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2 Equestrian Vaulting Editor in Chief: Megan Benjamin Guimarin, Copy Editor: Katharina Woodman Photographers: Susie Bors, Alison Cathro, Carl Ellis, Priscilla Faulkner, Jennifer Hall, Hamar Family, Daniel Kaiser/Impressions, Lani Maher, Briana Micali, Lynn Owen, Tylir Penton, Kate Revell, Kristian Roberts, Kathy Smith, VaultingPhotos.com Writers and Contributors: Sheri Benjamin, Connie Geisler, Kathy Smith Designer: Leah Kucharek, Red Hen Design Equestrian Vaulting magazine is the official publication of the American Vaulting Association. Comments/suggestions/questions are welcome to For information on advertising rates, how to submit editorial content and more go to For address changes go to and click on Membership Updates to make the change. If you are having problems receiving your copy of the magazine or wish to receive additional copies, contact the AVA National Office (ph or No part of this publication may be reproduced either in whole or part without written permission. Copyright by American Vaulting Association Equestrian Vaulting magazine is published three times a year. Give the Gift of give the gift of AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION 1443 E. Washington Blvd. #289 Pasadena, CA Equestrian Vaulting Up to 60% Off! Up to 60% Off! Subscription Prices (3 quarterly issues, published Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter) Add on subscription for current AVA Vaulting Fan and Recreational Members (US only): $12 US Non-member: $18 Multi-pack Pricing for All Current AVA Members and Clubs: 5-Pack EV Magazine Bundles: $50 15% off single subscription pricing! 10-pack EV Magazine Bundles: $90 25% off single subscription pricing! 20-pack EV Magazine Bundles: $140 40% off single subscription pricing! Equestrian Vaulting American Vaulting Association Directory 2014 AVA VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Board Members President: Connie Geisler, connie_geisler@hotmail.com Executive VP: Kelley Holly, tambourine-farm@att.net Treasurer: Jodi Rinard, chestnutvaulter@yahoo.com Secretary: Jill Hobby, jill.hobby@hobbyfamily.org VP Competitions: Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com VP Development: Scott Donovan, scott@allcs.com VP Education: Carolyn Bland, whimby4@aol.com VP Membership: Sheri Benjamin, sbenjamin@americanvaulting.org Board Members Carol Beutler, Robin Bowman, Elizabeth Brigham, Carolyn Conner, Blake Dahlgren, Tammy Denault, Julie Divita, Kenny Geisler, Megan Benjamin Guimarin, Marianne Rose, Peter Senn, Patti Skipton, Patrick Stevens, Allison Yeager Regional Supervisors Region I: Peggy Van Hook, peggy.vanhook@gmail.com Region II: Shannon McPartland smcpartland@sbcglobal.net Region III: Kathy Rynning, kathy4r@yahoo.com Region IV: Dena Madden, Madden_Dena@yahoo.com Region V: Beth Whillock, ewhillock@msn.com Region IX: Lisa Zielenske, lmzielenske@yahoo.com Region X: Jane Egger, janedegger@gmail.com VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE CHAIRS /SPECIAL PROGRAM DIRECTORS Adaptive Vaulting: Peter Senn, petesenn@hotmail.com AVA Blast: Lynn Stevens, lynnstevens@sbcglobal.net Barrel Initiative: Open Competition Awards: Carol Beutler, cbeutler@sbcglobal.net Competitions Secretary: Suzanne Detol, sdetol@aol.com CompWeb: Jill Hobby Jill.hobby@hobbyfamily.org Constitution & Bylaws: Open Equestrian Vaulting Magazine: Megan Benjamin Guimarin, mbenjamin@americanvaulting.org Friendship Team: Scott Donovan Grants: Jan Garrod, jan@garrodfarms.com Grievance: Kendel Edmunds, ke5554@yahoo.com Guys in Vaulting: Open Historian: Amy McCune, amymccune@gmail.com Horses: Carolyn Bland, whimby4@aol.com Horse/Lunger Training: Carolyn Bland, whimby4@aol.com Horse Recognition: Julie Divita, enjplus4@gmail.com Insurance: Kelley Holly, tambourine-farm@att.net Membership Awards: Kathy Smith, rockymtnhorsepk@yahoo.com Nationals: Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com National High Point: Carol Beutler, cbeutler@sbcglobal.net Pony Club Partnership: Beth Whillock, ewhillock@msn.com Safety : Dena Madden, madden_dena@yahoo.com Sponsorships: Peggy Van Hook, peggy.vanhook@gmail.com Technical Committee: Kelley Holly, tambourine-farm@att.net Trade Shows: Scott Donovan, scott@allcs.com Vaulter Fitness: Megan Benjamin Guimarin, mbenjamin@americanvaulting.org Volunteer Recognition: Kathy Smith, rockymtnhorsepk@yahoo.com Website: Cindy Rohrer, cindy@chariots4hire.com AVA NATIONAL OFFICE Craig Coburn, National Office Manager 1443 E. Washington Blvd. #289, Pasadena, CA nationaloffice@americanvaulting.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon PST Ph: , Fax: FEI Vaulting Committee Chair: Emma Seely, emmaseely17@gmail.com USEF Board Members: Connie Geisler, connie_geisler@hotmail.com and Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com USEF Board/Elected Athlete: Devon Maitozo, devomai@mac.com USEF Vaulting High Perf. Comm. Chair: Linda Bibbler, lbibbler@gmail.com USEF Vaulting Technical Committee Co-Chairs: Craig Coburn, craigcoburn@me.com and Suzanne Detol, sdetol@aol.com USEF Youth Council Member: Annalise VanVranken, anna@shootingstarsvaulting.com Volume 46, Issue 1 Equestrian Vaulting Designed by: Leah Kucharek, Red Hen Design, redhendesign@comcast.net 2 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

