buzz for the future and let s make 2007 the best year yet for American vaulting! If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito. Betty Reese Table of Contents Call for Nominations... 2 President s Message Nancy Stevens-Brown AVA Annual Meeting Y all Come Back Now, Ya Hear! Rosie Brown, Sheri Benjamin... 4 Vault Texas AVA/Equistar Benefit... 5 Committee Reports... 5 Regional Reports Awards News from the Web Sheri Benjamin Eric Garcia Bekki Miles Quick Tip - Posture Nancy Stevens-Brown USEF/AVA National Championships Preliminary Schedule Rules Class Descriptions/Prize List Class Sponsors A Horse to be Proud Of Stephanie Harris, Katie Gorsk USEF News USEF Rule Changes Pam Lane New Director of Vaulting Vaulting High Performance Plan.. 25 FEI Restructured Arndt Bronkhorst Join, Inform, Invite Nancy Stevens-Brown USEF HP Training Camp Hannah Horsmon Winter Vaulting Exposé Nancy Stevens-Brown Northwest Spirt of Vaulting Conf. Wendy Ware AVA Vaulting Camp Noel Martonovich Michigan Stallion Expo Demo Katie Ferraro Tambourine Barrel Fest 2/ Region IV Barrel Fest 2/ Things To Do Before You Vault Jessica Berman Mardi Gras Brl Fest 2/17 Rick Van Vranken Mountain Springs Fest 2/24 Debbie Pakizer AVA Directory Calendar of Vaulting Events The address for the AVA National Office has changed to nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org If you have any changes or corrections to your mailing address for Vaulting World, are having problems receiving your issues, or wish additional copies please contact the AVA National Office at 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-288, West Hollywood, CA or phone 323/ , fax 323/ or americanvaulting@ aol.com. The mailing lists are generated by the National Office where extra copies of Vaulting World are kept. Vaulting World is published by the American Vaulting Association. Mail all submissions for publication to: Vaulting World, Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA or marianne_rose@ worldnet.att.net Deadlines are: April 30 for publication June 1, June 31 for publication August 1, September 10 for publication October 1; October 31 for publication December 1, January 1, 2008 for publication February 1, 2008; March 1 for publication April 1. Vaulting World classified ads are $5 each for three or four lines. Display ad rates are $12 per column inch, $100 for one third page, $115 for one half page and $200 for full page. Submit information/check payable to AVA and mail to Vaulting World, Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA No part of this publication may be reproduced either in whole or part without written permission. Bulk rate postage paid at Cupertino, CA. To subscribe: Affiliate AVA Memberships are $30 (+$15 for first class postage) domestic, $55 foreign, payable annually in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Copyright by American Vaulting Association Printed by Roberts Press 408/ Editor/Production: Marianne Rose 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net Copy Editing: Sheri Benjamin 408/ , Kate Dalby 703/ , Katharina Woodman 408/ Vaulting World

4 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Y all Come Back Now, Ya Hear! Rosie Brown and Sheri Benjamin The AVA s Annual Meeting and Conference, held in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas March 1-4, was a resounding success, thanks to a team effort by dozens of dedicated volunteers. For the first time the AVA came to Texas. The four days of meetings and clinics drew record attendance numbers according to Annual Meeting Committee Chair Amy McCune. Thanks to all of you who supported this year s AVA Annual Meeting and Conference in Texas, said AVA Region IV Supervisor and Annual Meeting Host Rosie Brown. Whether you sat in on meetings, participated in clinics, dined and cheered on our awards recipients at the recognition banquet or helped with the event on Saturday night, I want to thank you for supporting the movement of this sport into unfamiliar territory. Photo: Nancy Stevens- Brown The seminars, workshops and meetings were well attended. The four jam-packed days were a whirlwind of brainstorming, discussion groups, networking and education. Regions got together (which is not always easy as some cover many, many square miles across multiple states) to discuss upcoming events and ideas on how to promote vaulting and educate new and existing members. Discussions involving board members, coaches, parents and athletes led to some great ideas. Ways to improve the horsemanship of our member base and alternatives for scoring the horse were among the popular discussions at the coaches meeting on Thursday. The session titled Through the Eyes of the Vaulters: A Panel Discussion of Our Equine Partners was standing-room only, and featured some of our best vaulters talking about what makes a great vaulting horse from trot to the highest international level. Coaches and club officers also learned more about marketing their clubs and brainstormed on best practices for club management. A special guest, Anne Buchanan of the FEI WEG 2010 Games, made an exciting presentation about the upcoming event to be held in just three short years at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The awards banquet Friday night was spectacular thanks to Carol Beutler and her amazing Awards Committee, as well as Nancy Stevens-Brown and her fabulous AV skills. A very festive and full house cheered on our nation s (and some of the world s) top vaulters. We watched members of the AVA who have been a huge part of this sport for many years receive the recognition they well deserve. We watched some amazing footage of vaulters from all over the country. Great food, great friends and a wonderful walk down the 2006 vaulting memory lane. The successful Vault Texas 2007 benefit on Saturday was the brainchild of Rosie Brown (also known as the Energizer Bunny). Designed to show off vaulting for the first time in the Dallas area, the event produced great publicity for the sport. It was a little chilly. OK, it was just plain cold. Dallas had record low temperatures for that time of year! We still had a great turnout of local folks and vaulting afficianados. The performances were entertaining, the BBQ was delicious, the armadillos were adorable and the vendors had some great stuff. Pegasus Vaulting Supply raffled off a surcingle (thank you PVS!), and the mechanical bull was the last thing to close down after going non-stop for almost five hours. Those who shrugged off the cold had a great time dancing to the musical stylings of the King Creole Band. The AVA and Equest, a Dallas area therapeutic riding facility, benefited from the profits of this event.which was The colors were paraded at the Friday Benefit Event Photo: Alex Thomas run by volunteers from both organizations. Thank you again to Rosie Brown for dreaming up such a fun event and to all the volunteers who pulled together to make this night happen! AVA Education Committee, headed by Noel Martonovich, made sure the whole weekend was jam packed with clinics by Megan Benjamin, Rick and Virginia Hawthorne, Gisela Rhodes, Boozie Or and Rosie Brown. Stargate Sport Horses graciously donated the use of their immaculate facilities for our educational workshops. Thanks to Carolyn Bland, the newly named AVA Trainer of the Year and well-known dressage instructor, for putting us in touch with the owners of Stargate. Women s World Vaulting Champion Megan Benjamin taught three sold-out days of clinics and private sessions, and Rosie Brown s Introduction to Vaulting Clinic brought much needed information to beginning coaches and a dozen or so new AVA members! Sunday s Therapeutic Vaulting Clinic with experts from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and our own Rick and Virginia Hawthorne, had a large turnout. The group was so eager to keep learning that the clinicians taught well past their scheduled ending time! We hope to see the AVA and NARHA working together more often. Many thanks to our Region IV hosts and Rosie Brown, to AVA Annual Meeting Chair Amy McCune, Education Chair Noel Martonovich, and the many, many volunteers who made this Annual Meeting and Conference such a grand success. Vaulting World 4

5 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Vault Texas AVA/Equest Benefit Event On Saturday evening the Stargate Stables hosted an evening of celebration and shopping for the AVA meeting participants and the general public. A large tent enclosed booths by Pegasus Vaulting Supply and other equine industry vendors. Armadillo races, roping corner and a mechanical bull for riding provided fun for all. A delicious BBQ was served. A comprehensive demonstration of drill team, dressage, vaulting and therapeutic riding was presented by local experts. Front to back: Rachel Normand, Krista Kannen, Gibson Stanley. Dressage demonstration by Sue Malone-Casey Alex Schabhut on Poncho Photo: Alex Thomas Photo: Bob Weber Photo: Alex Thomas 2007 Annual Meeting Committee Awards: Carol Beutler Benefit: Rosie Brown Did You Know: Nancy Stevens-Brown Education: Noel Martonovich Logistics: Rosie Brown Photographs: Nancy Stevens-Brown Program: Amy McCune Publicity: Sheri Benjamin Registration: Craig Coburn, Marianne Rose Scheduling: Amy McCune Committee Reports Alumni (Circle of Friends) Chair: Patti Reschar Charter Members: Jane Garrod, Hope Scherf, Colette Garrison, Freda Radich, Betty Lou Hutton Members: Naomi Takemoto, Ann Burns, Laurie Brandt, Sydney Frankel, Joy Coburn, Sue Scherf Smith, Honomi Dean-Thomas, Carol Beutler If each of our members (Board included) would hand in five or six past vaulter s addresses we could build a resource of alumni. We need names and addresses of past vaulters to see if they are interested in becoming part of our Alumni Membership. We need to think of some way to widen our alumni group, Circle of Friends, across the U.S.A. Each Region could work as a gathering resource. Any ideas are welcome. This year we had a wine and cheese event at the Garrod s Spring Classic in Saratoga, California and we put on the horse schooling event in San Juan Bautista, California. We get together often and have good times and fun. Awards Chair: Carol Beutler Members: Sue Detol, Jeannie Beattie, Toni Amoroso, Naomi Takemoto, Sydney Frankel, Shari Stapleton-Smith, Judy Toothacher Carol Beutler is taking over as chair of the committee from Jeannie Beattie who has been the chair for about 20 years. We thank Jeannie for her many years of service. Jeannie will stay on as a member of the committee and be responsible for most of the same activities as she has in the past. Toni Amoroso has done an excellent job of compiling all of the scores from recognized competitions to determine our High Point Award recipients. It is a big job. This is the second year that we have been giving individual plaques to those who receive perpetual trophies. We still are in need of some cases from some of our perpetual trophies and would appreciate anyone who knows of a reasonably priced source. We have retired the former Silver Women s Champion trophy and have acquired a new one. Katie Haynie waited patiently until June to receive the trophy with her name already engraved on it. This year the USEF asked all of its affiliate organizations to participate in the USEF Sportsman Charter Award and send in a nomination from the American Vaulting Association. We have formed the Youth Recognition Committee. Jan Continued Vaulting World 5

6 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Awards Committee Report Continued Weber is the chair of this committee and currently has Stephanie Siemens, Rosie Brown, Kendall Edmunds, Jeannie Beattie, and Carol Beutler serving with her. Certified Horseman s Association Liaison: Noel Martonovich The goal of the Recreational Vaulting Coach (RVC) certification clinics is to provide the vaulting community with a certification process through which participants may be evaluated in their skills as coaches to provide a safe, enjoyable and effective beginning vaulting program. Certification is available as an assistant coach or as a level one or level two coach. Certification will qualify an individual to assist a certified coach, to coach vaulting at the walk/trot in a camp setting, a recreational vaulting program for noncompetitive vaulting experiences or for a program offering vaulting for riders with disabilities. A candidate desiring to attend a RVC clinic for coach certification must hold current CHA certification and be a member in good standing with the AVA. The Recreational Vaulting Coach s clinic is two and a half days long and is held in conjunction with a Standard, Combined or Disabilities clinic or may be held as a stand-alone clinic. During the clinic a participant will be asked to teach a minimum of two lessons on the barrel and then on the horse, longe and serve as spotter as well as attend lectures on safety, risk management, selection, training and care of the vaulting horse. The RVC is conducted by two CHA RVC Clinicians, whose job it is to evaluate the coaching skills of each participant and offer constructive advice for a safe and effective vaulting program. RVC clinics will be held at sites approved for hosting by the CHA program Director, Julie Goodnight, and in addition to the regular host site requirements; the host site needs to offer safe and suitable vaulting areas, equipment and horse, as stated in the American Vaulting Association (AVA) Camps and Club Manual. For information on hosting a RVC clinic, call (800) or jgoodnight@cha-ahse.org. Education Chair: Noel Martonovich Members: Tammy Denault, Katie Flannagan, Wendy Ware, Virginia Hawthorne, Pam Geisler, Rita Hoster 2006 Education Committee accomplishments: AVA sponsored week long camp with Christoph Lensing and Nancy Stevens-Brown at Fort Robinson for 20 girls and six boys from across the country & Brazil. Camp featured horse care, horse training, longeing and vaulting Eight Through the Eyes of the Judge sessions at Nationals Annual Meeting education program featuring vaulter training by Christoph Lensing, coach and vaulter training by Nancy Stevens-Brown, vaulting horse training by Yossi Martonovich, Through the Eyes of the Judge with a panel chaired by Craig Coburn Continued support of the regional Spirit of Vaulting Conferences. Horse subcommittee clinics and education programs Education Committee Programs: Annual Meeting Introduction to Vaulting clinics, Therapeutic Vaulting workshops, Vaulter clinics, historical overview of fashions and trends in dressage over the last 400 years Fort Robinson Summer Camp featuring vaulter training, horse care, horse training, longeur training, possible CHA coaches certification clinic, coach s training Coach s training including clinics throughout the regions, regional Spirit of Vaulting conferences, promotion of CHA certification, development of AVA coach s certification Horse selection and training promoting clinics in each region and development of horse care workshops Longeur training clinics at the Spirit of Vaulting Conferences Host CHA vaulting coach s certification at Garrod Farms and in region IV Nationals 2007 featuring Introduction to Vaulting Clinics (dependent on grant), Through the Eyes of the Judge Clinics, possible Dr. Hilary Clayton (Equine Locomotion) workshop, horse care sessions Grant Development including Daniel s Fund for youth sports development and competition Grants Chair: Jan Garrod Members: Rick Hawthorne, Jane Garrod, Sue Detol, Merry Cole, Stephanie Siemens, Karen Rach Purpose: To provide regions and clubs with financial assistance for clinics, competitions, judge s travel, and other activities that will help the growth and development of the sport of vaulting. In 2006 the Grants Committee awarded $2400 in grants to assist three competitions and two clinics. A fourth $800 grant was awarded to a new club as seed money. There are two grant periods - Spring and Fall. The due date for grants applications is March 31 and September 10. Everyone can help by passing the word that small amounts of money are available to individuals, clubs and regions. Since the inception of this committee in 1995, grants totalling $28,100 have been awarded. $2,400 of this was a special allotment to Regions by the AVA Board for barrels. In reviewing the past awardees, the committee has performed its task of helping clinics, competitions, judge s travel and needy clubs. Applications are available on the AVA web site (log in as member --> member services -->forms). Horse Chair: Yossi Martonovich Members: Anja O Toole, Francie Dougherty, Carolyn Bland, Ingrid Hamar Purpose: To help facilitate clinics and seminars throughout the country which center on training, longeing, and handling the vaulting horse while building bridges and working together with various breed organizations to increase knowledge of vaulting as an activity appropriate to that specific breed. The committee helped to sponsor, plan, organize and conduct the following events through the 2006 year: Horse training and longeing techniques clinic (7 horses, 10 participants, approx. 15 auditors) February, Salt Lake City, Utah Horse training and longeing clinic (6 horses, 10 participants, approx.40 auditors) March, Philadelphia Horse training and longeing techniques clinic (11 horses, 16 participants, approx 25 auditors) October, Portland, Oregon Vaulting World 6

7 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Plans for 2007 are to offer assistance in selecting and training horses which could compete in WEG2010. We still have money in our grant to assist as seed money for clinics across the country. For information contact Yossi Martonovich. Insurance Chair: Jan Weber Members: Bill Brown, Kelley Holly We successfully renegotiated insurance coverage for the association with Specialty Program Insurers. We again can offer event day coverage for educational and competition event days with our policy as the umbrella. Competition day coverage is available for $ per competition day with no additional charge for set up and tear down days. This coverage will cover AVA recognized competitions and barrel fests. We renegotiated our Board of Directors Errors and Omissions policy, also with Specialty Program Insurers. We have worked with the group, Canadian Vaulting Advocates, fighting legislation that would require all vaulters to wear helmets. This would have significant negative implications for Canada s ability to continue to train world-class vaulters. It would also result in the loss of many recreational vaulting programs just as the numbers of programs in Canada have begun to grow. Three years ago we also helped the Australians fight similar legislation. The vaulters prevailed with an exclusion and we hope for the same outcome for the Canadians. We continue to try to educate underwriters about the safety of our sport. We continue to have hope that our market opportunities will expand and be more available for trainers and clubs in the future. There is still much to accomplish, but we are pleased with our progress so far. It is hard to be patient on such an important topic. We must continue to accept the responsibility to be proactive and to educate others with an accurate vision of the risk in our sport. Leaving it to the imagination of underwriters has been a serious detriment to our perception by the insurance community. Volunteer Recognition Chair: Carol Beutler Members: Shari Stapleton-Smith, Jeannie Beattie, Sue Detol, Nancy Stevens-Brown, Judy Toothacher, Susan Frankel, Marge Oakes The members of the Volunteer Recognition Committee tally the votes for the Volunteer of the Year and work together to select the Mentor of the Year from nominations by the AVA membership. At the 2006 Nationals the Lifetime Achievement award was given to Joy Coburn. This award recipient is selected by our President Nancy Stevens-Brown and she has done a magnificent job. Photo: Nancy Stevens-Brown Technical gurus Tom Oakes and Bill Brown made sure the meetings audio-visual needs were met. Technical Chair: Suzanne Detol Members: Craig Coburn, Jennifer Williams, Lynne Owens, Jeff Moore, Emma Seely, Toni Amoroso, Deborah Harrison, DVM Purpose: To train and license judges for the AVA and USEF. To keep AVA vaulting rules updated and aligned with USEF and FEI rules when possible. The AVA Technical Committee planned and conducted five training sessions for judges and apprentice judges in The Annual Judges Forum, a two-day event open to the public was held at Sydney Frankel s home. It was well-attended by 34 participants. The Pacific Coast Club offered topnotch hospitality. Sydney Frankel opened her beautiful home to us for lectures and seminars. Susan Frankel catered our lunches and snacks and the entire club gave selflessly of their time and horses. It was truly a wonderful show of sportsmanship and support for our program. Our guest speaker was Tracey Lert, a nationally-known dressage competitor, trainer, instructor and S dressage judge. Adrienne Stang (FEI O) and Suzanne Detol (FEI O) were the organizers and directors of the Forum this year. The Forum included presentations by Ms. Stang, Ms. Detol, Deborah P. Harrison, DVM (FEI C) and Toni Amoroso (AVA R). Megan Benjamin, 2006 Women s World Champion, also gave us a brief presentation and a chance to ask questions about her fantastic accomplishments at WEG. Our first judges training session of the year was conducted ringside at a barrel competition in Northern California (Region II). The second was at Annual Meeting 2006 (Region IX). One was held in southern California (Region I) and the final one for the year was held in Oregon (Region III). The Oregon training was conducted at DevonWood Equestrian Centre by their chief trainer, Teri Emrich. Teri is a USDF associate instructor and USDF silver medalist. Her students presented several different breeds of horses at different stages of training, canters, abilities and problems. Each horse had different colored leg wraps on their diagonal pair of legs, which made the purity of their gaits extremely easy to see. We also participated in the Through the Eyes of the Judge program that was held at our National Championships in This is a wonderful program that opens up communication between the membership and the judges. I believe that all of the judges enjoy the time we can spend in these sessions. I have received quite a bit of positive feedback from the membership. Hopefully this Continued Vaulting World 7