3 Equestrian Vaulting Features 5 American Vaulting Evangelist Jane Garrod Passes at 95 Sheri Benjamin 6 Meet Team USA: Fun Facts 7 Q & A with Craig Coburn Team USA Chef d'équipe 8 8 Meet Team USA: The Squad 10 Meet Team USA: The Pas de Deux Pairs Meet Team USA: The Women 14 Meet Team USA: The Men Team USA Poster 18 Vaulting Dazzles at 2014 US Pony Club Festival Kathy Smith 21 Hall of Fame 22 Instagram Photo Challenge Photos from the 2014 Season 30 Convention 2015: Save the Date On our cover: On the Cover: Woodside Vaulters Siddartha Kreaden, Rachel Polati, and Miki Yang perform their Wizard of Oz freestyle with Stanford at the prestigious CHIO Aachen, where they placed third in the Nations Cup event. Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Columns 4 From the President Connie Geisler 24 Horse Smarts Training Stunning Vaulting Horses; Q and A with the Hamar Family 31 Events Calendar 3

4 From the President The World Equestrian Games (WEG) are nearly here! Just as our US National Championships allow us to see different vaulting styles from clubs all across the country, to reconnect with friends from a distance, and to enjoy the spirit of competition, WEG extends the same enjoyment internationally. I am looking forward to my upcoming trip to France to see our top US vaulters compete, to watch the innovative routines and choreography of international athletes, and to visit with my foreign friends. But let s take a moment to reflect on what it takes to get to WEG. Our top vaulters, in addition to having worked hard for years to develop their vaulting skills, have just completed a grueling schedule of selection trials and CVIs. Those who earned a spot on Team USA are pushing themselves physically and mentally to be able to represent the US in France. Although it takes many years of hard work, great coaching, and phenomenal horses to develop vaulters who can compete internationally, it all begins with the vision and dedication of a vaulting enthusiast passionate and dedicated enough to start their own vaulting club. All across the country we have new clubs starting up. Some have high hopes of developing world-class vaulters. Many are just enjoying the ride, happy to see where the road takes them. Whether a club caters to beginners or elite vaulters or everyone in between, starting from the ground up can be tough. Of course, it ll also be worth it, with plenty of vaulters grateful for your efforts and grateful to have a vaulting home. To those starting or thinking of starting a new vaulting club, know this: the knowledge for new vaulters and coaches can often be gained by establishing a working relationship with one of our top competitive vaulters. These athletes have a vast array of skill builders, drills, and technical experience to share that can help advance a new club. They can also help with the training of a new vaulting horse, since these athletes are balanced and know well how to handle the unexpected. Seeking the help from experienced coaches and top vaulters is well worth the investment and can help get a new club off to a great start. I wish success to all of our competing vaulters and look forward to having new clubs join our AVA vaulting family in the coming season. Connie Geisler AVA President connie_geisler@hotmail.com Photo courtesy of Kate Revell/VaultingPhotos.com 4 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

5 jane Garrod Feature By Sheri Benjamin American Vaulting Evangelist Jane Garrod Passes at 95 Jane Garrod, early vaulting evangelist, long-time American Vaulting Association supporter and an AVA Lifetime Achievement award winner, passed away at her home in Saratoga, California on July 15, surrounded by her entire family. She was 95. Jane was born in San Francisco, the daughter of a mapmaker. She graduated from Stanford Nursing School and UC Berkeley a woman ahead of her time. She married her high school sweetheart, Vince Garrod, in 1941 and settled on the family prune and apricot farm to share 71 years of active ranching, farming, horsemanship, and community service. Jane and Vince (who passed in December 2012) were the matriarch and patriarch of Garrod Ranch 240 family-owned acres of forest, trails, orchards, meadows, arenas, stables, and vineyards in the hills of Saratoga, Calif. Jane and Vince started Garrod Stables more than 50 years ago and built barns, a covered arena, and numerous outdoor arenas within the property. In 1969, Jane was introduced to vaulting through a friend whose daughter took vaulting lessons with Jeff Moore at Kennolyn in the Santa Cruz Mountains and conscripted her daughter, Emma, on a quest to start vaulting on the other side of the mountain. By 1971 the Garrod Farms Vaulting Team became a registered American Vaulting Association club. Eventually Garrod Farms merged with nearby Chez Scherf to create the longest standing, largest, and most decorated U.S vaulting club, the Mt. Eden Vaulting Club. Throughout her years in the AVA, Jane was a volunteer extraordinaire, fulfilling national level jobs ranging from VP Fests (now called VP Competitions) and International Committee Chair to AVA Board Member. She was a proud founding member of the Jane was a creative, industrious and pioneering spirit. She will be especially missed in the vaulting community. AVA s Circle of Friends and, until her passing, was an active member of the AVA Grants Committee. Vaulting was a family affair for the Garrods. The farm hosted more than one early National Vaulting Fest, and once put on a National Championship there with just a few weeks notice after a fast moving equine virus made the transportation of horses to the originally chosen Nationals site impossible. In the AVA s earliest days Jane volunteered the Garrod Ranch offices as ad hoc headquarters of the AVA, helping to staff some of the earliest administrative functions. Jane s 130-year-old farmhouse was also special to generations of vaulters, from the locals to the athletes halfway around the world. She housed international vaulters until this year, and always had kind and encouraging words for athletes near and far. Jane was honored in 2007 as an AVA Lifetime Achievement award winner, the AVA s highest volunteerism award, for her substantial contributions to our sport. Two of her children, Emma Garrod Seely and Jan Garrod, also have made vaulting part of their life s work: Jan was himself named a Lifetime Achievement award winner, and Emma is an AVA Mentor of the Year recipient. Jane was a creative, industrious and pioneering spirit. She will be especially missed in the vaulting community

6 Feature Meet Team usa Fun Facts The sixteen athletes on Team USA have a combined total of 180 years of vaulting experience! The horses traveling the farthest to compete at WEG are Palatine and Stanford, traveling from Woodside, California to Normandy, France on a special KLM cargo plane. At 9 years old, Miki Yang is Team USA s youngest athlete. Members of Team USA have earned a total of two previous World Equestrian Games medals, a Team Silver for Lizzie Ioannou in 2006 and a Team Gold for Mary Garrett in With 24 years of vaulting and four World Championship appearances under her belt, Mary McCormick is Team USA s most seasoned competitor. The average age of Team USA s squad members is a mere 13.5 years! One member of Team USA is from outside the San Francisco Bay Area Gabe Aniello, hailing from Tigard, Oregon, spent the season training in Hutto, Texas. (Though he too now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.) Six different horses from the United States, Denmark, and Germany will carry Team USA athletes in the Squad, Pas de Deux, and Individual Male and Female championships. 6 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

7 Q & A with Craig Coburn Team USA Chef d'équipe The Chef is the team leader, responsible for overseeing the interests of that country s team at large FEI (international level) competitions including World Championships and the World Equestrian Games. EV magazine sat down with Craig Coburn, 2014 Team USA Chef d Équipe to get his thoughts going into the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. You were Chef for Team USA at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, so you know the ins and outs of how this works. What would you say is the most challenging part of being Chef d'équipe? Being the Chef d'équipe in 2010 was an incredible honor. The most challenging aspect of being Chef for such a large event is anticipating all of the last minute issues that come up. There is always something that happens that is "unexpected." The key to handling the unexpected challenges is coordinated communication. I make sure that I know exactly how to reach each of our competitors, coaches, lungers and grooms at any given moment. I also try to develop close relationships with the office of the Secretary. The volunteers who run the Secretary's office can often work miracles. How does your background as an FEI judge help you as Chef d'équipe? Being an FEI judge definitely helps me to be an effective Chef. Various issues and questions always come up which require action to be taken by the Chef. Not knowing the rules would make the job even more challenging than it already is. It also helps to be an FEI judge when communicating with the WEG Officials. I think they tend to respect the opinion of an FEI judge because they know I know the rules. Who is Team USA's greatest competition this year? That s a tough question. As our sport evolves, the depth of the competitive field has become quite deep. I think the Austrian Pas de Deux will be tough to beat for a Gold. I hear Joanne Eccles of Great Britain is looking very strong this season. I have a feeling that the most open event and the one that may have the most surprises is the Squad Competition. Craig Coburn What do you see as Team USA's greatest strengths going into Normandy? I think our greatest strength this year is the fact that the USEF & USET Foundations are funding the transportation of our horses to WEG. We are lucky to have such incredible support from our NF. Having the opportunity to compete on our own horses in Normandy, rather than leased horses, will give us a huge advantage. Competing on our own horses in the past has always generated great success. We have won gold medals in the past two World Equestrian Games when competing on our own horses: Megan Benjamin in 2006 and the FACE Team in What is the most exciting part of the World Equestrian Games for you as Chef? The most exciting part of being Chef at the World Equestrian Games for me is being a part of the history of our sport and hopefully helping to make the dreams of vaulters come true. I remember what it was like to be a competitor on the international scene and the support and experience of a caring and determined Chef can make a big difference. 7

8 Meet Team usa Team Usa Woodside Vaulters with Stanford & Julie Divita Coached by Samantha Matson and Alicen Divita Tessa Divita, 16 Woodside Vaulters International experience: I have competed at CVIO Aachen three times before on squads, at CVI Adelaide in 2014, and at CVI Chilliwack in 2010 and I was also on the team that represented the US at the World Vaulting Championships in Favorite thing about vaulting: I love working together with my teammates and our horse to achieve a common goal. One thing to know about me: I want to be a doctor when I grow up, and I speak fluent Spanish. Rachel Polati, 17 Woodside Vaulters International experience: I have no prior international experience before this year. Favorite thing about vaulting: I love the friendships I ve formed with my teammates. One thing to know about me: This is my first year on an A-team. Siddartha Kreaden, 16 Woodside Vaulters International experience: I competed at CVI Chilliwack in 2010 and 2012, and I was on the squad that represented the US at the World Vaulting Championships in Favorite thing about vaulting: I love being part of a team. One thing to know about me: I speak fluent French. Audrey Kiernan, 11 Woodside Vaulters International experience: I have no prior international experience before this year. Favorite thing about vaulting: I love trying new things and pushing myself to see how much I can accomplish. One thing to know about me: I have a twin sister named Bridget and I love snacks. Kristen Kuhn, 12 Woodside Vaulters International experience: I have no prior international experience before this year. Favorite thing about vaulting: I love flying and being high up in the air. One thing to know about me: I am currently a level 9 gymnast. Miki Yang, 9 Woodside Vaulters International experience: I have no prior international experience before this year. Favorite thing about vaulting: I love doing acrobatic tricks on the horse. One thing to know about me: My teammates like to call me sneaky Miki, and I speak three languages: Chinese, Japanese, and English. 8 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