8 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Technical Committee Report continued program will continue to be offered by the AVA Education Committee. We welcomed one new apprentice judge last year, Kendel Edmunds, from Washington. Kendel is a former U.S. Womens Gold Champion, has been an apprentice judge in the past, and is a very welcome addition to our program. We have received four applications to enter the program in This interest definitely bodes well for our judging program in the future. Trade Shows/Exhibits Jan Weber Purpose: To educate the general public on the benefits of vaulting. We never know where most effective opportunities to increase the visibility of our sport might be. The key is to find cost effective and high visibility opportunities! The Friendship Team wouldn t exist without the generosity of our many silver and gold vaulters who pay their own way and are such incredible ambassadors. The Friendship Vaulting Team did great demos at Kentucky Horse Park, Parade of Breeds during the Rolex. The team also dida very well received demonstration at the North American Young Riders Championships in Lexington, Virginia. They performed for hundreds who were there for vaulting and reining exhibitions. Reining will be the first non- Olympic discipline to join the Young Riders competition next year. The USEF High Performance Committee has developed a subcommittee to set into place the development of procedures and standards so that vaulting can also be added to this incredible event. The booth traveled with the Friendship Team and was also seen at the American Youth Horse Council s annual symposium this year. We are also grateful to the American Horse Publications for displaying our brochures in their booth in exchange for some help in the AVA booth! Several regions requested use of the booth for their events. Please know that the booth is available to events that you might be attending. For details contact Jan Weber, janmweber@gmail. com or 978/ (EST - no calls after 9:00 pm please). Treasurer Account Balances as of 2/7/2007 Checking Acct. 2/23/06-2/6/ , CD as of 12/26/ , Special Accounts International Funds International Committee Friendship Team...4, Special Funds Doris Dyer Mem l Fund CD.14, Marcia Sullivan Fund...1, Technical Committee...4, Youth/Athletic Council...1, Development-Communication 6, Graphic display...3, Coaches video...3, Horse Grant...2, Total Special Accounts...34, Total Cash for operations...62, Total Cash on hand...97, Additions to Special Accounts 2005 and 2006 Doris Dyer Memorial Fund...14, Promo horse grant...2, Withdrawals 2007 Horse video to Circle of Friends..$ Withdrawals 2006 Horse grant...$ Withdrawals 2005 from special accounts Therapeutic vaulting...$ Friendship Team...$2, Annual Meeting auction 2003 To awards $ Returned to special accounts waiting to be allocated/requested (for video)...$7, Circle of Friends...$4, Sponsor packets...$3, Meeting participants gained insights and learned about the workings of the AVA. bership directory (where you can update your own information in real time, as well as look up an or phone number of another member), to the full-color online edition of Vaulting World where members can view or print out a PDF of the magazine weeks before they receive their paper copies in the mail. Our newest members-only feature is a scrolling CNN-type newsbar on the home page where you can see members birthdays, by club, for that month. Also new this past year is the Forums section, which just got off the ground late last year. We hope that various constituencies in the vaulting community, from parents to coaches to vaulters, will start to post useful information and ask questions using the Forum. This is a great way for specific groups of AVA members to connect with each other in a meaningful and non-intrusive way. Our public website continues to get more and more daily hits from places around the world especially Western Europe where vaulting is biggest. This shows that even the AVA public portion of the website continues to be an important information source for vaulters worldwide. Please note that the complete calendar has been moved to the public portion of the website. All the contacts and entry information about competitions, demon- Photo: Nancy Stevens- Brown Web Report Sheri Benjamin The AVA continues its move into the 21st century with a series of online initiatives. More and more members are coming to rely on the password-protected, members-only website for a plethora of information from the online memstrations and clinics will be linked to this calendar (find calendar on the top menu bar). Competition results will now be found on the members section (side menu bar --> Competitive -->Results). We recently launched a twice-a-month newsletter, the AVABlast, which is meant to bridge the information gap in between the every-other-month Vaulting World. We are looking for many, many volunteers to help with internet projects. Please visit the Get Involved section to see what website jobs and projects are available. These projects usually have a limited duration, so are ideal for those who want to volunteer for something specific. Vaulting World 8

9 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Meeting Minutes American Vaulting Association Board of Directors Meeting March 3, 2007 Forth Worth, Texas Amy McCune Board Members: Jessica Ballenger, Sheri Benjamin (VP Membership), Carol Beutler, Charles Bittenbring (VP Development), Carolyn Bland, Bill Brown, Merry Cole, Blake Dahlgren, Priscilla G. Faulkner, Katie Flannagan, Susan Frankel, Sydney Frankel, Jan Garrod, Connie Geisler (Reg. I Supervisor), Rick Hawthorne, Virginia Hawthorne, Kelley Holly (Executive VP), Patty Littmann (VP Competitions), Devon Maitozo, Noel Martonovich (VP Education), Yossi Martonovich, Penny Maydak (Reg. III Supervisor), Amy McCune (Secretary), Marianne Rose, Karin Schmidt, Sue Smith, Nancy Stevens- Brown (President), Bob Weber, Jan Weber (Reg. IX Supervisor). Guests: Emily Kirpatrick, Logan Dalby, Hannah Horsman, Chris Horsman, Jane Egger, Ariane Pananh, Andrea Brown, Teri Scott, Jeannie Beattie, Cambrey Kaylor, Julie Keville, Rachel Biblitz, Lily Wray Davis, Robin Bowman, Anne Buchanan, Sara Ike, Pam Lane, Kenny Geisler, Jessica Berman, Kerry Noble, Star Hughes, Meg Fletcher, Betsy Garrod, Craig Coburn, Sue Detol, Emma Seely, Jen Williams, Lisa Plungy, Marge Oakes, Tom Oakes. Approved: Minutes of the AVA Board of Directors meeting of November 3, Approved: 2007 Nominating Committee to solicit nominations for eight Board Member positions and four officer positions and all regional supervisor positions. Approved: Minor By-Laws change to be presented at the Annual Meeting Approved: Recommended Standing Rules and Vaulting Rules Changes. Approved: AVA to endorse the USEF proposal to recognize the Bronze level division. Approved: Region II to host the 2008 Annual Meeting and Conference. Approved: Additional practice time to be made available at every National Championships. Approved: $1000 to be added to the National Office expenses budget. Approved: Jan Weber to dispose of the now unusable old display barrel. Approved: Jan Weber to sell the old (non functional) display on ebay. Approved: Jan Weber to auction and/or dispose of the graphics and photos as she sees fit. Approved: Executive Board to have approval or denial rights on any regional boundary changes requested between now and the next AVA Board meeting. Annual Meeting of AVA Membership March 4, 2007 Fort Worth, Texas Amy McCune Approved: March 2006 meeting Minutes. Approved: Recommended By Law changes Approved: Change to Article I Membership. Section 1. There shall be three classes of membership: Club Membership, Individual Membership, and Family Membership. In addition, there shall be such classes of membership as shall be recommended from time-to-time by the Board of Directors and are identified and defined in the Standing Rules. All membership, with the exception of Life Members (see Article I, Section 4.e, and Standing Rules Section I.C.2.g), must pay annual dues to the AVA in order to remain current. Life members shall pay a one-time fee to the AVA. Section 4. There are five six categories of Individual Membership: Youth, Adult, Contributing, Benefactor, Life, and Associate. Contributing, Benefactor, and Life members have the rights defined below based on their age. Individual members may register as members of a Club or as Independents. Individual Members who are members of a Registered Club must register as members of that Club (see Article I, Section 3.a.). f. Associate membership is a special category established in order to promote membership and involvement in the association. Associate memberships may be listed and promoted under a variety of names as determined by the Executive Board from time to time in order to target particular interest groups. Associate memberships may not vote, compete, serve on the Board of Directors, or hold office in the Association. The Executive Board shall determine the benefits for Associate Members. (See Standing Rules I.B.3.) Approved: 2007 Nominating Committee: Kate Dalby (Chair), Region IX; Craig Coburn, Region I; Star Hughes, Region IV; Marianne Rose, Region II; and Karin Schmidt, Region X Approved: 2007 Ballot Committee: Chris Horsman (Chair), Region X; Wendy Ware, Region III, and Blake Dahlgren, Region I as the 2007 Ballot Committee. Approved: Grievance Committee: Priscilla Faulkner, Region IX; Sydney Frankel, Region II; Merry Cole, Region IV; Craig Coburn, Region I; and Sue Detol, Region III Approved: 2007 Grants Committee: Rick Hawthorne, Region I; Jane Garrod, Region II; Sue Detol, Region III; Merry Cole, Region IV; Karin Schmidt, Region X; and Stephanie Seimens, Region IX Approved: AVA to donate $3500 from the Special Funds to the Kentucky Horse Park to develop their vaulting program in their daily Parade of Breeds. Approved: 2007 budget as presented. The complete minutes are at -->log in -->AVA Business -->minutes. Regional Reports REGION I Connie Geisler 2006 has been a busy and challenging year for Region I. We hosted two of the five Selection Trials for WEG2006 and sent nearly half of the competitors to the World Equestrian Games. Region I hosted Nationals, which turned out to be one of the most successful and profitable National Championships in recent history. Rick and Virginia Hawthorne have spent much of the year traveling all over the country sharing their therapeutic vaulting expertise and starting clubs in several regions also saw the fewest number of active clubs in our region as well as a record low number of competing vaulters. This has presented us with a growth and development challenge for the new year. For 2007 we are working on nurturing new clubs with new vaulters, new coaches and new horses. We have five new clubs: Debi Pakizer has come out of retirement and has restarted her club, Mountain Springs, with an enthusiastic group of vaulters. Yasmin Assemi has been working very hard to get a new club, Versatile Champions, going in San Diego. Adrienne Richardson has 30 vaulters in M.A.R.E. All-Star Vaulters, with 18 ready to compete in local competitions this summer. Kylynn James is building Oak Hills vaulters back to competitive levels this year so that they will be able to come to our Regional Championships. Peggy Van Hook is training a new horse and taking over the responsibilities for Lompoc vaulters following Jeannie Beattie s retirement. Those of us from Diamond Bar, F.A.C.E, and Valley View look forward to these enthusiastic new faces to help keep vaulting alive. Our goal for the year is to offer support and encouragement to new clubs and new vaulters in Region I. REGION II Teresa Keville Fests and Clinics held in 2006: * Tambourine Barrel Fest * Garrod s Spring Fest/Selection Trials Continued F I The origin of the word Texas is derived from the Caddoan Indian expression tavashas, meaning allies or friends. The Caddo people are some of the earliest native inhabitants of what is now known as the Lone Star State. Today, Texas proudly declares Friendship as the state motto. Nancy Stevens-Brown Vaulting World 9

10 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Region II report continued * Woodside Fest/Selection Trials * Region II Championships * Horse Schooling Clinic in San Juan Bautista (thanks to Jeff Moore and Liz Searle for their gracious hospitality and to the AVA Circle of Friends for their support) * Morning Star/Willow Tree Fest * Mt. Eden Halloween Fest * Region II Clinic and Awards Dinner was held at Flying Cloud Farms in Petaluma (thanks to Jim and Jennette Bell for their continued support and hospitality). There were two Region II meetings during the year: one in November and one in July. The Region is supporting 17 registered clubs at this time. After much discussion, it was decided that the 2007 regional (Region I AND Region II combined) championships will be held in Grass Valley again. Region II was well represented at WEG2006 and is proud of all the USA participants including Mt. Eden s Megan Benjamin as the 2006 Women s World Champion! Regon II s website is: REGION III Penny Maydak The past year has been one of growth for Region III. Our first Spirit of Vaulting in the Northwest Conference was a great success, increasing the awareness of vaulting in our Region and encouraging recreational clubs join the AVA. Our vaulters took what they learned and applied it well at local competitions through-out the year. At Nationals we were represented by vaulters from four clubs and supporters from two other clubs. In October our Region held a horse training clinic with the Martonovich s. 29 participants and 11 horses from Region III and British Columbia attended. We are in full swing to gearing up for this year s Spirit of Vaulting Conference. Plans are already under way for the 2008 conference to be held in Washington State. Region III continues to grow. We support the clubs of our Region as they grow by providing knowledge and education. For more information visit: REGION IV Rosie Brown 2007 is a big year for Region IV. October 2006-June 2007 will be the first season in which we will hold three AVA recognized events to count towards Zone Awards. We held the Annual Meeting in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. Nationals will be in Denver in August. The vaulting camp in Nebraska will be held for the second year in a row. We sure do have our hands full. This year we will get our bylaws written and our website updated. We just added a regional secretary to help the board get action items done. Doubling as the voice of vaulting in Texas, I am hoping to continue to gain vaulting exposure. I will be working with dressage associations, 4-H groups and pony club chapters to get their members involved in vaulting as a method of training better riders, or as a sport in itself. I will be seeking out more venues for the AVA booth. I will man the booth at the San Antonio Rodeo on February 11. I hope to hit up more rodeos and large jumper and dressage shows. REGION IX Jan Weber 2006 was another great year in Region IX. We held yet another Region IX Championships at Penn State University. Vaulters and their families had the opportunity to visit a great school with equestrian programming in our Region. Our next Championships will be July 23-24, 2007 at the Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, Virginia. We hosted three USEF competitions within the Region and more east coast vaulters continue to qualify on the USEF ranking list. We held our second annual Spirit of Vaulting Conference in Virginia with Katie Flannagan and her crew taking on a lion s share of the planning and implementation. It was well attended and continues another proud tradition for our region. Our next Spirit of Vaulting Conference will be October 5 at Advantage Ranch hosted by the Dyer family in Blacksburg, Virginia. Without the help of Kim Beisecker this program may not happen in We were able to re-establish the High Points Awards at the regional level thanks to Charlie Bittenbring. Each of our high point champions and reserve champions received an engraved plaque. In 2006 the Region hosted the AVA Annual Meeting for the first time! Special thanks go to Amy McCune and Allison Gieschen and her Vaulting Visions crew and all the numerous others. Our website looks great and has had many updates thanks to Sanford Price O Brien. Our Yahoo forum continues to be an effective way to share ideas and information thanks to Rick VanVranken. We offer a newly developed welcome packet for new clubs in Region IX thanks to Sanford Price-O Brien. Our success has enabled us to initiate Region IX grants and to continue grants for the support of Region IX members who sit on the AVA Board of Directors. Region IX is going strong, creating new traditions and sustaining others. With huge geographic challenges, we continue to find out how much we can make happen for our Region IX vaulters. I ve been very lucky to be the Region IX Supervisor for the past four years. I ve made many new friends and have realized that possibilities for our vaulters are limited only by our imaginations and the number of dedicated volunteers that we can find to make it happen! Region IX s website is: Awards Connie Geisler Mentor of the Year Carol Beutler This Year s Mentor of the Year is like so many of us. We start out Just being a MOM of a vaulter. It is not long before we find ourselves immersed in the sport and it takes us in directions that we never imagined. Connie Geisler has been around the vaulting community for about 24 years. She took her daughter to an event at the local barn and discovered vaulting. Within a year she was longeing for a tiny tot team of boys including her younger son. Her daughter continued to vault and showed talent as a rising star. When the club they were vaulting with closed, Connie found herself as the coach and longeur of a brand new club (Diamond Bar Country Vaulters). She has referred to herself as the coach/longeur/horse owner/trainer/manager/groom/mucker/chief cook and Vaulting World 10

11 2007 AVA Annual Meeting bottlewasher. She extends herself to other clubs and drives many composite teams at all levels. She is a mentor to her vaulters, her horses, and the AVA. Only those who dare to go too far know how far they really can go! Connie Geisler 2006 AVA High Point Winners Antol Balogh Photos: Primo Ponies Hannah Horsmon Photo: Primo Ponies Carolyn Bland Trainer of the Year For the first time an AVA trainer was honored with the new AVA Trainer of the Year Award. It was presented to Carolyn Bland of Moorpark, California. Carolyn has trained top level dressage and vaulting horses, riders and vaulters. She is a longeur par excellence. Congratulations. Carolyn s contribution to the success at the WEG2006 was great, but her contribution to the AVA s efforts to improve horsemanship within our own ranks is even more important and more positively far-reaching for the future. Jeff Moore Jeannie Beattie President s Award Photo: Primo Ponies For recognition of her decades of continuous support and service to American vaulting through coaching, serving on the Board of Directors and for her outstanding job as Awards Committee Chairperson. Nancy Stevens-Brown Jeannie Beattie of Lompoc, California was honored for her long time work with the AVA. She has been the coach of Lompoc Vaulters for many, many years. Her artistic talents have created the highly sought-after awards (etched glass) which other people have won. Finally it was Jeannie s turn to win this welldeserved award. Kenny Geisler Megan Benjamin Elizabeth Ioannou Julia Plungy Gold Women 1. Megan Benjamin, Mt Eden Elizabeth Osborne, Woodside Mary McCormick, Mt Eden Ali Divita, Woodside Nicole England-Czyzewski, Golden Gate Gold Men 1. Kenny Geisler, Diamond Bar Todd Griffith, Diamond Bar Silver Women 1. Hannah Horsmon, Agape Michele Stevens, Mt Eden Kimberly Palmer, Half Moon Bay Jessie Price, Vaulting Visions Morgan Rogers, Mt Eden Silver Men 1. Eric Garcia, Pacific Coast Bronze Women 1. Elizabeth Ioannou, Mt Eden Cate Thomas, Silver Star Laura Yelavich, Mt Eden Karly Newman-Frankel, Pacific Coast Jessica Muyo, Mt Eden Kristian Roberts Eric Garcia Joshua Hall Sydney Dexter Bronze Men 1. Antol Balogh, Valley View Riley Newman, Valley View Copper Women 1. Julia Plungy, Woodside Merina Rainville, Mt Eden Molly Gould, Woodside Karey Markham, Creekside Grace Robinson, Pacific Coast Copper Men 1. Joshua Hall, Diamond Bar Kristian Roberts, Half Moon Bay Damas Iversen, Flying Star Clay Thomas, Balance Trot Women 1. Sydney Dexter, Flying Star Katrina Nibbi, Woodside Ellie Gifford, Woodside Tessa Divita, Woodside Rebecca Madden, Mile High Trot Men 1. Kristian Roberts, Half Moon Bay Joey Gadd, Mt Eden Austin Phelps, Elkhorn Vaulting World 11