9 The Squad Photos courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Tessa Divita Siddartha Kreaden Kristen Kuhn Rachel Polati Audrey Kiernan Miki Yang 9

10 Meet Team usa Kristian roberts & Mary Garrett with Diva & Carolyn Bland Pacific Coast Vaulters Kristian roberts, 21 Pacific Coast Vaulters wouldn't have gotten to know him and trust him so well. We've been through a lot this season and I would trust him through anything. Kristian Roberts Photos courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Favorite thing about vaulting: I love meeting new people and traveling the world with my best friends. Favorite thing about your partner: Mary's always pushing me to give it my all every day, and I'm so grateful for it because it's brought us so far this year! Proudest moment together: For me, I was probably proudest the moment we realized we had qualified for CHIO Aachen and the World Equestrian Games. Also I'd say winning CVI Canada Cup in all three 3* divisions with Mary was a blast. I'm so proud of Mary for her individual performances this year! Biggest challenge: It was tough to learn how to vault as one for the Pas de Deux. Each move and transition takes so much more finesse than during an individual freestyle; you have to balance yourself and your partner! Finishing touches before WEG: We re working on finalizing our routine and adding in the last few new tricks up our sleeves. Goal for WEG: Our ultimate goal is to stand on the podium with a medal, but we're also focusing on just enjoying our performances. Post-WEG plans: Mary is going back to college as I probably will myself, although I'll try to vault as much as I can. The next few years are quite up in the air! Favorite thing about your partner: What I love about Kristian is that he shows up, which can be one of the hardest parts. He never complained when I asked him to come to extra barrel practices and yoga classes. He has come so far this season and has really grown into a great partner. Proudest moment together: I was proudest of our performance at the last selection trial in Woodside, Calif. That moment earned us our spot on Team USA and our highest scores yet! I remember dismounting and looking back to see him do his biggest backflip I had ever seen. I was smiling like a fool and was so proud of him and Palatine for making it happen. Biggest challenge: Pas de Deux is the hardest physical thing I've ever done in my life. Other than trusting your partner not to kill you (important), I'd say being physically fit enough to last the entire two minutes is the hardest thing. At the beginning of the season, I thought we'd never make it, but here we are! Finishing touches before WEG: We are working on making our routine look beautiful and steady. We've been enhancing our interaction with each other on the horse to give it the look we are trying to achieve. Goal for WEG: To get a medal! Also to be remembered as being a great Pas de Deux pair. I want people to think our routine is original and enjoyable to watch. Mary Garrett Mary Garrett, 24 Pacific Coast Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: How it creates new friendships. Kristian and I have gotten close over the year. If not for our Pas de Deux, I Post-WEG plans: I hope Kristian plans to keep vaulting; he has improved so much in such a short time! The possibilities are endless for that one. Also, the next WEG is closer for us in 2018; they ll be in Montreal, Canada. Hmm 10 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

11 The Pas de Deux Pairs Cassidy Palmer & Kimberly Palmer with Leon & Wolfgang Renz Half Moon Bay Vaulters Cassidy Palmer, 21 Half Moon Bay Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: Traveling is a definite highlight. I love representing the United States across the world. It s thrilling. Favorite thing about your partner: We re sisters, and I love getting to compete and perform with my blood. I trust her with my life! Proudest moment together: It would have to be winning the Stuttgart World Cup as a Pas de Deux last year. The prize giving ceremony was a breathtaking experience. They raised the American flag and the entire Mercedes Benz stadium stood just for us. Incredible. Biggest challenge: Pas de Deux is a crazy difficult event. Two minutes of vaulting with just two people can be exhausting. Finishing touches before WEG: We are changing a few moves in our Pas de Deux, so we will be training those and also working to make the entire routine a bit smoother and cleaner. Goal for WEG: To give our best Pas de Deux yet. We re hoping it's good enough to win a medal! Post-WEG plans: Kimmy and I want to start a vaulting team after WEG! Also we are both going to school. Kimberly Palmer, 19 Half Moon Bay Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: I love how far vaulting encourages me to push myself. It s the greatest feeling in the world when we nail a routine at an important competition after so much hard work in the practice ring. Favorite thing about your partner: Her drive. She never gives up, and she always keeps me going. Proudest moment together: We were invited to compete at the first international vaulting competition in Doha, Qatar. Only a very select few were invited, and when we found out we were among them, we were ecstatic! Biggest challenge: Space is pretty limited in Pas de Deux. Coming up with and performing cool transitions without kicking each other off can be difficult. Finishing touches before WEG: Adding in our last changes and making our routine solid. Goal for WEG: To perform the best two routines for a competition yet, which will hopefully be good enough to put us on that podium. Post-WEG plans: I will be attending college, training for individuals, and possibly keeping the Pas de Deux going for worlds in two years. Cassidy Palmer Kimberly Palmer 11

12 Meet Team usa Mary McCormick Mary Garrett 12 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1 Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Mary McCormick, 31 with Palatine & Carolyn Bland Pacific Coast Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: The bond created between horse, lunger, and vaulter and how that bond can enable magical things to happen! Favorite thing about your horse: Paly is consistent and reliable, which are my favorite traits in any horse! I also really appreciate that he has an amazing canter and a hilarious personality. Workout: I do a lot of cross training. At this point in the season, I am mostly jogging, dancing, and practicing yoga in addition to my regular vaulting training. Motivation: Striving to be my best and to see what I m really made of. Hidden talent: I can juggle! I want to try it on horseback one of these days. Role model/mentor: I have so many people who have inspired me and helped me get to where I am. Kerith Lemon and Megan Benjamin were particularly helpful by showing me how to be a champion. Goal for WEG: I would like to do my best and enjoy the experience. Finishing touches before WEG: I m working on maintaining my physical and mental fitness, practicing self-care, and developing more expression in my freestyle and technical test. Post-WEG plans: I m not too sure about the long term, but I am looking forward to spending some time with family and friends immediately after WEG. Mary Garrett, 24 with Palatine & Carolyn Bland Pacific Coast Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: I love how vaulting brings people together who may not have ever known each other otherwise. Thanks to this sport, I have friends all over the world who are willing to help me and want to see me succeed. Favorite thing about your horse: Palatine has the perfect mix of personality. He's just the right amount of smart and silly. He's lovable, yet hard working. One of the things I admire most is how he tries his hardest for us at competitions. Workout: I train an average of three to five days a week. Adding Pas de Deux to my training regimen has really given me a new level of strength. I'm also a yoga enthusiast and love to recover from hard training with an easy yoga class. An important aspect of my training that I've added this year is what we call "tune up". Using lacrosse balls, I massage and break down hard tissue that builds up in my muscles. I credit tune up to having gotten more flexible this year and remaining injury-free. Motivation: I like being good at what I do. Whatever that is. Vaulting is what I love to do now, so I want to be great at it. Hidden talent: I'm a pretty good swimmer and also did pole vaulting in high school. Role model/mentor: I'd like to say that I owe my work ethic and desire to be the best to all my teammates from the F.A.C.E. team in We all wanted to be on top, and we worked hard to get there. It paid off and earned us a gold medal. Goal for WEG: Ideally to win a medal in the Pas de Deux with Kristian and to place in the top ten for individuals, but mostly I want to enjoy myself and vault my heart out. Finishing touches before WEG: I am working on consistency with my freestyle moves. I want my routines to feel easy and strong by WEG. Post-WEG plans: After WEG, I hope to travel a bit before settling down for chiropractic school. I would like to focus my career on health and spreading it around the country.

13 The Women Elizabeth Ioannou, 18 with Jarl & Lasse Kristensen Mt. Eden Vaulting Club Favorite thing about vaulting: The rush. Favorite thing about your horse: His floppy ears and the white streak in his tail. Workout: In addition to vaulting, I cross train with pilates, yoga, and lots of drills. It s important to me that workouts are fun. Motivation: I have been dreaming about returning to WEG and representing my country ever since my debut as a flier on the FAME team in I can t wait! Hidden talent: Tie dying. Role model/mentor: Megan Benjamin Goal for WEG: To represent my country with the best performances I can deliver and to enjoy the experience from start to finish. Finishing touches before WEG: Improving my compulsories, enhancing my technical test and freestyle, and working on my posture and presence in the arena. Post-WEG plans: I ll be heading off to Southern California to start college as a freshman at UCLA! see him change from Paul, the friendly rabbit in a horse s body, into Pino del Rio, the fancy European Warmblood with the extended trot of a dressage champion. Workout: Recently, I have been incorporating more dance into my training. My favorite class is a Horton modern technique class designed specially to help correct faults that dancers develop in other styles of aggressive training. Meditation is an important part of my training as well as active recovery. I really can't be at my best without enough sleep, a healthy diet, and special treats like hot tubbing and massage. Motivation: I m motivated when I see other vaulters pushing the limits. Role model/mentor: I am inspired by people who really listen to and respect the horses they work with, including the woman from Cirque de Soleil and natural horsemanship clinician Buck Brannaman. I also look up to powerful yogis including modern teachers like Kia Miller and Kathryn Budig. Goal for WEG: My goal is to be prepared as alternate up until the moment the competition starts, at which time I will put all my effort into cheering on and supporting the competing vaulters, horses, lungers, and coaches... all while enjoying being in France! Finishing touches before WEG: I am excited to include more dance in my training and to expand my personal style. I will also be continuing to coach the USA squad as they train for WEG. Post-WEG plans: I will continue to travel the world, coaching clinics in vaulting. I am also working toward a degree in medicine. Currently I m learning about the many different types of healing, including yoga, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, art therapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic medicine. My vision is to combine these in my practice as a doctor and a teacher. Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Elizabeth Ioannou Alicen Divita, 25 Alternate Woodside Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: The horses and people I get to meet and work with along the way. I love that there are no limits to what you can try. If you can do it you are allowed to perform it. Vaulters are always expanding this sport in that way and I love watching it grow over the years. Favorite thing about your horse: He is the reason I am still vaulting! He is cuddly, goofy and fun to hang out with even when we re not vaulting, but he also loves to perform. You can Photo courtesy of Briana Micali Alicen Divita 13