12 2007 AVA Annual Meeting Membership Pins The following members were presented with their membership pins at the Annual Meeting 5 Years Steve Bertling Rosie Brown Caitlyn Rose Boultinghouse Hannah Crumpton Nicole D Auriol Julie Divita Robyn Frankel Susan Frankel Susan Griner Kristi Harris Stasie Henson Sarah Hill Jill Hobby Fran Hoke Lauren James Sammy Lieberman Robyn Martin Michelle Reading Eric Rinard Sara Shannon Regina Thompson 10 Years Jaclyn Adkins Jessica Ballenger Elise Beisecker Kaitlyn Beisecker Megan Benjamin Sheri Benjamin Steve Benjamin Logan Dalby Ginger Dohmen Brittany Dutra Rob Faulkner Kristy Fleming Krista Frankel Kylynn James Kate Levinstein Mary McCormick Kristin Olson Eric Weber Wendy Ware 20 Years Carol Beutler Patricia Bittenbring 2006 Teams of the Year Photos: Primo Ponies Susan Caskey Jamie Cooper Nicole Czyzewski Blake Dahlgren Brent Dahlgren Sandy Dahlgren Lucinda Faulkner Priscilla B. Faulkner Kenny Geisler Anna Kahl-de la Motte Julie Keville Devon Maitozo Linda Neimeier Marjorie Oakes Julie Paoli Isabelle Parker Jodi Rinard Marci Siegel-Kittrell Alethea Traskin Jennifer Williams Alia Zagyva 30 Years Eva Bryer Craig Coburn Ruth Collins Lynn Owen Emma Seely Life Members Our Life Members were honored and presented with a lovely floral gift. Judy A. Baloghy Carol Beutler Eva Bryer Kitchy Burdette Ann Burns Craig B. Coburn Joy Coburn Jamie Cooper Nicole D Auriol Suzanne Detol Lucinda Faulkner Priscilla B. Faulkner Priscilla G. Faulkner Capri-Mara Fillmore Colette N. Garrison Rusty Griner Sarah Hill Kelley Holly Bettylou Hutton Randall Inouye Lorraine Javadi Teresa Keville Georgia A. King Catherine Lassesen Annalise Van Vranken (flyer) Merrill Leffmann J. Ashton Moore Linda Neimeier Gail Ostendorf Lynne Owen Julie Paoli Cynthia Scott Paul Patricia L. Reschar T.A. Sampson Deborah Schade Elizabeth F. Searle Vicki Smith Adrienne Stang Nancy Stevens-Brown Naomi Takemoto Eric Weber Jan Weber Robert Weber Nina Wiger Jennifer Williams Ute Wirth Benefactors Ruth Collins Rebecca Broussar Contributors Paul Caskey Roberta Fuss B Team - Mt. Eden Super Squad A Team - Woodside Trot Team - Mt. Eden Earthlings C Team - Woodside Julie Divita s Lorino won the 2006 AVA Horse of the Year Award. Photo: Primo Ponies Annalise Van Vranken was selected as the USEF Youth Sportsmanship Vaulting Award Nominee. Photo: Primo Ponies Vaulting World 12

13 Aachen DVD Available Nancy Stevens-Brown Many of you have asked about getting a copy of the Aachen DVD that I presented during the Annual Meeting banquet (not to be confused with the one Anne Buchanan had). Bob Weber has kindly given me permission to make copies of that presentation. The disc features Bob s wonderful photos. All he asks is that you send a donation of $25 or more for the 2010 WEG if you want a copy. Please mail me your check, made to the AVA (note: WEG 2010 Fund). As soon as I get your order I will burn a copy of the Aachen DVD and priority mail to you. Mail to: Nancy Stevens-Brown 4910 Cherryvale Avenue, Soquel, CA Alumni Notes The Next Generation Eva Bryer, AVA Gold medalist (1979) and daughter of former AVA Office Manager/Fest office/scoring guru Judith Bryer, brought her two children: Mitra (age 6) and Kaveh (age 8) to their first vaulting practice at Garrod Farms this March. If you have any news about AVA Alumni, please send it to Vaulting World (phone/fax 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net, mail: Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA 95033). CVI*,** Saratoga Marianne Rose Join this celebration of vaulting at the highest level to be held in the USA this year. The FEI sanctioned CVI*,** Saratoga will feature vaulters from South America, Canada and Europe. You can be a part of it. Even if you don t have any vaulters at the international level (yet), come to watch and/or help or become a sponsor or advertiser. Visit for information and updates. See you there! Horse Health Blog Kate Lindon For the latest news on horse health, Internet users can now monitor The Jurga Report blog on com. Written by Fran Jurga, an awardwinning journalist specializing in horse health topics, this hot new blog is brimming with short news items and quick links to more news about horse health, equine science, behavior, management and research. The blog, featuring everything from Barbaro s death to information on equine herpesvirus, premiered in December Jurga, who also publishes the Hoofcare and Lameness Journal, translates equine science into information that horse owners can understand. Readers can stay up-to-date on horse health issues and become aware of growing problems. Readers can comment on posts in the Jurga Report, subscribe to the direct feed and receive automatic updates on their Google homepage on a Firefox browser. Visit The Jurga Report at www. HorseHealthHeadlines.com. News from the Web Sheri Benjamin Did you know that you can access a full color copy of Vaulting World weeks before it arrives at your doorstep? Login to the AVA members only website, and click on Vaulting World (last button down on the left hand side) to see all issues from 2000 on. Vaulter birthdays are now scrolling on a new ticker on the members-only home page. You can now access members-only discussion groups on the AVA membersonly website. Just click on the Forums link on the home page of the AVA members-only website, and you re in! If you re interested in volunteering for the AVA at a regional or national level, rest assured, we need you! Please take a look at the Get Involved section of the AVA website. High School and College vaulters looking to build a college application or a work experience resume should look to the AVA s volunteer slots. You can stand out in a crowd by taking on some interesting AVA assignments to build both your leadership and practical skills. Vaulting World 13

14 2006 Silver Women s National Champion - Katharine Wick Bekki Miles Katharine Wick, age 13, is a motivated young athlete who won the 2006 USEF/AVA Women s Silver National Vaulting Championship at City of Industry, California. A member of Woodside Vaulters, Katharine vaulted on Lorino and Giovanni, both longed by Krista Poppenberg. Katharine was first exposed to vaulting at a demonstration by the Woodside Vaulters A Team at the Stanford Red Barn Festival. At the time, she was involved with gymnastics and had done some riding, neither of which I was good at, she reports. On the Woodside Trot Team Katharine Wick (right) was buddies with Alyssa Bonora (left). Photo: courtesy Wick Family Katharine joined Woodside Vaulters in 2000 at the beginning trot level where her first coach was Isabelle Bibbler (now Parker) and her first horse was Lady Lightfoot. A shy six-year-old at the time, Katharine became friends with another beginning trotter, Alyssa Bonora, and the two girls are still buddies and teammates. At Woodside, Katharine has vaulted as an individual in trot, bronze and silver levels, and on the club s Trot, C, B and A teams. What does she enjoy most about vaulting? Katharine says she particularly loves the traveling (especially her two trips to Germany), making new friends, taking care of the horses, and the ability to use her creativity. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to Krumke, Germany with the Woodside B team and A team in the summers of 2005 and 2006, Katharine reports. In June 2005, Katharine won the Nachwuchs Wettbewerb Landesmeister- schaft (state championships, under 16) in Krumke. I didn t know that I was going to have the chance to compete in Germany that summer so it was a real surprise for me to get to do my freestyle there. At the awards ceremony, I didn t know what they were saying and I didn t know that I had won. When they announced my name I didn t even recognize it. It sounded like Katarina Vick! Katharine Wick and her dad Bill Wick visiting Munich during the CVI** Photo: courtesy Wick Family On her second trip to Krumke, Katharine was a bit nervous about the prospect of being the only Woodside vaulter staying with a German family who spoke almost no English. But Katharine and her 12-year-old host, Cindy Böhmer, found they had a lot in common and became good friends over the summer. They continue to keep in touch with each other through s and letters in an amusing and confusing mix of English and German. In July 2006 the Woodside and Krumke teams traveled to Munich, where they both competed at the Munich CVI**. Vaulting with the Woodside A team at the Munich CVI** was a particularly eye-opening experience for Katharine. The entire event was so professionally organized and there were so many spectators, which we re not used to here in the United States, Katharine says. Her team also got the opportunity to vault on the Krumker Volti s fantastic horse named Pikko. Katharine s coach, Aleta Kotecki, describes Katharine s vaulting style as powerful, dynamic and harmonious with the horse. Katharine is the rock of our team, Aleta says. She brings focus, enthusiasm and regular comic relief. Woodside Vaulters Head Coach Isabelle Parker describes Katharine as mighty fierce. She has really stepped up this year. I am excited to see her now in the gold class. Katharine also enjoys soccer, lacrosse, basketball, gymnastics and cross-country (which she trains for prior to school in the morning), and volunteers as a soccer referee. Katharine shares her love of horses and vaulting by volunteering at BOK Ranch, a therapeutic riding facility in Woodside. In addition to these activities, Katharine has played the clarinet for five years. She finds playing clarinet solos far more nerve-wracking than vaulting competitions because with the clarinet, you can t decide to change what you re going to do in the middle of a performance. Katharine lives in Hillsborough, California with her parents, Bill and Carrie, two older brothers, Will and John, and her golden retriever, Linus. When relaxing at home, she likes to practice juggling, and loves to play with Linus and teach him new tricks. His best trick, so far, is balancing three oranges on his nose, Katharine notes. Linus never misses a vaulting competition (if at a location where dogs are allowed). Katharine Wick at 2006 Nationals in California, Photo: Primo Ponies Vaulting World 14

15 Katharine Wick Facts-at-a-Glance Name: Katharine Wick Hometown: Hillsborough, California Born: Feb. 16, 1993 in Columbus, Ohio Started Vaulting: 2000 Club: Woodside Vaulters Family Members: Parents Bill and Carrie, brothers Will (20), and John (16) Pet: Golden Retriever, Linus Vaulting Titles/Awards USEF/AVA Women s Silver National Champion 2006 Nachwuchs Wettbewerb Landesmeisterschaft, 1st Place, Krumke, Germany, 2005 National Women s Preliminary Canter Barrel Freestyle Winner 2004 Member of Champion National and Region II C Team 2004 Member of Champion Region II Trot Team 2001 and 2002 AFFORDABLE VAULTING SURCINGLE developed exclusively for Skyline Equine. Round, padded, straight up leather covered handles, five D rings for positioning side reins. Girths sold separately. Black/White $ Canadian Also tack, grooming supplies, jewelry, For complete catalog visit Susan Barron: th Ave., Surrey BC Canada, V4N 4A9 Tel: 604/ Fax: 604/ Toll Free Tel: 1 866/ Toll Free Fax: 1 877/ susan@skylineequine.com 2006 Silver Men s Champion - Eric Garcia Bekki Miles 2006 Silver Men s National Vaulting Champion Eric Garcia has forged himself an amazing path. In 1993 at the wee age of four and a half he began his vaulting career with Tambourine Vaulters in Sonoma, coached by Kelley Holly and Teresa Keville. Eric was Region II s Tiny Tot Champion two consecutive years vaulting on Ruby, a 17 hands tall Clydesdale that Eric could mount without assistance-- even as a tiny tot! At seven he quit the sport, because he perceived it as a girls sport, playing soccer, baseball and football in the interim. At the same time, his mom, Carolyn Conner, started vaulting with Tambourine. At 11, after watching Erik Martonovich give a clinic at Morning Star Vaulting Club (which his mom had founded in the meantime), Eric decided to start vaulting again. Eric rejoined Tambourine Vaulters and won two more regional trot championships. Vaulting is what I do; it s a part of me. In the summer of 2000, Eric traveled to Germany with his mom and friends from Tambourine to participate in an international vaulting camp and then watched the World Vaulting Championships in Mannheim, Germany. He won a series of championships over the next two years, including the National Men s Bronze Championship, the Preliminary Pas de Deux Championship with Michele Stevens and the Preliminary 2-Phase Team Championship with his Tambourine teammates in Eric also traveled with the Tambourine A team to Saumur, France to compete at the CVI twice. In 2003 Eric joined the Pacific Coast Vaulting team with Sue Smith as coach. He competed on their B team and as a silver individual before taking two years off from competitive vaulting. During that time, he was the assistant coach for Morning Star Vaulters and helped with the training, longeing, riding and conditioning of the horses. Eric resumed competitive vaulting in 2006 with coach Mary McCormick at Eric Garcia at Region II Championships in Grass Valley, California Photo: Eric Jewett Pacific Coast, where he competed on B Team, at silver level and, last summer, he attended the AVA summer camp in Nebraska, getting some great coaching from Nancy Stevens-Brown and former Men s World Vaulting Champion Christoph Lensing. When asked about his most memorable competition he immediately cited CVI in Saumur, France. Eric recalls the most enjoyable aspect of his trip as, all the amazing sights I was able to squeeze in-- as well as the CVI after-party! (Apparently there was a girl to guy ratio of 10 to 1.) For the past year Eric has been devoting his time to a start-up vaulting team at Willow Tree Stables in Novato. The kids love it, Eric exclaims. And from the way he describes it you can tell he does as well. He also helps his mother with her vaulting team, Novatobased Morning Star Vaulters. We are a great support to each other, Eric says. We re only a few blocks away and if ever one of us needs help we are there for one another! Currently Eric vaults for Creekside Vaulters in Saratoga, California, with Continued Vaulting World 15

16 2006 Silver Men s Champion - Eric Garcia Continued from previous page approximately three days a week to vaulting and up to five days a week prior to a competition. Vaulting is what I do; it s a part of me reflects Eric. When he s not vaulting Eric enjoys working out at the local Nautilus gym and taking Bikram yoga classes. (His half brother Esak is a yoga instructor and national Bikram Yoga Champion.) A high school senior who plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College next year, he also works part-time at Trader Joe s. In his spare time he likes to play video games and chess. Eric Garcia at Garrod s Spring Classic Photo: Eric Jewett Eric sets the bar high for himself, and with his ambition and devotion one can clearly see that his goal of winning gold at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 is within reach. In preparation for the games, Eric has a new addition to his life an Oldenburg named Dillon. He s perfect for me! Eric says. I feel I can really excel on him. His first coach, Kelley Holly, says it best: Eric has always had a strong sense of what he would and would not do. If Eric announced that he was going to accomplish a goal, there was never a question of if but when. I look forward to him accomplishing great things. Keep your eye out for Eric Garcia in the future! Eric coaches Willow Tree and Morning Star vaulters at the Willow Tree/Morning Star Fest. Photo: Carolyn Conner Facts-at-a-Glance Name: Eric William Garcia Hometown: Novato, California Born: 11/5/1988, Boulder, CO Started Vaulting: 1993 Clubs: Tambourine , Pacific Coast 2003,2006 Morning Star Creekside 2007 Assistant coach Morning Star Vaulters Head coach Willow Tree Vaulters Family Members: mom: Carolyn Conner dad: Santiago Garcia brother: Ian Garcia half sister and brother: Nika and Esak Garcia Pets: dogs Boomer and Heidi, and cat Choco-taco Vaulting Titles/Awards National and Region II Silver Men s Ch National and Region II Bronze Men s Ch Novice Canter Region II Ch Trot Region II Champion 2000 Novice Trot Region II Ch Tiny Tot Region II Ch. 1994,1995 Quick Tip Nancy Stevens-Brown One important element of correct vaulting is to maintain perfect posture at all times. It helps to remember that vaulting comes directly from a military Vaulters background, so should approach when you line tall, up, approach carrying the horse or their own barrel and vault weight. on, always do so with a proud and upright bearing. Correct posture creates a straight line from ears, to shoulders, to hips, to heels. Impeccable posture also has an elongated neck with the shoulders held back and down. Staying supple (not stiff) is the ideal as suppleness is essential for harmony with the horse. Perfect posture helps you balance both on and off the horse. Think tall, be proud, and keep on vaulting! Photos: Nancy Stevens-Brown Posture is key to success in every compulsory. Former World Champion Christoph Lensing displays eyes forward posture even in practice. Vaulting World 16