14 Meet Team usa Kristian Roberts Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Kristian Roberts, 21 with Diva & Carolyn Bland Pacific Coast Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: My favorite thing about vaulting is getting to travel the world with my best friends while doing a sport we all love! Favorite thing about your horse: Her attitude. Workout: I train with Pacific Coast five to six days a week and do lots of conditioning, stretching and yoga. Motivation: My main motivation this year has been seeing the drastic improvements hard work can bring. Hidden talent: I can build a computer in three hours. Role model/mentor: Mostly my teammates and my coach, plenty of people have inspired me along my journey, however. Goal for WEG: Do the best I possibly can, enjoy my time there, and if I have to put a number on it, top 10. Finishing touches before WEG: Making my routines solid. Post-WEG plans: Finishing my degree, possibly starting a live-streaming business, and seeing where life takes me next! Gabe Aniello, 23 with Ferdinand & Bettina Gross Independent Favorite thing about vaulting: The horses. Favorite thing about your horse: I haven t met him yet, but he has the sweetest face! Workout: I spend lots of time on the barrel, and I train on the horse three or four days per week. I also do CrossFit-style workouts (high intensity interval training) with lots of stretching after. Motivation: My motivation comes from competing against myself and trying to give the best performance I can at every competition. Hidden talent: I can juggle! Role model/mentor: I have had a lot of great mentors over the years. Kalyn Geisler has helped me a lot this year. Also I wouldn t be where I am today without Samantha Matson, Sue Detol, and Isabelle Parker. Goal for WEG: I want to deliver clean, wellperformed routines. Finishing touches before WEG: Cleaning up my routines to make them smooth. Post-WEG plans: I m planning to enjoy some time off and maybe do some non-vaultingrelated traveling. Gabe Aniello Photo courtesy of Kate Revell/VaultingPhotos.com 14 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

15 The Men Patrick Stevens, 22 with Stanford & Julie Divita Woodside Vaulters Colton Palmer, 16 Alternate Half Moon Bay Vaulters Favorite thing about vaulting: The connection with the horse. The energy they produce which I use to vault. Favorite thing about your horse: His demeanor. Stan s the sweetest horse I have ever met. Workout: I cross train with yoga, gymnastics and plyometrics. I also do a lot of mental preparation on the barrel, which I find necessary to have a successful competition. Motivation: All my supporters and all the work, time, energy and struggle I have put toward this moment. Hidden talent: My passion. I love the sport more then any other thing I could imagine. Role model/mentor: My coach, Samantha Matson. She has been my coach for eleven years. Goal for WEG: Make an impression. Finishing touches before WEG: I m working on finishing touches to my routines and a lot of stretching. Post-WEG plans: I m going to work toward my engineering degree and prepare for the next Vaulting World Championships. Favorite thing about vaulting: Freestyle. I love performing. Favorite thing about your horse: He s very easy to vault on and has a bit of an attitude. Workout: I do gymnastics five days per week for three and a half hours each time and vault on the horse and/or work on the barrel three days per week. Motivation: I m motivated to get a better score and to place in the top three at the Junior World Championships next year. Hidden talent: I m a level 10 gymnast and I race motocross. Goal for WEG: To learn what I can to improve for next year s Junior World Championships. Finishing touches before WEG: I m mostly working on my technical moves and trying to improve my flexibility. Post-WEG plans: Lots of training and preparation for Junior Worlds next year! Photo courtesy of Kate Revell/VaultingPhotos.com Patrick Stevens Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Colton Palmer 15

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17 TEAM USA Woodside Vaulters Photo courtesy of Daniel Kaiser Photography 17

18 Feature By Kathy Smith Vaulting Dazzles at 2014 US Pony Club Festival The AVA was honored this year to partner with the United States Pony Club (USPC) at its largest and most visible event, Pony Club Festival 2014, on the occasion of the USPC s 60th anniversary. The event was held in July at the famous Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Every three years, the United States Pony Club (USPC) hosts a weeklong national festival to celebrate with and educate more than 4,000 Pony Club members from all over the United States. During the festival, National Championships are combined with unique educational learning experiences for Pony Club members and their families. This year s event included opening ceremonies that featured more than 1,100 members in the parade, as well as an early morning (and foggy) foxhunt. The stated mission of the USPC is to develop character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. Equestrian vaulting is considered an auxiliary activity within the USPC and one that the AVA hopes to grow considerably. Most recently, the organization published its first ever vaulting handbook, thanks to the work of AVA committee members including Region V Supervisor, Beth Whillock. The AVA s VP of Development, Scott Donovan, has been working hard to capitalize on vaulting s progress within the USPC s curriculum. We were invited to have a booth and do clinics at this year s USPC s festival, and the response was overwhelming! Scott said. This is a huge step for the AVA in gaining exposure nationwide and growing our sport, and thanks to all who helped make this weeklong event such a success. AVA volunteer vaulters and coaches from clubs around the country were at the festival to showcase our sport. Unbridled Vaulting Club coaches and vaulters Mikhail Procter and Nathan Brashear who is also a vaulter with the Asbury University Vaulting Team as well as their vaulters Macayla Gardner, Margo Lawson and Alexis Brock helped out at the booth. Also assisting were Asbury University Vaulting Team s Janelle Donahoe, Meadow Lake Vaulting Club coach Amanda Marshall, Beth Whillock and Hannah Peterson of Northern Lakes Vaulters, as well as former AVA executive board member Jan Weber. Greta Shryock, coach and vaulter from Albuquerque s Vaulters del Sol, conducted two days of packed clinics. Over 50 participants requested information on vaulting clubs in their area. Several people also expressed an interest in starting their own vaulting clubs. The exposure that the AVA gained through the USPC Festival was absolutely invaluable, stated Scott. This is the first step down the path of the USPC and the AVA working together to grow our great sport! Festival participants were able to try out mechanical and stationary barrels, watch a special 90 minute vaulting video (prepared exclusively for the event by AVA Official Videographer Julia Cox of JC Enterprises Vaulting Videos) and participate in clinics, as 18 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