17 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships Information 2007 USEF/AVA NATIONAL VAULTING CHAMPIONSHIPS AUGUST 9-12, :00 A.M-5:00 P.M. DAILY NATIONAL WESTERN COMPLEX, DENVER, COLORADO Judges: J. Ashton Moore (FEI O), Adrienne Stang (FEI O), Craig Coburn (AVA R), Toni Amoroso (AVA R) USEF Steward: Barbara Arkin Competition Manager: Patty Littmann Competition Secretary: Carol Beutler Veterinarian on Call: Steve Long, DVM Farrier on Call: Roy Yerby PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE June 1 - Passwords for online entries ed to coaches. June 23 - Postmark for paper entries June 28 - AVA Memberships must be received by the National Office. Event Membership not accepted. June 28 - CLOSE OF ENTRIES including online entries. MUST MAIL PAYMENT by due date. All changes after this date will incur change fee. July 1 - Order of Go Draw computer draw July 9 - Hotel Reservations Deadline Deadline for program ads July 17 - Deadline for Supplemental Materials Aug. 7-8:00 am Horses enter facility. Aug. 7 - Coaches check-in 3-5 pm Aug. 8 - Horse Warm-up 8 am - 11:30 am and 2-6 pm Coaches check-in 10 am - 2 pm Vet Check 12-2 pm The following class list does NOT indicate order of go. Date of class may be changed to accommodate entry numbers. August 8 - AVA s ParaNationals 2:30 pm - 5 pm. Participants may not compete in any Nationals classes August 9-12 (exception Special Pairs see detail in prize list.) Canter Barrel Doubles Trot Barrel Doubles Special Pairs Barrel Freestyle Individual Trot Barrel Compulsories Individual Trot Barrel Freestyle Ind. Canter Barrel Compulsories Individual Canter Barrel Freestyle All Novice classes require leg up - all ages and abilities. Ind. Novice Trot Barrel Comp. Ind. Novice Trot Barrel Freestyle Ind. Novice Adv. Walk Brl Comp. Ind. Novice Adv. Walk Barrel FS Ind. Novice Walk Barrel Comp. Ind. Novice Walk Barrel Freestyle Ind. Nov. Mod. Walk Brl Comp. August 9 C Team Compulsories Trot Team Compulsories Gold Compulsories Round I Silver Compulsories Round I Bronze Compulsories RI Trot Compulsories 2-Phase Preliminary Team Comp. 2-Phase Trot Team Barrel Comp. Through the Eyes of the Judge Clinic - TBA August 10 A Team Compulsories B Team Compulsories Open Pas de Deux Freestyle I Gold Freestyle Round I Silver Freestyle RI Silver Compulsories Round II Copper Compulsories Preliminary Trot Compulsories -Phase Open Team Compulsories -Phase Trot Team Barrel Freestyle Through the Eyes of the Judge Clinic - TBA 7-9 pm AVA Board Meeting at National Western Complex August 11 A-Team Freestyle Bronze Freestyle Round I Trot Freestyle -Phase Trot Team Compulsories Open Pas de Deux Freestyle II Preliminary Pas de Deux Gold Technical Test Round II Gold Freestyle Round II Silver Freestyle Round II -Phase Open Team Barrel Freestyle 2-Phase Prelim. Team Barrel FS Through the Eyes of the Judge Clinic - TBA Annual Dinner and Celebration of Vaulting August 12 B Team Freestyle C Team Freestyle Bronze Compulsories Round II Preliminary Trot Freestyle Copper Freestyle Trot Team Freestyle Open Pairs Preliminary Pairs Trot Pairs 2-Phase Ind. Open Barrel Freestyle 2-Phase Ind. Preliminary Barrel FS 2-Phase Ind. Trot Barrel Freestyle Through the Eyes of the Judge Clinic - TBA August 13 - Horses must leave by noon. VOLUNTEER MANAGERS AVA Nationals Chair -Robin Bowman President of Ground Jury - Adrienne Stang Chief Judge - Adrienne Stang AVA Treasurer - Jan Garrod AVA VP Competitions - Patty Littmann Announcers - Nancy Stevens-Brown Facility Manager - Mike Czyzewski ParaNationals - Rick Hawthorne Office Manager - Jan Weber Music/Sound Manager - Paul Caskey Stall Manager - Brinah Hindman USEF Comp. Secretary - Carol Beutler Publicity Manager - Brinah Hindman Volunteer Coordinator - Need RULES MEMBERSHIP 1. All vaulters, coaches, longeurs and clubs must be registered members of the AVA in good standing by June 28, 2007, in order to compete in the USEF/AVA National Championships and ParaNationals. The AVA Event Membership is NOT AVAILABLE for Nationals. Vaulter, coach and longeur membership form and fees must be received by the AVA National Office: Craig Coburn, AVA National Office Manager, 8205 Santa Monica Blvd. #1-288, West Hollywood, CA by June 28, Vaulters, longeurs, trainers, coaches, as well as owners of horses, competing in the USEF Championship classes, must be members of the USEF. Vaulters must be either Junior or Senior Members. Continued Vaulting World 17

18 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships Contiued from previous page Longeurs, trainers, coaches and owners may be Affiliate Members or pay the $20 (Junior) or $25 (Senior) Non-Member Fee. All vaulters and longeurs participating in USEF classes must include copies of their current USEF cards with entries or show their current USEF cards to Competition Management at check-in. There will be a $1.00 penalty for each membership that must be researched by the Competition Management. Any USEF member unable to show their membership card must fill out a membership affidavit and pay a $5 fee. EVERY CLASS OFFERED HEREIN WHICH IS COVERED BY THE RULES AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CUR- RENT US EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION RULE BOOK WILL BE CONDUCTED AND JUDGED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH. 3. A vaulter who transfers AVA Club membership after the close of entries may not vault in any team event for their new club. ENTRIES 1. Entries MUST be postmarked no later than June 28, 2007 or hand delivered by June 28, 2007 no later than 1 pm, to Jan Weber. Post entries, fax entries or telephone entries will NOT be accepted. A single check or money order for all monies due must accompany the completed entry forms. No entries will be accepted without payment. There will be an additional charge of $25 for any check that fails to clear and that club will be ineligible to compete until a money order or certified check is submitted to cover the amount of the check plus $25. Each club may submit only one check. Clubs that submit more than a single check will be charged $20 for each additional check. Refunds will be paid by Sept. 30, A completed and signed Medical Consent to Treatment Form and a completed and signed Participant s Release of Liability Form for each adult and minor vaulter, longeur, and coach must be included with entries. Please write NONE or n/a instead of leaving a blank space. 3. Competitors are responsible for their own errors and those of their agents in the preparation of entry forms. The following information must be accurately specified on the entry forms: sex, AVA class rating (see AVA Rule Book, Article 202), citizenship, highest medal earned and USEF member number. Alternates (as shown on forms), longeur, and horses MUST be designated. If more than one horse or longeur is listed for a class, the first one listed will be entered. 4. Forms must be filled out in dark blue or black ink; do not use pencil or colored pens. If you need assistance, call Jan Weber or janmweber@gmail.com. 5. For USEF classes: vaulters (their parents if vaulters are minors), longeurs, trainers, coaches, horse owners or their agents MUST sign forms. (Trainer may sign for all). Either/or and TBA will not be accepted. Stamped signatures or ditto marks will not be accepted. Do not use a separate form for each participant. Send photocopies of the cards with entries. 6. NO CHANGES AFTER close of EN- TRIES. After June 28, 2007, each change of horse, coach, longeur, or to order of go within the team or group go, will be subject to the approval of management and subject to a $25 change fee. Each and every change after this date is subject to a $25 change fee, unless a certificate of disability is received from a doctor or veterinarian. The only changes after June 28, which will not incur a fee without a medical note, is reordering the team go due to a difference in height and selection of actual competitors for teams. Refunds will be paid by Sept. 30, Cancellations or withdrawals after July 15, 2007, when accompanied by a certificate of disability by a qualified doctor or veterinarian, will result in a refund of all registration and class fees except for $10 of the registration fee for each vaulter and longeur and/or $10 of the stall fee per horse. 8. Horse travel grant requests must be submitted to the Fest Office by noon, August 9, These rebates are for each horse traveling over 500 miles one-way. The grant is for the miles over 500 to the Competition location and is $0.10 per mile. 9. Coaches must approve, verify and sign for all entries at coach s check-in. STABLING BEFORE NATIONALS Normandy Farms will provide stabling as they have space available. $35 for full care, cleaning, feeding hay/grain. large indoor and outdoor pens. Limited stalls available W. Coal Mine Ave. It is about 30 minutes from the facility. Contact Christine Penton at 303/ If you are looking for a place to board your horses before Nationals where you can practice, try the Jefferson Co. Fairgrounds, West 6th Ave., Golden, CO It is located at the foot of the Rockies about 20 minutes west of the National Western Complex. One large indoor arena, one small indoor arena, and 2 large outdoor arenas are available for your use. Stalls are $20 a day, if you clean them. Shavings are not provided and you will need to feed your own horses. RV camping is also available at the fairgrounds. It is a beautiful spot for camping and riding. Contact Debra Adams for reservations at 303/ , STABLING 1. The stall area is completely indoors. The stalls all have a panel, which can be removed to create a double stall. Cost to have panel removed and replaced is $10 and will be done only by the staff of the National Western Complex. The cost of each stall for the event is $85. A double stall is $180. The stalls will be available from Monday, August 8 AFTER 4:00 pm through Monday, August 15 at 12:00 (noon). The first night s bedding (two bales shavings per horse) will be provided. Straw bedding is not allowed. Clubs are not required to strip stalls before club vacates premises. 2. Absolutely no smoking in the barn area or arenas. Any decorative material must be flameproofed and a certificate must be available for inspection. 3. There are racks but you should bring your own hoses. All arrivals not within the specified times will incur additional charges. Horses may arrive any time after 8 am on Tuesday, August 7th. Early arrivals will be charged a fine. 4. All stalls and aisles must be kept clean. All manure and used shavings removed from stalls or trailers must be placed in specific areas (between barn wall and the manure pit, or other specified areas), not in garbage cans. WARNING: MEDICAL WASTE (needles, syringes) MUST NOT BE DISCARDED IN STALLS, MA- NURE PITS, GARBAGE CANS or on the GROUNDS. Needles, syringes and other medical supplies must be placed in the appropriate containers located in each barn. Fines imposed have been as high as $ for abuse of this rule.. 5. All aisles and roadways around barns must be kept open to fire regulations. Owners will be asked to move vehicles or Vaulting World 18

19 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships risk towing and/or fines. No vehicles are allowed in the barns at any time. 6. Motorcycles, four-wheelers, non-powered scooters, skateboards and inline skates are not permitted on the property. 7. Minors under 16 years of age must wear protective headgear when operating bicycles. Bicycles may not be ridden in the barns, Coliseum, or any part of the upper facility. Failure to comply will result in the impounding of the bicycle until the close of the show. 8. All pets must be kept on a maximum 6 leash at all times and are the owner s responsibility. This is a county ordinance. Failure to comply will result in notifying Animal Control. NO PETS are allowed in the Coliseum or in any office at any time. 9. Gas, electric or propane tanks and hot plates are prohibited in stall areas. 10. All electrical extension cords must be twelve (12) gauge, three (3) wire and prong negative ground type. 11. Flyers may be posted on designated bulletin boards only. 12. Nails may not be driven into the stalls or masonry sections of the barns. 13. No smoking in any buildings, restrooms or stable area. 14. Horses may not be schooled over obstacles. COMPETITION ARENAS The blue arena will have three circles (one competition, two warm-up) of more than 80 in diameter with shavings/sand footing. The red arena will have a minimum of two circles (one competition, one warm-up) larger than 80 in diameter with shavings/sand footing. The white arena (barrel) will have the same footing as the horse competition arenas. Ceiling height of covered arenas exceeds 16.6 feet. 1. No person other than officials, attendants on duty, judges of the class, alternates and competitors may enter the competition arena or surrounding area without the permission of the management. 2. Longeurs and vaulters entering competition areas must be neatly and suitably attired. 3. All longeurs and vaulters (individual and Pas de Deux classes) must wear their AVA numbers upon entry. HORSES INSPECTION Horses must participate in a horse inspection and vet check BEFORE COMPET- ING. Vet check will be held on August 8 from 12-2 PM. Horses must be bridled and displaying their AVA number for the check. Handlers must be in longeing attire. Any horse not passing the check prior to competing will be prohibited from competition. (Vet Check will be per modified FEI guidelines to be provided in preliminary order of go.) Osierlea Award honor will be awarded to the Best Turned Out Horse at the Inspection. HORSES All horses must enter the competitive arena wearing their AVA number. Any horse not wearing the proper number will not be allowed to enter the arena. Horses may not be moved from their assigned stall to another stall without permission of Management. Stallions are not allowed. All horses must have Horse Identification numbers from USEF. If you are not a member of USEF then you may download the form at: index.php?formselect=horseservices&s ubmit=go Print the confirmation page from the USEF website and include with your supplemental documents. Horse ID numbers can take up to 30 days to receive from USEF. HORSE WARM UP ARENAS AND VAULTER PRACTICE 1. Horse warm-up (without vaulters) and schooling may be done in designated areas. Using any rings for vaulter practice without prior permission of Competition Management will result in disqualification. Horse warm-up (without vaulters) and schooling areas will be available each day from August 7 until August 12. Management recommends that you wear a hard hat when exercising your horse under saddle. Approved helmets required for riders under Horse warm-up (with vaulters) will be available in the blue arena beginning Wednesday, August 8 from 8 am - 11:30 am and 2-6 pm. Horse warm-up (with vaulters) will be available in the red arena on Wednesday from 8 am - 11:30 am. Practice times will be assigned to each horse and priority will be given to composite teams and vaulters on borrowed horses. Time allowed will be 15 minutes per arena. 3. There will be no practice on horses for vaulters unless there is an EMT on site. 4. Vaulter practice will be permitted in the stadium arena during the competition. Sign-up instructions will be provided to coaches prior to the start of the competition. 5. Vaulter practice is not permitted in the competition arenas except in the on deck warm-up ring prior to entering the competition ring during competition hours. Exceptions may be made with prior approval of management in exceptional circumstances. 6. Schooling over obstacles is not permitted. PRACTICE BARREL AREA AND BARREL USE 1. The Practice Barrel Area is the only location where barrel practice may occur. There will be absolutely NO BARREL PRACTICE outside this Area. There will be absolutely NO BARREL PRACTICE without the supervision of designated staff. 2. Practice allowed only during designated hours when AVA designated staff is on site. Only registered competitors may use the barrels. 3. No straps, trampolines, or spotters allowed during barrel competitions. 4. All barrels brought to the facility must be set up and used only in the Practice Barrel Area. Please indicate on Form 6 if you plan to bring a barrel. PARKING All vehicles must be kept in designated parking areas. REGISTRATION $85 registration fee for each vaulter, longeur, and alternate (Vaulters entered in ParaNationals Only are exempt). COACHES CHECK-IN Coaches of all participating clubs are required to check in at the National Championships. Check-In will be available 3-5 pm at the horse show office on August 7 and August 8 from 10 am - 2 pm. OFFICE 1. The show office will be staffed from 3-5 PM on Tuesday, August 7th and on August 9, 10AM - 2PM Wednesday and during competition hours in the Horse Show Office in the on the lower level of the Events Center near the red arena. A list of staff members and their positions will be posted. Please direct your questions to the appropriate person per posted listing. 2. The Scoring Office is off limits to ALL but assigned workers, management and judges. Continued Vaulting World 19

20 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships Continued from previous page HORSE, VAULTER, LONGEUR NUMBERS Longeurs and Individual and Pas de Deux/ Pairs competitors must wear an armband with their AVA assigned number to enter the competition area. Each horse must wear it s AVA assigned number on their bridle in order to be admitted into a competition area. Vaulter and longeur numbers are posted in the competitive page and horse numbers are posted on the horses page of the AVA members only website. MUSIC 1. It is recommended that one person from each vaulting club be responsible for that club s music. 2. Music must be delivered to the announcer s stands 30 minutes before the start of the morning or afternoon session as appropriate. 3. Music will be accepted in the following formats: CD-R. CD-RW s and commercial CD s will not be accepted. CD-Rs should be labeled and tested on standard music equipment before competition. 4. Music must be delivered in a case, clearly marked with the name of the club and organized in the correct order of go. 5. Music must be clearly labeled with the vaulting club, the vaulter s full name, class name and class number. 6. If no music is provided, none will be played. 7. Music is to be retrieved at the end of the day. Staff is not responsible for music left behind at the close of Competition. AWARDS CEREMONIES All vaulters must be dressed neatly in uniform leotards or uniformly dressed in matching sweats/shorts with matching jackets/t-shirts. Vaulting shoes or tennis shoes that are all the same color will be worn. Oversized T-shirts, hats and sunglasses are not acceptable. Hair is to be neatly tied back for all Award Ceremonies. The gatekeeper will not admit participants not in compliance with these guidelines into the arena for awards. Pets are NOT ALLOWED inside the building. PARENT VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Each club must designate a Parent Volunteer Coordinator for their club to act as a liaison to the National Championship Volunteer Coordinator. EVERY CLUB MUST PROVIDE FOUR HOURS OF VOLUNTEER TIME PER VAULTER. Parents are the preferred workers. We will work with each designated club representative in assigning blocks of time and areas of responsibility. The club will then be responsible for assigning individuals to cover their commitments. A schedule will be posted and the club will be responsible for making sure that its commitment is met COMPETITION T-SHIRTS T-shirts will be available with this years unique competition logo. Cost will be $15.00 if pre-ordered, add $4.00 if purchased at the event. ORDER OF GO 1. Show Management will draw the Order of Go by random computer assignment for all USEF events at 193 Duck Pond Drive, Groton, Massachusetts on Saturday July 1, 2007 at noon. Horse, vaulter and/or longeur conflicts will be taken into consideration after the draw and may result in a change of the draw. 2. Vaulters, longeurs and horses must appear on time for scheduled gate times as posted each day in the revised and official order of go. Competitors should present 10 minutes in advance of their scheduled time for access to vaulter and horse warmup arenas. Appearing late for a scheduled gate time may result in elimination from the class. 3. Coaches and competitors are reminded to check whether the competition is running early that day. If so, management may request that competitors enter the competition arena at an earlier time as unforeseen changes to the schedule may arise. 4. This is a multi-arena competition and gate times in the blue arena times take priority over gate times in the red arena. MANAGEMENT DECISIONS 1. Management reserves the right to correct any error or make necessary changes in the schedule, program or prize list. 2. The management accepts no responsibility for the decision of the judges. DISQUALIFICATION/ELIMINATION 1. Any act of discourtesy or disobedience to the judges, steward or officials by a coach, longeur, vaulter, parent, or club affiliate shall disqualify those individuals from further competition and the individual and/or club shall forfeit their entire entry and related fees. 2. Inhumane treatment of a horse on the grounds is forbidden and will result in disqualification of the offender(s) from competition. 3. Judges have the right to dismiss from competition any horse which is unsound or endangers the safety of competition participants. 4. Failure to be on time to classes will result in disqualification, except in case of a conflict in schedule. 5. Please review the current AVA Rules. PROTESTS Protests may be filed with the Competition Chairperson or the AVA VP Competitions. Protests must be filed in accordance with current USEF/AVA Rules as applicable. For USEF classes a fee of $200 must be submitted with each protest if made by a Federation member or parent of a junior member, and $300 if made by a non-member. Forms will be made available in the Competition Office. For AVA classes, protests shall be filed according to current AVA Rules and submitted with a fee of $50. CLASS DESCRIPTION/PRIZE LIST USEF/AVA CLASSES - Every class offered herein which is covered by the rules and specifications of the current USEF Rule Book will be conducted and judged in accordance therewith. Note: All USEF rules pertaining to horses govern ALL horses participating on any day of competition, which includes a USEF class. USEF/AVA National A Team Vaulting Championships Eligibility: Open to all current members of the AVA and USEF. Class 01A - A Team Compulsories Class 01B - A Team Freestyle Awards: 1-5 for Rd I and Rd II, I-3 for Overall. Medals to Champions USEF/AVA National Open Pas de Deux Vaulting Championships Eligibility: Open to all current members of the AVA & USEF (male/female pairs only). Class 21A, B - Open Pas de Deux FI, FII Awards: 1-5 for Rd I and Rd II, I-3 for Overall. Medals to Champions USEF/AVA National Gold Individual Vaulting Championships Eligibility: Open to all current members of the AVA and USEF. If a Bronze/Silver vaulter places in the top 10 in the Gold class with a min. score of 8.25, he/she will be permanently reclassified at that level. Vaulting World 20

21 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships Class 31A, B, C, D - Gold Compulsories RdI Freestyle Rd I, Technical Test Rd II, Gold Freestyle Rd II Awards (Men and Women separate): Gold 1-10 for Rd I, 1-5 for Rd II, and 1-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Man and Woman USEF/AVA National Silver Individual Vaulting Championships Eligibility: Open to all current members of the AVA and USEF except Gold Medallists. If a Bronze vaulter places in the top 10 in the Silver class with a minimum score of 7.25, he/she will be permanently reclassified at that level. Class 32A, B, C, D - Silver Compulsories Round I, Freestyle Rd I, Compulsories Rd II, Freestyle Rd II Awards (Men and Women separate): Silver 1-10 for Round I, 1-5 for Rd II, and 1-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Man and Woman AVA CLASSES - Classes run per AVA rules. Note: All USEF rules pertaining to horses govern ALL horses participating on any day of competition, which includes a USEF class. ALL horses must be registered with the USEF, regardless of whether they are participating in a USEF class or not. AVA National B, C, and Trot Team Vaulting Championships Eligibility: Teams may enter B, C or Trot division as per the classifications in the current AVA Rule Book. Class 02A, B - B Team Compulsories, Freestyle Class 03A, B - C Team Compulsories, Freestyle Class 06A, B - Trot Team Compulsories, Freestyle Awards (Each Division): 1-5 for Compulsories and Freestyle, 1-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Team AVA National Individual Bronze Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members except Gold and Silver Medallists. Class 33A, B, C - Individual Bronze Compulsories Round I, Bronze Freestyle RI, Compulsories Rd II Awards (Men and Women separate): 1-15 for Compulsories Rd I and 1-15 for Freestyle, l-5 for Compulsories Rd II, and l-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Man and Woman AVA National Individual Copper Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members except Gold, Silver and Bronze Medallists. Class 34A, B - Individual Copper Compulsories Round I, Copper Freestyle RI, Awards (Men and Women separate): 1-15 for Compulsories Rd I and 1-15 for Freestyle, and l-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Man and Woman AVA National Team 2-Phase Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members as per the classifications in the current AVA Rule Book. Class 11A, B - Open 2-Phase Team Awards: Each Division: 1-5 for Compulsories and Freestyle; l-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Team Class 12A, B - Preliminary 2-Phase Awards: 1-5 for Compulsories and Freestyle; l-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Team AVA National Preliminary Pas de Deux Vaulting Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members except Gold Medallists. (male/female pairs only) Class 22B - Preliminary Pas de Deux - 1 Freestyle only Awards: 1-5, Medals to Champions. FESTIVAL CLASSES - Classes run per current AVA rules and Guidelines (with eligibility and time differences as noted). Trot Team 2-Phase Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members who hold no higher than a Trot Medal. Class 16A, B - Trot 2-Phase Team Compulsories, Freestyle Awards: 1-5 for Compulsories and Freestyle, l-3 for Overall. Medals to Champion Team Open Pairs Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members (no gender requirement). Class 23B - Open Pairs Freestyle Awards: 1-5. Preliminary Pairs Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members except Gold Medallists (no gender requirement). Class 24B - Preliminary Pairs Freestyle Awards: 1-5 Trot Pairs Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members holding no higher than a Trot Medal (no gender requirement - 2 minutes). Class 26C - Preliminary Pairs FS Awards: 1-10 Individual Trot Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members who hold no higher than a Trot Medal. Class 36A, B - Individual Trot Comp, Freestyle Awards: (Men and Women separate): 1-l5 for Compulsories and Freestyle, 1-5 for Overall. Medals to Champion Man, Woman Individual Preliminary Trot Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members who do not hold a Trot or higher medal. Class 37A, B - Individual Trot Comp, Freestyle Awards: (Men and Women separate): 1-l5 for Compulsories and Freestyle, 1-5 for Overall. Medals to Champion Man and Woman 2-Phase Individual Open Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members. Class 41A,B - Individual Open Compulsories and Barrel Freestyle Awards - Compulsories and Freestyle 1-5; (Men and Women separate): Phase Individual Preliminary Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members except Gold and Silver Medallists. Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines Class 43A,B - Individual Preliminary Compulsories and Barrel Freestyle Awards for Compulsories and Freestyle (Men and Women separate): Overall: 1-5 Individual Trot Barrel Championships Eligibility: Open to all current AVA Members holding no higher than a Trot Medal. Class 46 A,B - Individual Trot Compulsories and Barrel Freestyle Awards for Compulsories and Freestyle, (Men and Women separate) Overall: 1-5 Continued Vaulting World 21

22 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships Continued from previous page AVA s PARANATIONALS (PARA- meaning to go alongside of Nationals) Run per AVA Rules and Guidelines with exceptions noted. Note: The Vaulter Registration Fee ($85) is not required of vaulters who compete ONLY in AVA s ParaNationals. ELIGIBILITY: Open to all current AVA Members who hold NO MEDAL. There is NO age limit. Participation in all AVA s PARA Nationals classes is limited to vaulters who do not compete in any other Recognized Events during this competition with the exception of Special Pairs. Novice indicates that the vaulter needs help onto the barrel. Special needs is for young and very new vaulters. The specially titled classes such as Novice Modified Walk (only the first three compulsories only, no freestyle), Novice Walk, Novice Advanced Walk and Novice Trot (compulsories and a barrel freestyle) are designed to help vaulters graduate into more advanced AVA classes. Trot Barrel Compulsories and Freestyle Eligibility: Trot vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines. Class 86 - Trot Barrel Compulsories Class 96 - Trot Barrel Freestyle Awards 1-15 Canter Barrel Comp. and Freestyle Eligibility: Canter vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines. Class 87 - Canter Barrel Comp. Class 97 - Canter Barrel Freestyle Awards 1-15 Canter Barrel Doubles Eligibility: Canter vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines except 2 minute freestyle Class 90 - Canter Barrel Doubles Awards 1-15 Trot Barrel Doubles Eligibility: Trot vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July 27-30th. Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines except 2 minute freestyle Class 91 - Trot Barrel Doubles Awards 1-15 Special Pairs Barrel Freestyle Eligibility: One handicapped vaulter and one non-handicapped vaulter (The non-handicapped vaulter must pay the $85.00 registration fee and may compete in USEF/AVA National Championship classes). Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines except 1 minute. Class 92 - Special Pairs Barrel Freestyle Awards: 1-15 Individual Novice Trot Barrel Compulsories and Freestyle Eligibility: Vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July Format: Per current AVA Rule Book Guidelines for Trot Barrel except eligibility and the vaulter must have an assisted mount onto the barrel with no deductions. Vaulters may have spotters present during compulsories and freestyle, but will receive a deduction for any exercise in which the vaulter receives assistance from the spotter, with the exception of the mount, which is scored on form only. Compulsories are performed as in the Individual Trot events. Freestyle is a one-minute (maximum) routine. Class 83 - Novice Trot Barrel Comp. Class 93 - Novice Trot Barrel FS Awards: All Participants Individual Novice Advanced Walk Barrel Comp. and Freestyle Eligibility: Vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July 27-30th. Format: Vaulter must have assisted mount onto barrel with no deductions. Vaulters may have spotters present during compulsories and freestyle, and will receive a 0 for any exercise in which the vaulter receives assistance from the spotter, with the exception of the mount, which is scored on form only. Freestyle is a one-minute (maximum) routine of static and dynamic exercises. Should be Level II and III exercises only. Class 84 - Novice Advanced Walk Compulsories Class 94 - Novice Advanced Walk Freestyle Awards: All Participants Individual Novice Walk Barrel Comp. and Freestyle Eligibility: Vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July Format: Vaulter must have an assisted mount onto the barrel. Vaulters may not hold any medals. Vaulters may have spotters present during compulsories and barrel freestyle, and will receive no deduction for exercise in which the vaulter receives spotting contact or assistance from the spotter. These exercises will be scored on form only. Class 85 - Individual Novice Walk Compulsories Class 95-Individual Novice Walk Freestyle Awards: All Participants Individual Novice Modified Walk Barrel Compulsories Eligibility: Vaulter who will not vault in any classes of the USEF/ AVA National Championships July Format: Vaulter must have an assisted mount onto the barrel. Vaulters may not hold any medals. Vaulters must have spotters present during compulsories and will not receive a deduction for assistance. Event consists of the Basic Seat, Flag and Mill Compulsories only. These exercises are to be scored on form only. Class 82 - Individual Novice Modified Walk Compulsories Awards: All Participants HOUSING HOTELS - (be sure to ask for AVA rate) Comfort Inn Central, Denver Colorado. Phone 303/ or 80/ , Hot deluxe complimentary continental breakfast, exercise room, heated outdoor seasonal pool, free high-speed wireless internet access, Show Room Bar and Grill, coin operated laundry facilities, and more. Two miles from National Western Complex. $78.99 AVA group rate - cutoff date: July 15, 2007 Denver Renaissance Hotel Vaulting World 22

23 2007 USEF/AVA National Championships 3801 Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado Phone: 303/ , fax: 303/ , com $89.99 AVA group rate - cutoff date: July 7, 2007 State of the art exercise room, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and Whirlpool. Onsite dining. Wireless Internet access. King rooms with sleep sofa and rooms with two queen beds are available. Driving Directions: Take Pena Blvd East to I-70 West. Exit #278 (Quebec Street) South. Stay right, (across Smith Road) Hotel is on right 1/8 of mile ahead. Airport shuttle service, on request, complementary. CAMPING - RV camping available at the Western Nationals contact Jan Weber for reservations. RV Electrical Hook up is $25.00 per night. No water hook-up is available. Volunteers Noel Martonovich Robin Bowman from Region IV has volunteered to be competition manager for the 2007 National Championships in Denver. Robin is a full time physical therapist at a hospital, she also runs a very successful therapeutic riding center, and has 2 kids, one of whom vaults with Golden Gate. She has consented to take on the job of competition manager in her spare time (ha ha). If any of you or your club would like to volunteer for specific jobs (for instance: awards ceremony, ribbons and trophies, barn manager, sponsorships, donations, publicity, etc.), please her at thebowmans4@msn.com. If you have any questions about the NEW rules, online registration for 2007 Nationals or have any other questions, please contact Jan Weber at janmweber@ gmail.com, 978/ Any vaulters or interested parties who are NOT AFFILIATED with an AVA recognized club needing entry forms should contact: American Vaulting Association, 8205 Santa Monica Blvd. #1-288 West Hollywood, CA Tel: 323/ Phone Hours: 8 am - noon PST, Fax: 323/ , nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org. CLASS SPONSORS A Team Garrod Farms $300 B Team FACE/Carolyn Bland/ Devon Maitozo $300 C Team Stevens-Brown/ Bill Brown $200 Trot Team Plungy Family $150 Gold Men Detol/Coburn/Coburn $200 Gold Women Scott/Emma Seely $200 Silver Men Woodside Vaulters $150 Silver Women Bittenbring Family $150 Bronze Men Katie Flannagan/ Vaulting Concepts $125 Bronze Women The Benjamin Family $125 Copper Men Jan/Bob Weber $100 Copper Women Sky Mountain Vaulters $100 Trot Men Region IV $100 Trot Women Seneca Sport Horses LLC/ Francie Dougherty $100 Open Pas de Deux Sue Detol/Patty Littmann $200 Prelim. Pas de Deux Marge/Tom Oakes $100 Open Pairs Hamar Farms $100 Prelim. Pairs Divita Family $100 A Horse to be Proud of Stephanie Harris Image Vaulters recently lost one of our wonderful vaulting horses, Pride. I remember the first time I tried Pride for vaulting. He was already in his early twenties, but still full of spunk, and he acted like he had been vaulting his whole life. Although he loved to play around on the longe line when he was warming up, as soon as you put the side reins on he was all business. Pride was an amazingly versatile horse. He came from Virginia where he had been a driving horse. He was trained in dressage and jumping by his owner, Pam Maloof. During his time at Faith Hill Farm he competed at dressage shows and eventing competitions, taught many aspiring young riders, carried members of the University of Rhode Island Equestrian Team, and, of course, was a wonderful asset to our vaulting club. We feel lucky to have had the privilege of using him and are certainly going to miss him. Trot Pairs Matrix Vaulting $100 Open Team 2-Phase Falconwood $75 Preliminary Team 2-Phase Mt Eden $75 Trot Team 2-Phase AVAILABLE $75 Open Individual 2-Phase AVAILABLE $75 Prelim. Individual 2-Phase Northwind Vaulters $75 Trot Individual 2-Phase AVAILABLE $75 Judges Susan Frankel $100 AVAILABLE $100 Horse Awards Jeannie Beattie $100 Jan & Bob Weber $100 AVAILABLE $100 ParaNationals Circle of Friends $100 Alyssa/Katharina Woodman $100 AVAILABLE $100 If you would like to sponsor a class or any element of Nationals, please mail your selection and your check (made to AVA ) to the AVA National Office, 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-288, West Hollywood, CA Please contact Jan Weber janmweber@gmail. com, 978/ if you have any donations or questions. Katie Gorsky, age 10 On Sunday February 18 t, Pride, our wonderful vaulting horse passed away. He always worked extra hard and always tried his best. A great horse like him is usually very hard to find. Pride helped each one of the vaulters give a good performance. He wouldn t slow down when at a nice, steady pace and he would never buck. Even though he was very tall for me, he helped me mount at trot without a boost. My team was successful at the stand-a-thon when Pride helped me stay on for fifty strides. Everyone is going to miss him. Vaulting World 23 Pride

24 USEF News USEF RULE CHANGES For complete rules see documents/rulebook/2007/28-va.pdf VA103 Competitors 6. At National Championships, foreign individual vaulters and foreign teams are allowed to compete, but are ineligible for National Championship titles. They may compete for scores and may be awarded ribbons with placings. If the number of entries is significant, management may offer separate prizes for foreign competitors. BOD 1/14/07 Effective 4/1/ No entries will be accepted after the closing date of entries. (No post entries). VA110 Format 4. Order of go for Individual Events must be determined by draw, by team, for each section of the event. Management may draw for all clubs. The coach must specify the order of vaulters. a. Time of draw must be at least 1 hour before the start of the competition. b. Time and place of draw shall be announced at least 24 hours in advance. 5. Each team vaulter must wear a number from 1 through 7 and must vault in that order for the compulsories round. Numbers must be easily visible to the Judges. 6. Individual vaulters must wear a number, which has been assigned to them. Number may be worn on the right arm or right leg and must be easily visible to the Judges. 7. Music is recommended during all performances. Music with words and lyrics is allowed only at Gold, A- Team, and Open Pas de Deux Levels. Entry and exit music is allowed for team event. Entry and exit music is discouraged for individual events. It is recommended that music be continuous for all competitors on the same horse during individual compulsories. a. Cassette tapes, mini disks and/or compact discs must be provided by the competitor, according to the equipment available. b. Management must state in the prize list which system(s) will be available. 8. The dress of the vaulters must be suitable for equestrian sport.(see FEIGuidelines) BOD 1/14/07 Effective 4/1/07. VA117 Gold and Silver Individual Event Requirements 4. The twelve (12) highest scoring women will compete in Round 2 of the Women s Event. Competition management, at its discretion, may add up to three (3) of the next highest-scoring competitors to compete in Round 2 for a total of fifteen (15). 5. The twelve (12) highest scoring men will compete in Round 2 of the Men s Event. Competition management, at its discretion, may add up to three (3) of the next highest-scoring competitors to compete in Round 2 for a total of fifteen (15). BOD 1/14/07 Effective 4/1/07. At the 2007 USEF Annual Meeting Megan Benjamin won the Becky Grand Hart Trophy (shown with David O Conner, President of USEF). Pam Lane Joins USEF as Director of Vaulting and Para-Equestrian USEF Pam Lane has joined the United States Equestrian Federation as Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting effective March 5. She is located in the Gladstone, New Jersey office and will report to Jim Wolf, Executive Director of Sports Programs. Pam has extensive experience with the USEF and the dressage discipline. Since 1997 she organized West Coast athlete and developing rider training sessions and has been an event organizer for such competitions as the 2002 qualifiers for the North American Young Riders Championship and the National Disability Sports Alliance Championship; the 2003 USET Festival of Champions Grand Prix and Intermediaire Championship and Selection Trials for the Pan American Games; served as co-manager for the 2004 Olympic Selection Trials for Dressage; organized the 2005 and 2006 USET Foundation Dressage Festival of Champions featuring the selection trials Megan Benjamin and Emma Seely won the USEF Vaulter of the Year and USEF Coach of the Year awards. Photos: Geoff Oliver Bugbee/ USEF Archives. Vaulting World 24

25 USEF News for the 2006 World Equestrian Games. In 2006 Pam was the assistant Dressage Team Leader at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. She has also organized symposiums, educational clinics, and seminars on such topics as event organization, equine nutrition, and training. Pam grew up in the thoroughbred industry and as a youth competed in 4H western events. She has also competed in the hunter ring and in the last decade she has been competing in dressage up to the FEI level. I m thrilled to join the USEF and taking over the vaulting program from Sara Ike who has done a tremendous job. Our vaulting success from the 2006 World Games is a catalyst for greater development of the sport in this country and will lead to even more medals in the future. I very much look forward to working with our Para- Equestrian athletes, especially with the Paralympics coming up in 2008 and for the Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games in Sara Ike Named High Performance Director of Eventing USEF A graduate of Skidmore College and a former competitive equestrian, Sara Ike moves from the USEF Director of Vaulting position to High Performance Director of Eventing reporting to Torri Nahorniak, Managing Director of Eventing. Sara will remain in the Gladstone, New Jersey office and will continue to serve as the USEF coordinator of the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency Programs. At the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, Sara managed the United States Vaulting Team that brought home the team silver medal, the highest honor a US team has won in international competition, and the individual women s gold medal won by Megan Benjamin, the first gold won by a woman from the U.S. in an international championship. Shown here at the 2007 AVA Annual Meeting, Sara Ike has been a dedicated Director of Vaulting. The AVA thanks her and wishes her well in her new job. Photo: Nancy Stevens-Brown Sara has demonstrated the discipline needed to manage a medal-winning team, said Wolf. Her management skills and games expertise are greatly needed as we broaden our three-day eventing programs to train developing riders and create a pipeline for the future. I m very excited to work with Eventing High Performance athletes and I m looking forward to contributing to an already excellent program, said Ike. New Search Function for IHP List Lisa Owens It is now possible for anyone to search the International High Performance (IHP) list on the USEF website without logging into an AUA. To find the search function on our website, hold your cursor over the SEARCHES tab on the USEF homepage. Click on IHP Search.. You can search for an individual or if you leave it blank and hit submit, you will get the complete list of everyone who has paid IHP dues this year. The partial payments for IHP dues are at the bottom of the list. I hope this helps our members and competition staff. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Owens at lowens@usef.org or call USEF Vaulting High Performance Plan USEF The focus of the Vaulting High Performance Plan (HPP) is to develop and implement a strategic plan with the overall goal of winning medals in Championship competitions, particularly the 2008 World Championships and the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The High Performance Plan is the roadmap to winning medals in international championship competition. The mission of Vaulting High Performance is to provide leadership, inspire excellence, promote physical fitness and sportsmanship, protect and support the safety and welfare of our horses, encourage and develop interest in vaulting in the United States, and provide the strongest possible U.S. representation internationally. Our Strengths: Talented athletes Primary focus is performance in World Championships, and what it takes to win medals Experience and depth in all phases of logistical planning Internationally experienced coaches, trainers, judges, and longeurs available to help attain goals Talented, experienced staff and committees who work hard and remain focused on their mission and goals Good communication between USEF staff and Vaulting community at large Ranking Lists, updated weekly Our Weaknesses: Shortage of championship level horses owned/leased by the United States Shortage of USEF/FEI recognized competitions in U.S. Non-diverse geography- most recognized competitions and elite athletes are in California Depth and number of U.S. vaulters competing at international level- especially men Turnover of vaulters- attend college, join workforce Difficulty of raising sufficient funds to implement High Performance Plan Weak communication with the national affiliate, the AVA Continued Vaulting World 25