19 well as talk to the vaulters and coaches. Sue Rose and Carolyn Bland provided posters of elite equestrian competitors from various disciplines who all had their start in vaulting. The posters highlight the equestrians stated benefits (physical and mental) from participating in equestrian vaulting at the beginning of their career. Due to the overwhelming response from festival attendees, the AVA was immediately invited to participate in the next two upcoming major USPC events. This is a huge step for the AVA in gaining exposure nationwide and growing our sport, and thanks to all who helped make this weeklong event such a success, said Scott. Maybe in three years we will see a vaulting competition at the Festival! Photos courtesy of USPC 19

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21 Coming Soon: The Equestrian Vaulting Yearbook Issue! Congratulate your club, team, or vaulter on a great 2014 season with a personal advertisement! Show off your favorite vaulting pictures, thank those who have worked hard, long hours to support you or congratulate a teammate on a big success. Just have fun with it! All proceeds support the American Vaulting Association and Equestrian Vaulting magazine. Full Page: $319 Half Page: $199 Quarter Page: $119 Business Card: $69 Deadline for submissions is October 31, For more information, contact Equestrian Vaulting magazine Editor in Chief, Megan Benjamin Guimarin, at megan.guimarin@gmail.com. Hall of Fame Photo courtesy of Kate Revell/VaultingPhotos.com The next Equestrian Vaulting magazine will feature a look into the lives of the American Vaulting Association s 2014 Hall of Fame recipients. Pictured from left to right: Rosalind Ross, Kerith Lemon, Blake Dahlgren, Emma Seely, Devon Maitozo, Megan Benjamin Guimarin, David Long, Isabelle Bibbler Parker, Craig Coburn, Kenny Geisler, Sydney Stang and Jeannette Boxall Krassow. Not pictured: Carolyn Bland & Nancy Stevens-Brown. 21

22 Here s how it works STEP 1 Join Instagram and Mark your calendars for September 15th: the AVA is about to have its first ever Instagram challenge! Follow the AVA on Instagram (@USAVaulting) and join us for a 14-day #vaultersupsidedown challenge. INSTAGRAM STeP 2 Take a photo a day of you doing the #vaultersupsidedown challenge. STEP 3 Post your photo with the hashtag #vaultersupsidedown It's That Easy! We re looking forward to seeing you all show off your stuff! Day 5: Handstand, stag or splits. Day 6: Press to handstand, straddle or pike. (Help allowed!) 22 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1 Day 11: Handstand, one arm or one arm on fingertips. Day 12: Handstand, on a horse!

23 Day 1: Supported headstand. Day 2: Shoulder stand. Day 3: Handstand, legs together. Day 4: Handstand, straddle. PHOTO CHALLENGE Day 7: Handstand, scorpion. Day 8: Forearm stand. Day 9: Handstand, legs "any-which-way". Day 10: Handstand pike down to feet. Day 14: Timed handstand. How long can you hold it after 14 days of practice? Day 13: Handstand, somewhere gorgeous! Pictured: Team USA athletes Mary Garrett, Mary McCormick, and Kristian Roberts of Pacific Coast Vaulters. 23

24 horsesmarts Training Stunning Vaulting Horses Q & A with the Hamar Family If you ve ever been to a competition out in California, you ve likely met the Hamars and probably one of the many stunning Dutch Warmbloods the family has trained for vaulting at their home ranch in Hanford, Calif. For the Hamars, vaulting has always been a family affair, with Ingrid lungeing, Marisa and Leslie vaulting, and everyone contributing to the training of young vaulting horses. Year after year, the Hamar family brings beautiful new horses to California competitions, most of whom are eventually sold to vaulting clubs throughout the nation. Equestrian Vaulting magazine sat down with Leslie (Hamar) Taylor to get the inside scoop on how the family trains their vaulting horses to be so great. What are some of the qualities you look for when selecting horses to train for vaulting? A good character, meaning how the horse reacts to his training and his environment, is definitely the most important quality for a vaulting horse. A vaulting horse should also have a quiet temperament and shouldn t be easily spooked. A great vaulting horse can be any size, but he or she needs to have the strength and soundness to withstand the rigors of the job. How long does it typically take to train a vaulting horse? Every horse is different. We worked with one horse Westcott, now owned by Karen Waldron and Shawn Ricci who accepted everything the first time we vaulted on him. Mount, freestyle moves, and all compulsories he never took a wrong step. Westcott was bred and born at DG Bar Ranch where he developed trust and respect as a young horse. As a result he was super friendly and trusting, allowing us to do anything we wanted on his back. Other horses take a little longer especially if they have trust issues. Typically it takes anywhere from two weeks to several months before they re ready to be sold, but every horse is an individual. It s important to work at a pace that doesn t push the horse too hard, physically or mentally. Taking time to ensure good basics at the beginning always pays off in the long run. What are some of the very first things you do when training a vaulting horse? How do you get a horse used to vaulters and vaulting? Photo courtesy of Hamar Family We start by building a relationship with the horse on the ground, talking to him, petting him, and giving him lots of treats. We show the horse that we re friendly people he can trust. We take our time tacking up, since the pad and surcingle are quite different from a pad and saddle, and give the horse time to get used to the equipment on his back. We always let the horse warm up without side reins. Especially the first few times, we don t mind if the horse wants to buck and play while warming up without a vaulter. It s a natural way for the horse to release energy, especially if the horse lives in a stall. Once the horse has loosened up both directions, we attache the side reins and lunge the horse a few minutes, making length and height adjustments to the side reins as needed. By now the horse needs a break, so we introduce the vaulter at the walk. The vaulter initially just sits and pets the horse all over. 24 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