26 USEF News High Performance Plan continued AVA Bronze, B and C Team level events are not recognized by USEF, therefore these athletes are not in the pipeline Lack of 100% funding Athlete pipeline is limited Shortage of FEI judges in U.S. Limited control over condition, soundness, and transportation logistics of borrowed European horses used at Championships Subjectivity/lack of clarity at veterinary inspections Inherent subjectivity in the sport- the U.S. is an outsider Ideal Athlete Development Model Although our current Athlete Development Program (ADP) has been working well, our ideal ADP model would include 100% funding to send vaulters to Europe to compete and gain international experience, which is critical to our success in World Championships and World Equestrian Games. USEF needs to implement a Talent Search/Developing Vaulter program which would identify talent early and lead them through the process of becoming an elite level vaulter. Together, USEF and AVA need to encourage upward movement through the levels, Bronze to Silver, Silver to Gold. Developing Vaulter Program A Developing Vaulter Program will be established to help develop future high performance athletes. The program will be run by the Developing Vaulter Program Administrator. High Performance Training Sessions Each year, the USEF VHPC will offer a series of 3-5 training sessions to the top individual and team vaulters. The purpose of these training sessions is to improve our chances of winning medals at the next two World Championships. Alltech World Equestrian Games If you go to the 2010 WEG website ( you can register via and they will you info on tickets and accommodations, etc., when the info becomes available. You may sign up for volunteering now. Keep an eye on the site as information is being posted all the time. High Performance Foreign Tour To better prepare our vaulters to win medals at World Championships, the VHPC will establish a High Performance Foreign Tour. Each year, individual and team vaulters will be invited to attend a series of CVIs abroad. The trip will be arranged by the Director of Vaulting and VHPC Tour sub-committee. The U.S. National Trainer will serve as both the Chef d Equipe for the Tour and an advisor to the vaulters and their coaches. Vaulter grants will cover partial expenses for the Tour. U.S. National Trainer A U.S. National Trainer will be selected to oversee the progress of the elite athletes. The U.S. National Trainer will work with the elite vaulters during the off-season, advise the Education sub-committee on curriculum and travel with the vaulters on the High Performance Foreign Tour. This is a paid position. Vaulting Horse and Longeur Program A vaulting horse and longeur program will provide structure and support to athletes who have limited resources overseas, and it will improve the quality of borrowed horses/longeurs. Horse Availability Horses capable of competing at the championship level will always be in short supply. USEF must continue to foster good relationships with the Vaulting community and the AVA, so that they understand the important role they have in our country s continued international success, particularly supplying the horses necessary to compete at this level. In addition, VHPC will explore options for guaranteed U.S. horse availability at CVIs, European and World Championships which may include purchasing horses, but boarding them in Europe and training them with reputable trainers. National Trainer/Chef d Equipe By recognizing and appointing a Chef Vaulting got a big plug when Alltech made the big presentation of the $10 million check for the WEG2010. Photo: Phelps Media d Equipe and/or National Trainer, we would have unbiased leader(s) to protect, promote and guide our vaulters both prior to and during the international competitions throughout the year World Championships The 2008 World Championships will be held in Brno, Czech Republic July 31 August 3. We anticipate the logistics involved with participation at this championship will be difficult, with significant costs attributed to horse shipping and athlete airfare. Selection for the 2008 World Championships has yet to be decided, but could include a pre-wc European tour, to ensure that selected athletes are prepared for this important championship. Funding this tour is critical to our success at the 2008 World Championships. Athlete Compensation The USEF does not offer stipends or training compensation to athletes. Athletes are awarded grants and/or funding to gain valuable training and/or competition experience. The Vaulting High Performance Committee establishes the guidelines for dispensing these grants. Veterinarians The soundness and well being of our equine partners is critical to our international success. Currently, there is not sufficient funding in the HP budget for veterinary fees and expenses. At the 2010 FEI Games, vaulting may be able to share costs with other disciplines. Eventually, vaulting would like to be able to allocate sufficient funds towards a U.S. vet at championships. Remember that the above is primarily a plan and will be implemented as much as logistically and financially possible. For the complete High Performance Plan please visit ments/highperformance/vaulting/ vhppfinal.pdf. Vaulting World 26

27 FEI Restructured The Times They Are A-Changin Arndt Bronkhorst The FEI is changing from an obscure rule-producing administration earning its revenues by taxing the sport to becoming a dynamic organization whose focus is resolutely aimed towards its members, and in the process, proving to be a reliable partner and inspirational leader whose vision and expertise are of value to all stakeholders. Charity begins at home, they say, and before it can truly champion the sport, the FEI needs to reform itself, its own structure and working methods. The process has already begun and an improved internal structure was put in place as of January 1, The new structure is as follows: The Secretary General, Michael Stone, ensures the leadership of the management and staff, and is as such, the chief executive of the FEI. The workflow is divided into key areas, which are placed under the responsibility of four Executive Directors: Development and Sports; Legal and Information Systems; Commercial and Communications; and Finance, Administration and Human Resources. The Executive Directors then form the senior management team and report to the Secretary General. The former Heads or Managers of the Sports Departments are now Directors of their respective disciplines, thus providing a title that fully reflects the responsibility attached to the management and running of the sport. Among those are: Ian Williams, Endurance, Driving, FEI World Cup Driving and Para-Equestrian; Jacqueline Braissant, Sports Development; and Frits Sluyter, Veterinary. Nici Kennedy is the Manager of Vaulting and Youth. Thanks to this new vision, the FEI Headquarters have been empowered as never before. But increased responsibility goes hand in hand with greater accountability and professional working methods. A solid foundation has been laid but further efforts are still needed in order to achieve a fully modernized and efficient FEI. It is an exciting enterprise and reflects an FEI that has the energy, passion and faith to claim its rightful place at the heart of horsesport. Join, Inform, Invite F.A.M.E. Team in Aachen Photo: Bob Weber Now Is the Time Nancy Stevens-Brown If there were ever a perfect time to be a part of the American Vaulting Association, now is the time! There are so many new opportunities for everyone who enjoys vaulting. The most notable is the impending Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in The phenomenal success of our American vaulting champions last summer in Aachen has set the bar high for all who dare to dream of being a part of the WEG tradition. Our team and individuals raised the recognition and respect for our sport within the equestrian community. This newfound status will produce even better results in future international arenas. The 2010 Games are the sixth in the history of this, the largest and most prestigious equestrian event in the world! The WEG s organizing committee and the state of Kentucky sense an opportunity to surpass the record attendance, amenities and opportunities that horse lovers and fans enjoyed last year in Germany. For the first time eight disciplines will crown their World Champions on the same site during the sixteen day competition. This promises the participants and spectators an intimate and vast landscape for equestrian excellence, excitement and drama. Within the world-class Kentucky Horse Park a mile-long promenade of vendors will offer everything equestrian. In the new and refurbished stadiums eight hundred elite equestrians from all over the globe will vie for the coveted title of World s Best. For equestrians this is more momentous than the Olympics and larger than any other event of its kind. By all accounts Kentucky promises to outshine Aachen and all previous WEGs. This is the momentum we need! This American WEG provides the perfect reason for everyone to become more active and excited about horses in America. No matter what sort of vaulting you may now enjoy the common thread we all share beyond our own arena is the horse! The 2010 Games will not only have more than 900 of the best horses in the world, but also the finest riders, drivers and vaulters ever seen! Now as you expand your own vaulting program, make sure to take advantage of the upcoming WEG to promote your sport. The WEG are the ideal way to introduce vaulting to your local community. Since vaulting is one of only eight disciplines to be showcased in this international setting, we have fantastic proof as to why vaulting is both valuable and important to the American horseman. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to really sell your vaulting program and then go to Kentucky in 2010! How To Spread The Word Offer to speak about 2010 at a local 4-H, Pony Club or horseman s association Put up flyers about your club s plans for going to WEG2010 at local stables, tack and feed stores Add WEG info (past and future) to all of your club handouts Add WEG pictures to your club display Post WEG info at your own stable and on your website Visit the WEG website soon and volunteer to work at the event Hold a 2010 Party for your Club Visit often Vault On! Vaulting World 27

28 USEF High Performance Training Camp Hannah Horsmon The USEF Vaulting High Performance Camp held on January 20, 21 in the San Francisco Bay Area (Riekes Center in Menlo Park, the Frankel home in Woodside, the Mounted Patrol Grounds in Woodside, Hyde Middle School and Garrod Farms in Saratoga) was an exciting and fun new experience for me. It was the first time I had ever attended one of the USEF camps and I was thrilled with the whole experience. Obviously I went for the opportunity to improve my vaulting. I learned many new things on and off the horse. Some of the drills for flight were a real help. Getting to work on the technical test moves was very helpful, especially on a horse. All of the clinicians were very thorough and a pleasure to learn from. Not only was the learning aspect enjoyable, but also getting to meet new Horse practice Photo: Tom Sayles people from different areas of the country. There were 17 vaulters from seven states including New Jersey, Washington, Michigan and Virginia. At the camp I had the chance to actually get to know many vaulters that I had previously only seen or met briefly. We got to work together and share ideas and hints in a nice non-competitive atmosphere. Getting to know the clinicians, longeurs, and coaches was also very nice. Everyone was very helpful and willing to answer any questions. Making friends across the U.S. is just one of the many perks of vaulting. The generosity of so many people to be able to make these camps happen cannot be forgotten. Woodside, Mt. Eden, and Pacific Coast vaulting clubs were kind enough to allow vaulters to use their facilities, horses, longeurs and coaches. Many local teams families also provided a place to stay and rest for vaulters that had come from a distance. I had the wonderful experience of staying with Rosey Ross and seeing some of Palo Alto. Being able to participate in such an educational weekend was a real treat. The sunny California weather was an added bonus in comparison to dreary, snow-covered Michigan. I am looking forward to hopefully having the opportunity to participate in future camps. Katie Gieschen (age 16) At first I was nervous about attending the USEF Training Camp because I did not know many of the participants. I just started competing at the gold level so it was all a little overwhelming. I was afraid that it might be too hard for me or that I would not be able to keep up with the people at higher skill levels than mine. My teammate, Jessie Price, and I were able to travel to the camp together. We boarded the plane and made the long journey to California from the state of New Jersey. After I got there and started working with everyone, I realized that I had nothing to worry about. The camp was set up perfectly, in my opinion. A month prior to camp, a list of the skills I needed to master before I arrived at camp was sent out. It was really helpful. I was able to train before I left. Separating the participants into groups was a wonderful idea because it allowed the clinicians to focus more on each individual and it was less intimidating because I was with same level vaulters. Some of the activities we did were extremely difficult but that only helped me realize how much I have to work on. Most importantly, the camp provided me with a platform around which to build my own training program and gave me instruction on what to work on once I returned home. The quality of people teaching the clinic was outstanding. The range of expertise was incredible and each person I worked with gave me something unique and valuable to take home and work on. Everyone involved in this clinic was very nice and accommodating and overall camp was very informative and helpful in many ways, not to mention a lot of fun. I would definitely attend another one, if given the opportunity. Strength building Photo: Tom Sayles Alison Gieschen mother and coach of Katie Gieschen When Katie mentioned that she wanted to attend the USEF training camp, I was really excited that she was willing to give it a try. I knew it would be difficult for her, just by looking at the list of training requirements she needed to accomplish before she even left for camp. I knew though, that if she was serious about competing gold, this would be a golden opportunity for her to receive some outstanding training. It is a little daunting to send my daughter on a plane across to the country, especially as I was used to doing everything with her, but she did have her teammate, Jessie, with her. That eased my mind a little about the traveling. Once again, the uniqueness of our sport was evident when vaulters from the west coast offered to take our girls into their homes and put them up for the weekend. When we picked the girls up from the airport, they both were bruised and sore from the intensity of the weekend but I could tell immediately that they were bubbling over with new ideas and enthusiasm from all they had learned. They immediately shared some of what they had learned and were eager to go home and get on a barrel despite their bruises and jet lag. The best part about the clinic is that they were able to share skills that they learned from the camp with their teammates. The techniques they have learned will not only make them better vaulters but also provide a valuable platform for all of our vaulters to build on, strengthening our entire vaulting program. Thank you to USEF for allowing my vaulters to attend a wonderfully informative and effective weekend training program. Vaulting World 28

29 Winter Vaulting Exposé Clinic Nancy Stevens-Brown This January, A Vaulting Connection hosted the second annual Winter Vaulting Exposé in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is the brainchild of Connection Coach Karin Schmidt who, along with several dedicated parents, organized the vaulting conference. The 2007 clinic drew two dozen vaulters from six clubs with almost as many coaches and parents auditing. First Day Friday began for me with a brisk hike in the Nature Conservancy land adjacent to vaulter Angelika Kurthen s environmental school. Despite temperatures dropping in advance of an impending storm, the trail was alive with birds singing and flitting about in the barren trees. At my feet, frozen prints illustrated that White-tailed deer, coyote and squirrels had recently passed by in the snowstilled woods. This was a winning way to start my stay in Grand Rapids. Private Lessons Soon I was off for a few hours of coaching private and semi-private lessons. I admit that one-on-one is my outright favorite way to work Photo: James Tolbert with students, so each session whizzed by much too fast. Attention to detail has become a trademark (or curse, depending on your perspective) of my teaching style. I start and then stop vaulters so often to work on details that they probably feel they need a rewind button to keep up with my expectations! Where is TiVo when you need it? In the end, when I asked the auditors and vaulters what they had learned, inevitably they remarked how surprising it was that some small detail improved the picture in such a big way. First: Forget The Big Picture! To develop an analytical eye, first stop looking at the whole picture or complete freestyle. Total body carriage throughout the pose and into a transition is essential! To get this complete presentation, take each movement or position separately and then define what the highlight or motif (i.e. the hands, eyes, lift of leg or turn of body) is for that section. By carefully pinpointing and then stressing that highlight or motif in each phase, you begin the process of individualizing the performance. Experiment with ways to embellish or exaggerate a move. Since vaulting is viewed at a distance, it is important to remember that most movement, to be effective, must be bigger than normal to truly be appreciated. Finish What You Start Putting a finish on each move also adds volume to the performance. For example, if the vaulter is stretching a leg very high, they should finish that move by lifting the leg even higher just at that moment when they begin a transition. In this way the last second or stride, when the vaulter finishes a move, becomes the strongest and best part of the move. This elevation/expansion of movement adds finesse to each posture and helps set up maximum control for the vaulter to move on. Point to Point Always pay very close attention to how a vaulter moves in transition and explore ways for that passage to be enhanced or enlarged. Since more than half of every freestyle is moving from place to place, this is one area that must be deliberate, refined and polished. Some crucial details to look for are: 1) Ease and accuracy of placement of the next balance points (feet, hands, shoulder, or knee.) Every new pose should arrive efficiently and cleanly, never scrambling, crawling or slow. To do this a vaulter must decide exactly where they need to be and then practice getting precisely to that spot without any unnecessary intermediate steps. 2) Explore ways for the vaulter to use their head in transition to enhance ease of movement in a turn, help boost Photo: James Tolbert balance and shape style. A common mistake is for vaulters to drop their head and focus in transition, only to finish by once again lifting their head. Angle, carriage and focus of the head directly influence balance and more importantly the artistic look of each move. 3) Design artistic and dramatic emphasis with the arms and hands. The whole body should always carry through every transition, but for the most complete performance, the arms and hands must always be artistically active during nearly every phase of the routine, especially in transition. Photo: Wendelin Schmidt 4) Describe the motive and purpose of the transition. The music and theme determine the body language a vaulter will display. Example: If the music is strong, then the body language should portray strength. If the music is graceful, the vaulter should move in a flowing and smooth way. 5) Create form highlights worth looking at, such as a flip of the hand, kick of the foot, or better yet, the look in the eye! By drawing attention to some Continued Vaulting World 29