25 By Alicen Divita Photo courtesy of Hamar Family Photo courtesy of Briana Micall She may do some light leg swings and a box. The horse must be observed constantly for tension, to determine whether to proceed or not. The vaulter and lunger need to communicate constantly at this point. The vaulter can feel tension in the back and the lunger can see the horse s eye and ear expression. If there is tension, then the vaulter needs to slow down and regain the horse s trust and attention. If the horse is comfortable at the walk, we move up to trot or canter and repeat everything we did at the walk. Only once the horse is confident with the vaulter and can maintain a consistent, forward, and energetic tempo, do we introduce running out toward him for the mount. Again we start at the walk walking to the horse holding the lunge line for a bit more control, petting him on the neck and shoulder, then returning to the lunger, all while talking to the horse and keeping him calm and confident. If the horse accepts this, we move to the trot, where we practice grabbing the handles and doing light jumps with very little weight on the handles. When the horse seems ready, we mount. Sometimes the horse stops, and other times the horse couldn t care less. If we scare the horse, we just take a step back, apologize, pet him, and encourage the horse to try again for us. What is the biggest challenge when training a horse for vaulting? What is most difficult for the horses to learn or accept? The biggest challenge is knowing how to respond when there is a problem. Some horses may buck or stop or run when learning to be a vaulting horse. It is important to know the reason for the behavior. Is it discomfort? Fear? Unwillingness? Lack of respect? Knowing the Photo courtesy of Lani Maher reason will determine the response. Every horse is an individual and should be treated accordingly. Horses learn from repetition, so whatever you allow and encourage the horse to do (knowingly or otherwise), becomes his habit. What advice would you give to those training vaulting horses of their own? If you want your horse to have a long, healthy, and happy vaulting career, spend time with your horse, build a relationship of mutual trust and respect, and make every experience a positive one. 25

26 Spring Classic Garrods Photos courtesy of Lani Maher CVI Photos courtesy of Kate Revell/VaultingPhotos.com 26 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

27 Region 9 Championships Photos courtesy of Tylir Penton Spring Fest Falconwood Photos courtesy of Priscilla Faulkner, Jennifer Hall & Carl Ellis 27

28 Region 4 Mozart Memorial Classic Photos courtesy of Briana Micali Photos courtesy of Kathy Smith 28 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

29 Photos courtesy of Kathy Smith Region 4 May Fest Championships Warm Beach Vaulting into Spring Photos courtesy of Susie Bors Woodside Spring Fest Photos courtesy of Alison Cathro 29

30 Convention 2015 Save the Dates! American Vaulting Association Annual Convention March 5-8, 2015 Greater Seattle Area Coaches, vaulters, parents, judges, newbies and long-time members: mark your calendar for March 5-8, and plan to join us at the AVA s Annual Convention in Seattle, Washington! Look for more information in upcoming AVA Blasts and the next issue of EV magazine. 30 EquestrianVaultinG Volume 46, Issue 1

31 Coming Soon: The Equestrian Vaulting Yearbook Issue! Congratulate your club, team, or vaulter on a great 2014 season with a personal advertisement! Show off your favorite vaulting pictures, thank those who have worked hard, long hours to support you or congratulate a teammate on a big success. Just have fun with it! All proceeds support the American Vaulting Association and Equestrian Vaulting magazine eventscalendar August 23 Cedar Lodge Summer s End Competition Lawrence, MI Jane Egger: janedegger@gmail.com September 2 5 FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy, France Linda Bibbler: lbibbler@gmail.com October Region I Championships Mojave Crossing Event Center: Fort Mojave, AZ Connie Geisler: connie_geisler@hotmail.com October 26 Mt. Eden s Halloween Fest Garrod Farms: Saratoga, CA Marianne Rose: Marianne@mariannerose.net Full Page: $319 Half Page: $199 Quarter Page: $119 Business Card: $69 Deadline for submissions is October 31, For more information, contact Equestrian Vaulting magazine Editor in Chief, Megan Benjamin Guimarin, at megan. guimarin@gmail.com. September Great Falls/Topaz Fall Fest Herndon, VA Marie Brigham: mimbrigham@aol.com October 5 Morning Star Fest Novato, CA Carolyn Conner: cc_vaulter@yahoo.com October Region IV Octoberfest Castle Rock, CO Robin Bowman: thebowmans4@msn.com November 8 9 Annual Judges Forum Portland, OR Kelley Holly: tambourine-farm@att.net November 15 Meadow Lake Vaulting Festival Bryantsville, KY Amanda Marshall: manager@meadowlakeec.com Important Note: These events were gathered directly from the AVA website calendar. If you are a member you can add your club s events/ competitions to the AVA website calendar yourself by logging into the members-only website, going to the calendar section, choosing the year, and then clicking on add an entry to the calendar at the top of them calendar section. Parting Shot: The Mile-High Vaulters perform at a Boulder graduation party. Photo courtesy of Kathy Smith 31

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