30 Winter Vaulting Exposé Clinic Continued from previous page other artistically animated area these moves can effectively be used to distract the audience from some mechanical need, i.e. placing a foot in the Cossack. These details, either independently or together, add tons of potential for individualized and polished vaulting routines. By the day s end, each vaulter and auditor left with several new tricks. We were all excited about returning the next morning for the regional Exposé! Day Two, Too Much Fun! On Saturday the hardy Region X folks did not allow the winter chill to dampen their enthusiasm. Everyone was met by the warm Connection reception and well-organized registration. Then it was off to the various meeting rooms for the packed programs of Through the Eyes of a Clerk (led by Chris Horsmon), dance, acrobatics, poster making, and my detail driven barrel practice. Divided by skill level or club, each group had one and one-half hours for training before moving on to their next lesson. By lunch time, everyone reconnected in the dining hall for food, friendship and chatter, before heading off for the afternoon round of classes. We wrapped up Saturday with a Q&A session. Sunday, Sassy Squirrels & Snow Continued snow flurries were predicted for Sunday, yet it dawned alluringly clear! Looking outside, I saw two sassy Eastern Red Squirrels balanced like animated ornaments in the leafless trees. With the sun flashing through their gold and russet winter pelts, they darted and dashed, striking jaunty poses whenever they stopped. I wished the vaulters could have seen how these bundles of energy kept every move alive even when they sat perfectly still! Nature has a wonderful way of keeping her creatures animated, which vaulters could imitate with great results. One-on-One That afternoon vaulters, coaches, auditors and parents from four clubs submitted themselves to more of my picky-picky training sessions (however I prefer to believe I am just meticulous in my approach to developing a solid and stylish freestyle.) After the essentials of balance, form and correct technique were mastered, individualization by the adjustment of details developed freestyle style. Letting Go Adds Flow! One key element that I stress is to release and let go of moves whenever possible. The habit of retaking grips in the compulsories is so ingrained that frequently vaulters of all levels lower their hands during the freestyle for no real reason. Not retaking the handles between moves makes the flow smoother and faster. The simple act of releasing the hands radically improves the look of most moves and may boost the DOD. Photo: James Tolbert Spirits Soar Last but not least, I worked with Michigan Vaulters Steven and Desiree, who showed me their beautiful Pas de Deux. They are the students of Karen Rach. They already had a solid foundation for their routine and, beyond the typical elements of difficulty and strength, they displayed a real emotional connection. I am always looking for the moment when vaulting transcends the everyday and becomes passionate. When vaulters display recognizable personality and emotion, they are more likely to connect with anyone watching. This human part of performing is the last and most important detail to develop in a routine. Steven and Desiree deserve applause and praise for their truly evocative style. For me, Steven and Desiree were a divine way to end a great three days! Heart and Soul In every Region there are standouts, and Region X is no exception. Hannah Horsmon is a talented rising star of vaulting. She had just returned from the USEF High Performance Training Camp in California. Like many outstanding athletes, Hannah dedicates herself to doing whatever it takes to excel in her sport. As a role model for Region X, she eloquently shared her experiences during the Q&A, no doubt helping to inspire others to see opportunities beyond their club, state or Region. Now Hannah is helping to pave the way for others with the devoted support of her parents. Her mom, Chris, shared her own knowledge in the Through The Eyes of a Clerk seminar. Chris often accompanies Hannah on her trips as she pursues vaulting excellence. I am always impressed and grateful when I see people willing to go the extra miles to follow their vaulting dreams. If horses are the heartbeat of vaulting, then families like the Horsmons are the soul! Hannah Horsmon Photo: Nancy Stevens- Brown If you have not yet renewed your AVA membership for 2007, please note that your password will no longer allow you to enter the members section of the AVA website. Membership forms are available online at org -->join us. If you are a member of an AVA recognized club, please have your coach or club manager send in your membership. You cannot join as an individual member of a club until that club has renewed its club membership. If you have any questions, please contact the AVA national office manager, Craig Coburn at nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org. Vaulting World 30

31 Region X Clinics Karin Schmidt I have invited several clinicians and vaulters from Germany. The focus this year is on improving the quality level in horse training, longeing and vaulting. Petra Kirchner - longeing clinic May in Michigan, May East Coast Julia Fegert and Regina Guenster (Gold vaulter and coach) - vaulting clinic/camp in July between July 16 and August 8. Kerstin Nimmersatt (vaulting judge and member of the Olympic Committee) and two friends (all three are certified coaches) - longeing/vaulting in September Rainer Hilbt (one of the best longeurs in Germany), Ulrike Rieder (vaulting veteran coach, author and much more), Stephanie Brechter (A/Gold level trainer) and Maria Kiefer (A/Gold level vaulter) for Spirit of Vaulting Conference in Region IX, and possibly something similar as well for Region X, in October Anyone who is interested in participating can contact me for more information (wkschmidt@core.com). F I The 2007 AVA Rule Book will be mailed out at the end of April. It will include all the current rule changes and a new section of guidelines for Novice/ParaVaulting events. The AVA Directory will be included in that mailing. Directory information will reflect data in the AVA data base as of April 15, If you have not renewed your membership, please do so as soon as possible. You may review your AVA information by going to -->log in as member -->Membership Services -->Membership update. Please review your data. Northwest Spirit of Vaulting Conference Wendy Ware The Northwest Spirit of Vaulting Conference was held in the historic Lake Oswego Hunt Club, Lake Oswego, Oregon. It was well attended with over 120 participants, including vaulters, coaches, longeurs, parents, therapeutic instructors, physical therapists and riding instructors. We had 10 clinicians including: world champions Devon Maitozo (freestyle) and Megan Benjamin (technical components of compulsories), Rick and Virginia Hawthorne (coaching techniques and therapeutic sessions) and Suzanne Detol (Eyes of the Judge insights). Colin Schmidt shared amazingly well prepared presentations on athlete development and music editing. Jane Rohde trained riders and longeurs on techniques to keep their horse s attention at all times and exercises to build the horse s back muscles. Tamea Denault taught massage for the horse. Vaulters especially enjoyed the acrobatics clinics provided by Zac Diener and Emily Gleason. Ballet was taught by Sarah Smith and Annalise Albright taught yoga. There was a lot to learn and a lot to take home from the conference. Parents also went home with a more complete understanding of vaulting and perhaps a new job such as music editor for their club. Six generous clubs provided horses for the conference: Blackjack from Iron Mountain, Cali from Cascade, Charade of Northwind, Snowdancer of Sky Mountain, Splash from Broken Top and Storm from Mountain Wind Vaulters. We had three major sponsors for the conference: Westside Pediatric Clinic covered all our horse stall fees. Dr. Scott Browning and the Colon Clinic covered our Therapeutic Sessions. Julie s Organic Ice Cream donated delicious ice cream bars, which were a great hit with the participants throughout the conference. Evaluations of the conference by attendees were overwhelmingly positive. All clinicians received great reviews and each workshop was named at least once as most valuable or as most enjoyable. The variety of clinicians is what makes this event special. Thanks for a job well done. It was my first visit and it was great! This was well done and informative. Thank you for organizing it! Enjoyed ALL! Wonderful! Great! Thanks. Keep up the awesome job! Thanks! We had helpful suggestions for organizing next year including more mats and more food variety. Overall, it was another successful conference for Region III. It has helped our Region come together and grow. Photos: courtesy Wendy Ware Vaulting World 31

32 AVA Vaulting Camp Michigan Stallion Expo Demonstration Noel Martonovich AVA Vaulting Camp at Fort Robinson State Park, Nebraska June 18-24, 2007 Participants must be current AVA members, at least 12 years old and be canter vaulters. Fort Robinson is a six-hour drive from Denver. You can fly into Rapid City, South Dakota which is 90 minutes from Fort Robinson. Campers are provided with: * Bed in a dormitory - sheets and blankets provided * Breakfast - lunch - dinner * Morning vaulting session * Afternoon vaulting session * Hayride, cookout * Fun activities Transportation between Denver International Airport and Fort Robinson on Monday morning 6/18/07 and Sunday afternoon 6/24/07. Other times will cost an extra $50. The camp is held at the Fort Robinson State Park. Since it is a State Park, many people are there besides the vaulters. Lots of people bring their horses and spend a week trail riding through the 22,000-acre park. There are three 90 stall barns. Horseback riding or hiking in the Pine Ridge area offers a great look at the Nebraska panhandle. Jeep rides, stagecoach rides, and a ride on the Tour Train will all give you a feel for the park. The ponds throughout the park offer opportunities to go fishing. Historic buildings and museums throughout the park give visitors a glimpse into the colorful history of the area and park. If you are coming with your vaulter, you will need to contact the park to reserve your own sleeping arrangements. Rooms are available in the Lodge, camping is available at campsites, and cabins are available for rental. They are reserved quite far in advance though so you might want to get in touch with the park now. Check out their web site. For more information on the park parksearch/showpark.asp?area_no= Katie Ferraro In the past couple of years, vaulters in Michigan have done a great job spreading vaulting across the state. At one time, there was only one vaulting club in the state. Today there are eight. Various clubs across Michigan have done their best to promote this great sport by traveling to shows, hosting shows, and performing in exhibitions. Just recently the vaulting teams in Michigan collaborated for a performance at the Michigan Stallion Expo hosted by the Michigan Horse Council. During the exhibition seven teams were represented including A Vaulting Connection, Agape Vaulters, Timberlane Vaulters, Victory Vaulters, Michigan Vaulting Teams, Fiddler s Green Vaulters and Sunshine Vaulters. Jane Egger, coach of Agape Vaulters, generously provided Gwen, their stellar Percheron, for the vaulters to use during three of the four performances. To add to the experience, Chris Horsmon, mother of silver vaulter Hannah Horsmon, provided commentary to ensure that the audience could get a good feel for vaulting as a competitive sport. Karen Rach, coach of Michigan Vaulting Teams led the vaulters in simultaneous barrel and horse routines showcasing Bunny, their Morgan, and Lance, their Percheron in a theatrical performance to the theme of At The Movies. Gwen, Bunny and Lance, all seasoned veterans of vaulting, handled the performances like champs, thus easing the jitters of the very eager vaulters. Along with the seven teams, eight therapeutic vaulters from A Vaulting Connection had a chance to show off their skills to over two hundred spectators. In Michigan, the Stallion Expo is a very big event. It was the first time that all seven clubs worked together to present and promote vaulting in such a large venue. Although the big arena and enthusiastic crowd had the potential to be overwhelming, all the vaulters performed beautifully. We are confident that Region X will grow rapidly as Michigan has demonstrated a true passion for vaulting. There is a copious amount of talent among these vaulters and they are working hard to become national champions and world level vaulters. This summer will be very exciting for Region X. Many of the Michigan clubs are working together to organize clinics, camps and vaulting fests for the state s talented vaulters. Watch for representatives of Region X at this year s Nationals as well as the FEI World Games in 2010! Photos: Annie Rouvillois The Circle of Friends Wine Tasting at Garrod s Spring Classic on May 19, 2007 has been cancelled. The event will be rescheduled for the fall. Vaulting World 32

33 Tambourine Barrel Fest Tambourine Barrel Fest Unrecognized February 10, 2007 Petaluma, California Judges: Suzanne Detol (FEI O), Kitchy Burdette (AVA r), Mari Inouye (AVA Gold) Participating Clubs: Brookside, Elkhorn, Morning Star, Mt. Eden, Nu Balance, Pacific Coast, Penryn, Starlite, Tambourine, Willow Tree, Woodside Team Events Open Team Compulsories 1. Pacific Coast (Jonny) Pacific Coast (Emily) Open Team Freestyle 1. Pacific Coast (Jonny) Pacific Coast (Emily) Preliminary Team Comp. (5) 1. Mt. Eden Woodside Pacific Coast (Brittany) Preliminary Team FS (6) 1. Mt. Eden Penryn, Elkhorn Comp Pac Cst/NuBal (Brittany) Novice Canter Team Comp. 1. Mt. Eden Novice Canter Team FS 1. Elkhorn Trot Team Compulsories 1. Mt. Eden Tambourine Trot Team Freestyle 1. Tambourine Novice Trot Team Comp. 1. Mt. Eden Elkhorn Woodside Novice Trot Team Freestyle 1. Elkhorn Tiny Tots Team Freestyle 1. Nu Balance Triple/Double Events Novice Trot Triples 1. Elkhorn Mt. Eden Open Doubles 1. Kyra McCarty/Brittany O Leary, Pacific Coast Merina Rainville/Elizabeth Ioannou, Mt. Eden Preliminary Doubles (5) 1. Robin Todd/Kylen Dix, Morning Star Rebecca Hambly/Leah Sache, Morning Star Kimberly Jassowski/Laura Jassowski, Penryn Copper Doubles 1. Emma Kolbacher/Kimmy Burleson, Nu Balance Emily Hogye/Joey Gadd, Brookside/Mt. Eden Ariana Barrett/Adria Revel, Mt. Eden Trot Doubles 1. Emily Hogye/Nicole Gorman, Brookside Charisse Gillis/Chase Jones, Elkhorn Equestrian Sheanna Cummins/Cassie Dufond, Tambourine Novice Trot Doubles (6) 1. Gianna Moretti/Clare Sitzer, Tambourine Tabitha Rosenblum/Amanda Thomas, Mt. Eden Marcella George/Bridgett Baradat, Morning Star Individual Events Gold Compulsories (6) 1. Florence Rubinger, PCst Leti Solorzano, PacCst Jamie Pressley, PacCst Gold Freestyle (6) 1. Leti Solorzano, PacCst Christi Carroll, PacCst Florence Rubinger, PCst Silver Compulsories (7) 1. Laura Yelavich, Mt. Eden Alexandra Thrasher, PCst Elizabeth Ioannou,MtEdn Silver Freestyle (7) 1. Laura Yelavich, Mt. Eden Alexandra Thrasher, PCst Elizabeth Ioannou,MtEdn Bronze Compulsories (16) 1. Merina Rainville, MtEdn Alyssa Bonora, Woodside Emmy Weiner, Nu Bal Bronze Freestyle (15) 1. Sarah Flax, Pacific Coast Merina Rainville, MtEdn Rebecca Hambly, MngStr Copper Comp. - Women (20) 1. Katrina Nibbi, Woodside Jacqueline Lodbell, Ind Emma Kolbacher, Nu Bal Copper FS - Women (20) 1. Jacqueline Lodbell, Ind Julia Bell, Tambourine Andrea Meislin, MngStr Copper Comp. - Men 1. Joey Gadd, Mt. Eden Copper Freestyle - Men 1. Joey Gadd, Mt. Eden Trot Comp. - Women (9) 1. Charisse Gillis, Elkhorn Isabella Marmer, MngStr Sarah Dunn, Woodside Trot Freestyle - Women (10) 1. Charisse Gillis, Elkhorn Morgan Lambert, MtEdn Kate Morse, Mt. Eden Trot Compulsories - Men 1. Cole Mattingly, Nu Bal Trot Freestyle - Men 1. Cole Mattingly, Nu Bal Nov.Trot Comp.-Women (17) 1. Amanda Thomas, MtEdn Clare Sitzer, Tambourine Britnee Thigpen, Elkhorn Novice Trot FS - Women (16) 1. Siddharta Kreaden, Wds Candice Barr, Starlite Bridgette Baradat, MngSt Novice Trot Comp. - Men (6) 1. Nick Fujii, Tambourine Andrew Tapia, Willow Tree Chase Jones, Elkhorn Novice Trot FS - Men (6) 1. Andrew Tapia, Willow Tree Chase Jones, Elkhorn Nick Fujii, Tambourine Tiny Tot Compulsories (10) 1. Carrielyn La Franche, Nu Balance Tristan Martin, Tamb Jaclyn Hawks, Nu Bal Tiny Tots Freestyle (9) 1. Caroline Morse, Mt. Eden Natalia Myers, Elkhorn Katherine Salisbury, Wds Fun Classes Musical Interpretation (8) 1. Brittany O Leary, PacCst McKenzie Jassowski, Penryn Mary McCormick, MtEdn Horse Knowledge Bowl (7) 1. Laura Yelavich, Mt. Eden Kayla Marchini, Mt. Eden Tabitha Rosenblum, Mt. Eden.. Region IV Barrel Fest Region IV Barrel Fest Unrecognized February 18, 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico Judge: Erik Martonovich (AVA Gold) Participating Clubs: Albuquerque, Lazy River, Lion s Gate, Vaulters del Sol Team Events Open Team Compulsories 1. Albuquerque Lion s Gate/Lazy River Vaulters del Sol Open Team Freestyle 1. Albuquerque Vaulters Lion s Gate/Lazy River Vaulters del Sol Open Team Overall 1. Albuquerque Vaulters Lion s Gate/Lazy River Vaulters del Sol Doubles Events Advanced Doubles 1. Hayley Hanson/Ray Sutton, Albuquerque Rachel Buerkle/Marisa Rodriguez, Lion s Gate Beginning Doubles 1. Ruby Grossman/Savannah Grossman, Albuquerque Essence Kahler/Jordan Williams, Albuquerque Individual Events Open Freestyle - Women 1. Marisa Rodriguez, Lns Gt Beverly Klemme, Albuq Open Freestyle - Men 1. David McIntyre, Albuq Preliminary Comp. - Women 1. Caroline Shubert, Vaulters del Sol Rachel Buerkle, LnsGt Maya Thomas, Lazy Rvr Preliminary FS - Women 1. Caroline Shubert,VaultdS Maya Thomas, Lazy Rvr Rachel Buerkle, LnsGt Prel. Overall - Women 1. Caroline Shubert,VaultdS Maya Thomas, Lazy Rvr Rachel Buerkle, LnsGt Preliminary Comp. - Men 1. Ray Sutton, Albuquerque Preliminary FS - Men 1. Ray Sutton, Albuquerque Preliminary Overall - Men 1. Ray Sutton, Albuquerque Trot Comp. - Women (5) 1. Savannah Grossman, Alb Jamie Armstrong, VltdS Shannon Burt, VaultdS Trot Freestyle - Women (5) 1. Jamie Armstrong, Vaulters del Sol Savannah Grossman, Alb Shannon Burt, VaultdS Trot Overall - Women (3) 1. Jamie Armstrong, Vaulters del Sol Savannah Grossman, Alb Shannon Burt, VaultdS Trot Complsories - Men 1. Ian Fraim, Albuquerque Solomon Cave, Albuq Trot Complsories - Men 1. Ian Fraim, Albuquerque Solomon Cave, Albuq Trot Complsories - Men 1. Ian Fraim, Albuquerque Solomon Cave, Albuq Novice Compulsories (8) 1. Nicole Stefan, Albuq Anna Hamrick, VaultdS Francesca Foley, Vaulters del Sol Novice Freestyle (8) 1. Malu Foley, VaultdS Francesca Foley, VaultdS Nicole Stefan, Albuq Novice Overall (8) 1. Malu Foley, VaultersdelS Francesca Foley, Vaulters del Sol Nicole Stefan, Albuq Tiny Tots Compulsories 1. Amalie Hypolite, Albuq Mikayla Sutton, Albuq Hailey Flores, Albuq Tiny Tots Freestyle 1. Amalie Hypolite, Albuq Hailey Flores, Albuq Mikayla Sutton, Albuq Tiny Tots Overall 1. Amalie Hypolite, Albuq Mikayla Sutton, Albuq Hailey Flores, Albuq Things To Do Before You Vault Jessica Berman 1. Brush horse a. Curry comb b. Hard brush c. Soft brush d. Brush mane and tail e. Brush face 2. Pick hooves 3. Place pad 4. Put on surcingle 5. Put on bridle 6. Stretch horse 7. Warm-up yourself 8. Warm-up the horse Jessica Berman 9. Have Fun! Jessica Berman is 17 years old and helps Stasie Henson coach Four Star in Graham, Washington. She has been vaulting for seven years, currently with Emerald City Vaulters and Valley View Vaulters. Jessica enjoys jumping, recreational riding, and trail riding. Photos: Nancy Stevens-Brown Pick hooves Stretch horse Warm-up self Vaulting World 33

34 Mardi Gras Barrel Fest Rick Van Vranken We planned our first Shooting Stars/Blue Star Mardi Gras Barrel Fest and clinic for the weekend of February at the Blue Star Farm to take advantage of their southern Virginia location, full gymnasium and semienclosed arena. We announced a full weekend of fun activities: a designer unitard fashion show and charity auction to raise funds for Katrina victims, a Mardi Gras dinner in addition to a full day of barrel fun and competition. We were excited by the responses we heard from several vaulting teams in the region so we arranged for Blake Dahlgren and Trisha Thompson to come from California to judge the barrel competition and conduct the clinics. The intent in bringing two judges/clinicians was to be able to break up the clinics into smaller, more manageable groups and to provide different perspectives. We also hoped that accomplished vaulter Blake would be a positive mentor to several of the young male vaulters on the East Coast and Trisha, accomplished in preparation and presentation, would give the region s young vaulters a better idea what judges are looking for in the first impression when they run into the ring. We planned the clinics around those strengths. Though not as many vaulters competed as we planned for, we had a grand time and ended the day with a costume parade around the gym crowning Blake and Trish our Mardi Gras King and Queen. Half of those competing returned the next day for the clinics working on conditioning, presentation and individual technique. We also had several local members of 4-H groups stop by to watch and a local competitive cheerleading squad gave a demonstration during a break. Mountain Springs Fest Debbie Pakizer In mid February Region I heard the disappointing news that Valley View Vaulters annual barrel competition was cancelled. Knowing that many clubs had been working hard and were looking forward to attending the first competition of the new year, we just couldn t let them down! So, with only a two weeks notice, Mountain Springs Vaulters sent out the word that we d be happy to have a replacement competition called K.I.S.S (Keep It Super Simple)! After many hours of preparations, the only thing we couldn t predict was the weather. February 24 dawned crisp and clear. The bothersome clouds had been chased away by a slight breeze, and, minute-by-minute, the sun s warmth permeated the air. The arena was tilled to assure a soft landing for both hooves and feet. The judge s stand was decorated with tulips, primroses and a lace tablecloth. The seating area was freshly raked and cleared. The horses were groomed and tacked with surcingles and bridles and all was ready for the arrival of 15 vaulters, four horses and the families, friends and supporters from three vaulting clubs. By ones and twos, they arrived, excited and ready to start the day. Blue Star/Shooting Stars Mardi Gras Barrel Fest Unrecognized February 17 Suffolk, Virginia Judges: Blake Dahlgren (AVA Gold), Tricia Thompson (AVA Silver) Participating Clubs: Balance, Blue Star, Great Falls, Paradise, Shooting Stars Team Events Advanced Team Freestyle 1. Balance/Great Falls Beginner Team Freestyle 1. Paradise Triple/Double Events Novice Triple Freestyle 1. Carney/Hakopian/ Yancey, Balance Advanced Doubles 1. Annalise VanVranken/ Sarah d Auriol, Blue Star/Shooting Stars Anna Thomas/Elizabeth Brigham, Balance Courtney Hurt/ Eliza Seibert, Balance Novice Doubles 1. Molly Hakopian/Holly Carney, Balance Beginner Doubles 1. Ariana Parodi/Michael Pollard, Paradise Individual Events Advanced Freestyle 1. Annalise VanVranken, Shooting Stars Sarah d Auriol, Blue Star Intermediate Freestyle 1. Eliza Seibert, Balance Jael Ballard, Balance Novice Freestyle 1. Anna Thomas, Balance Beginner Freestyle (4) 1. Ariana Parodi, Paradise Megan Andersen, Prds Michael Pollard, Paradise Tiny Tot Freestyle 1. Kaylie Hewitt, Blue Star Fun Classes Parent/Vaulter Freestyle 1. Mattie Yancey/Mr. Yancey, Balance Molly Hakopian/Ms Hakopian, Balance Costume Freestyle (5) 1. Brianna Lee, Paradise Ariana Parodi, Paradise Kaylie Hewitt, Blue Star Music Interpretation FS 1. Ariana Parodi, Paradise Briana Lee, Paradise Megan Andersen, Prds Mirror Pairs Freestyle 1. Mattie Yancey/Holly Carney, Balance Diamond Bar vaulters performed at the K.I.S.S. Fest Photo: courtesy Debie Pakizer The American Vaulting Association presents an exciting interactive horsemanship program for vaulters and coaches designed to stimulate and educate participants in order to enhance our relationship with our most important teammate: THE HORSE. EARN A CERTIFICATE AND PATCH! To participate in this motivational program, request an application and guidebook from: Marge Oakes, 732 Camino Del Bosque NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, oakes@swcp.com Mountain Springs Vaulters, coached by Debi Pakizer, introduced seven of its own vaulters at novice walk to trot levels. Diamond Bar Country Vaulters, coached by Connie Geisler, and Lompoc Vaulters, coached by Peggy Van Hook, brought six vaulters at advanced walk to prestigious silver levels. The judge for the day was Toni Amoroso, who was treated to serious competition and serious fun! The compulsory exercises and exciting freestyles were performed on experienced vaulting mounts: Beautiful Belle and Goliath. Two green horses,tanny Mae and Henry, made their vaulting debut. Silly and outrageous freestyle routines, complete with matching costumes, were performed to lighten the competitive tension and let the vaulters have fun, Fun, FUN! Vaulting World 34

35 Mountain Springs K.I.S.S. Fest Mountain Springs K.I.S.S. Fest Unrecognized February 24th, 2007 Acton, California Judge: Toni Amoroso (AVA R) Participating Clubs: Diamond Bar, Lompoc, Mountain Springs * = Overall Champions Individual Events Silver Compulsories 1. Kelsey Trainor, Diam. Bar Lindsey Anderson, Dia.Br Silver Individual Freestyle 1. *Kelsey Trainor, Diam.Br Lindsey Anderson, Dia.Br Bronze Compulsories 1. Linda Van Hook, Lompoc Trot Compulsories (4) 1. Halie Klein, Mtn. Springs Catie Tehee, Mtn. Springs Alexis Trojanowski, DiaBr Trot Freestyle 1. Alexis Trojanowski, DiaBr Novice Trot Compulsories 1. Addy Crockett, Mtn. Spgs Chelsea Nix, Diam. Bar Novice Trot Freestyle 1. *Chelsea Nix, Diam. Bar Advanced Walk Comp. 1. Emmy Bush, Mtn. Spgs Robin Keith, Mtn. Spgs Novice Walk Compulsories 1. Johnathan Evola, Mountain Springs Barrel Events Canter Doubles 1. Lindsey Anderson/Kelsey Trainor, Diamond Bar Trot and Under Doubles 1. Chelsea Nix/Alexis Trojanowski, Diamond Bar Amber Smith/Alexis Trojanowski, Diam. Bar Bronze Freestyle 1. Linda Van Hook, Lompoc Trot Compulsories (4) 1. Halie Klein, Mtn. Springs Eridin Sheffey, Mtn.Spgs Catie Tehee, Mtn. Spgs Trot Freestyle (4) 1. *Halie Klein, Mtn. Springs Eridin Sheffey, Mtn.Spgs Alexis Trojanowski, Diamond Bar Novice Trot Compulsories 1. Addy Crockett, Mtn.Spgs Chelsea Nix, Diam. Bar Novice Trot Freestyle 1. *Addy Crockett, Mtn.Spgs Chelsea Nix, Diam. Bar Advanced Walk Comp. 1. Emmy Bush, Mtn. Springs Robin Keith, Mtn. Springs Adv. Walk Barrel Freestyle 1. *Emmy Bush, Mtn. Spgs Robin Keith, Mtn. Spgs Nov. Walk Comp. - Women 1. Amber Smith, Diam. Bar Novice Walk FS Women 1. *Amber Smith, Diam. Bar Novice Walk Comp. - Men 1. Johnathan Evola, Mountain Springs Novice Walk Freestyle - Men 1. *Johnathan Evola, Mountain Springs Fun Classes Fun Freestyle (5) 1. Eridin Sheffey, Mountain Springs Halie Klein, Mtn. Springs Addy Crockett, Mtn.Spgs Fun Freestyle - Division A 1. Robin Keith, Mtn. Springs Emmy Bush, Mtn. Spgs Green Horse Compulsories 1. Linda Van Hook Lompoc Green Horse Freestyle 1. Halie Klein, Mtn. Springs Catie Tehee, Mtn. Spgs Eridin Sheffey, Mountain Springs AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY National Office: 8205 Santa Monica Blvd., #1-288, West Hollywood, CA nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org Office Hours: M-F - 8am - noon PST Phone: 323/ , Fax: 323/ AVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS AVA PRESIDENT - Nancy Stevens-Brown 831/ , ncnature@pacbell.net EXEC. VP - Kelley Holly 707/ , Tambourine-farm@worldnet.att.net VP DEVELOPMENT - Charlie Bittenbring 703/ , cbittenbring@cox.net VP MEMBERSHIP - Sheri Benjamin 408/ , sheri@benjaminsci.com VP COMPETITIONS - Patty Littmann 818/ , bronxzoo222@aol.com VP EDUCATION - Noel Martonovich 303/ , nmartonovi@aol.com TREASURER - Jan F. Garrod 408/ jan@garrodfarms.com EXEC. SECTY - Amy McCune 864/ , amymccune@bellsouth.net Changes/Corrections Craig Coburn is no longer using the cubbyc@aol.com . He prefers you use NationalOffice@americanvaulting.org. For phone messages, please use the AVA phone number: 323/ For personal exchanges use 310/ Shooting Stars has a new website (currently being reconstructed): shootingstarsvaulting.com Shootingstarsvaulting.org is temporarily unaavailable. Any addresses with: <name>@ shootingstarsvaulting.org will not work. Until further notice, please direct any critical to vanvrank@yahoo.com Blue Sill, coach of the Spirit Vaulting Club has new bluespirit33@antelecom.net Krystal Solorzano, coach of Pacific Coast Vaulters has new littlemissdolly5@aol.com. Michelle Solorzano, coach of Nu Balance Vaulters has new missmolly215@yahoo.com. BOARD MEMBERS Jessica Ballenger, Carol Beutler, Carolyn Bland, Bill Brown, Merry Cole, Blake Dahlgren, Priscilla G Faulkner, Katie Flannagan, Susan Frankel, Sydney Frankel, Rick Hawthorne, Virginia Hawthorne, Devon Maitozo, Yossi Martonovich, Marianne Rose, Karin Schmidt, Sue Smith, Bob Weber REGIONAL SUPERVISORS: Region I: Connie Geisler, Region II: Teresa Keville, Region III: Penny Maydak, Region IV: Rosie Brown, Region IX: Jan Weber, Region X: Jane Egger AVA STAFF NATIONAL OFFICE MANAGER: Craig Coburn 323/ , nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org VAULTING WORLD EDITOR: Marianne Rose 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND SPECIAL PROGRAM DIRECTORS ALUMNI: Patti Reschar 408/ , fax 408/ , mreschar@earthlink.net ANNUAL MTG: Amy McCune 864/ , amymccune@bellsouth.net AVA HIGH POINT: Toni Amoroso 805/ , canyonvltr@yahoo.com AWARDS: Jeannie Beattie 805/ , jjbeattieranch@sbceo.org ATHLETES COUNCIL: Jessica Ballenger 831/ , balvaulter@yahoo.com CHA: Noel Martonovich 303/ , nmartonovi@aol.com COACHES: Connie Geisler 909/ , connie_geisler@hotmail.com COLLEGIATE: Nancy MacIsaac 505/ , nmacisaac@mac.com COMPET. SECTY: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com CONSTITUTION/BYLAWS: Charlie Bittenbring 703/ , cbittenbring@msn.com EDUCATION: Noel Martonovich 303/ , nmartonovi@aol.com FRIENDSHIP TEAM: Priscilla G. Faulkner 770/ , prisf@aol.com GRANTS: Jan Garrod 408/ , jan@garrodfarms.com GRIEVANCE: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com HISTORIAN: Nancy Stevens-Brown 831/ , ncnature@pacbell.net HORSES: Yossi Martonovich 303/ , ymartonovi@aol.com INSURANCE: Kelley Holly 707/ , Tambourine-farm@worldnet.att.net LIAISON Chronicle of the Horse: Chris Appel-Bucierka 703/ , topazvaulters@yahoo.com MEDAL TEST SECTY: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com NAHRA: Rachel Markels-Webber 978/ , papageeno@juno.com NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THERAPEUTIC VAULTING: Rick/Virginia Hawthorne 818/ , vvvrick@ca.rr.com NOMINATIONS: Kate Dalby 703/ , katedalby@earthlink.net PUBLICATIONS: Jan Weber 978/ , janmweber@gmail.com PUBLICITY: Lynn Stevens 925/ , lynnstevens@sbcglobal.net RECREATIONAL: Joann Crell, willowind@acadia.net SAFETY: Kim Deaver 419/ , deaverk405@hotmail.com TECHNICAL ADVISOR TO AVA: J. Ashton Moore 408/ , jmoore@osierlea.com TECH. COMM. CHAIR: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com TRADESHOWS/EXHIBITS: Jan Weber 978/ , janmweber@gmail.com USEF/Director of Vaulting Activities: Pam Lane 908/ , plane@usef.org USEF HP Com. Chair: J Ashton Moore 408/ , jmoore@osierlea.com USEF Board/Elected Athlete: Devon Maitozo 818/ , devomai@yahoo.com USEF Board Member: Jan Weber 978/ , janmweber@gmail.com USEF Athlete s Council Member: Megan Benjamin 408/ , marzbarz111@hotmail.com USEF Vaulting Technical Committee Co-Chairs: Craig Coburn 323/ , americanvaulting@aol.com; Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com USET Foundation Executive Director: Bonnie Jenkins 908/ , bjenkins@uset.org VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: Carol Beutler 650/ , cbeutler@sbcglobal.net YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS: Nancy MacIsaac 505/ , nmacisaac@mac.com WEBSITE: Sheri Benjamin 408/ , sheri@benjaminsci.com Vaulting World 35

36 TIME VALUE MAIL DO NOT DELAY AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION 8205 Santa Monica Blvd. #1-288 West Hollywood, CA June 2007 Issue - Deadline May 1, 2007 CALENDAR OF VAULTING EVENTS 2007 Apr Warm Beach Vaulting Camp, Stanwood, WA. Contact P.Skipton 360/ , Apr 15 Judges Training (judges only), Cornelius, OR. Contact: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com Apr Falconwood Farms Fest, Covington, GA. Contact: L.Zielenske 678/ , lmzielenske@yahoo.com Apr Texas Clinic/Medal Test, Austin, TX. Contact: Rosie Brown 512/ , rosie@americanvaulting.org Apr Windsong Fest, Battle Creek, MI. Contact: Judy Ruggles 269/ , four_r_ranch@juno.net Apr Re gion IV Spring Fest, Corrales, NM. Contact Rosie Brown rosie@americanvaulting.org Apr Root Farm Therapeutic Vaulting Clinic Cazenovia, NY. Contact 315/ , Apr Vaulters of Northwest Spring Fest, Enumdlaw, WA. Contact: Tom Sayles 206/ , tsayles@yahoo.com May 5 Judges Training (judges only), San Jose, CA. Contact: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com May 5-6 USEF High Performance Training Camp, San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Contact: Pam Lane plane@usef.org May Great Falls/Topaz Spring Fest, Herndon, VA. Contact Tom Haynie 703/ , tomhaynie@hotmail.com May Petra Kirchner Longeing Clinic, Michigan. Contact Karin Schmidt wkschmidt@core.com May18-20 CVI*,** Stadl Paura, AUT. Contact: Pam Lane plane@usef.org May Garrod s Spring Classic & May Fest, Saratoga, CA. Contact Marianne Rose 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net May CVI*/*** Wiesbaden, Germany. Contact: Pam Lane plane@usef.org Jun 2-3 CVI*/** Sala, Slovakia. Contact: Pam Lane plane@usef.org Jun 8-10 CVI*/** Portogruaro, Italy. Contact: Pam Lane plane@ usef.org Jun 9-10 Region IV Championships, Corrales, NM. Contact Noel Martonovich 303/ , nmartonovi@aol.com Jun 10 Woodside Vaulters Spring Fest, Portola Valley, CA. Contact Julie Divita 650/ , enjplus4@aol.com Jun CVI*/** Uppsala, Sweden. Contact: Pam Lane plane@ usef.org Jun18-24 AVA Summer Vaulting Camp, Fort Robinson, NB. Contact Noel Martonovich 303/ , nmartonovi@aol.com Jun CVI*/** Brno, Czech Republic. Contact: Pam Lane plane@ usef.org Jun CVI*/** Hungary, Hungary. Contact: Pam Lane plane@ usef.org Jun FEI Judges Seminar (judges only), Saratoga, CA. Contact: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com Jun 29- Jul 1 CVI*, ** Saratoga, Saratoga, CA. Contact Marianne Rose 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net Jul 1-7 Warm Beach Vaulting Camp, Stanwood, WA. Contact Patti Skipton 360/ , Jul 3-8 CVI** Aachen, Germany. Contact: Pam Lane plane@usef.org Jul 6-9 AVA Region I/Region II Championships, Grass Valley, CA. Contact Marianne Rose 408/ , marianne_ rose@worldnet.att.net Jul CVI*/** Krumke, Germany. Contact: Pam Lane plane@ usef.org July Region IX Championships, Lexington, VA. Contact: Jan Weber 978/ , janmweber@gmail.com Aug 6-12 CVI*/** Kapsovar, Hungary. Contact: Pam Lane plane@ usef.org Aug 9-12 USEF/AVA National Championships, Denver, CO. Contact P.Littmann 818/ , bronxzoo222@aol.com Aug 10 AVA Board Meeting, Denver, CO. Contact Patty Littmann 818/ , bronxzoo222@aol.com Sept Great Falls/Topaz Fall Fest, Herndon, VA. Contact: Tom Haynie 703/ , tomhaynie@hotmail.com Oct 5-6 Region IX Spirit of Vaulting Conf., Blacksburg, VA. Contact Kim Beisecker 540/ , kbeiseck@vt.edu Oct 7 Morning Star/Willow Tree Harvest Fest, Novato, CA. Contact C.Conner 415/ , carolyn.conner@verizon.net Oct Region IV Octoberfest, Castle Rock, CO. Contact Lee Thomas rukind@fastmailbox.net Oct 28 Mt. Eden s Halloween Fest, Saratoga, CA. Contact M.Rose 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net Nov Annual Judges Forum (open to public), San Juan Bautista, CA. Contact: Suzanne Detol 503/ , sdetol@aol.com Nov CVI*/** Sao Paulo, Brazil. Contact Pam Lane plane@usef.org For more information on USA competitions, memberships, etc. visit Vaulting World 36