2002 AVA Horse of the Year LASCAR

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1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION SKYLINE BLVD., LOS GATOS, CA APRIL AVA Horse of the Year LASCAR Joan Williams competed on Lascar in 2002 at Intermediare I. He placed fourth in the USDF all breeds Dutch Warmblood division. Photo: courtesy Joan Williams Lascar and Joan are trying out for the Pan American Games this year at Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I. Lascar is a Dutch Warmblood born in He is a dark brown, 17.2 hands tall gelding. He lives in Felton, California. Photo: Eric Jewett Lascar with his owner and longeur, Joan Williams and his breeder: J. Ashton Moore. Joan proudly holds the AVA Horse of the Year Perpetual Trophy. Lascar wears the beautiful blanket donated by Pegasus Vaulting Supply. Photo: courtesy Joan Williams Melissa Williams performs her Gold Kür on Lascar. Photo: Eric Jewett

2 Rule Book/Directory The 2003 AVA Rule Book and the AVA Directory will be mailed to 2003 registered AVA clubs approximately mid- April. The clubs will receive a list of who is to receive what and enough copies to distribute to their members. Please note that the mailing list will be derived from the AVA data base as of April 5, If your club has not registered, if you have not registered, if you have received a note stating that some part of your registration is incomplete or in error, you will not receive your rulebooks with this mailing. Please check with your club manager to be sure that your membership information is complete, current and correct. Rule books and directories for independent members will be mailed direct. If you have not received your rule book and directory: FIRST contact your club manager. If that doesn t work, contact the AVA at americanvaultingassn@ yahoo.com. The complete 2003 AVA Rule Book (pdf files) has been posted at home.att.net/~avafest >resources > rulebook. Grants Available Jan Garrod The grants committee is accepting Grant Applications for the fall review. Applications are due September 1, The AVA Grants Committee assists members in need of financial help to promote and improve the sport of vaulting. Grants have focused on clinics and competitions but are not restricted to those areas. You may send a written request detailing exactly how the grant will be disbursed to Jan Garrod, Chairperson of the AVA Grants Committee at Mt. Eden Road, Saratoga, CA Please contact Jan Garrod or Jan@Garrod Farms for more information. New AVA Judge The AVA Technical Committee congratulates John Alogi of Santa Cruz, California for completing the requirements to become an AVA Recorded Judge (AVA r) Medal Tests Suzanne Detol, Medal Test Secretary In the year 2002, 188 vaulters successfully completed their medal tests. While this is a slight drop in numbers from the prior two years (212 in 2001 and 217 in 2000), it is above the numbers in 1999 (159 tests) and 1998 (150 tests). Congratulations to all of our 2002 medalists: 5 Gold 13 Silver 29 Bronze 7 Bronze to Right 70 Trot 7 Trot to Right 57 Novice. Nominations Open - Call for Nominations: Election 2003 Jen Williams The AVA General Secretary has announced that nominations are now open for the Board of Directors, Officers and Regional Supervisors of the AVA. Those elected will take office at the November 1, 2003 board meeting. 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 sustaining member may be nominated for an officer or regional supervisor position. The following board members whose terms are valid until November 2004 should NOT be nominated for the board but may be nominated for officer and/or regional supervisor positions: Shari Ballenger Isabelle Bibbler Craig Coburn Merry Cole Kim Deaver Suzanne Detol Emma Drinker Sydney Frankel Jan Garrod Connie Geisler Rick Hawthorne Rachel Markels Webber Elizabeth Searle (life) The following board members terms expire in November 2003 and they may be nominated for board, officer and/or regional supervisor positions: Toni Amoroso Jeannie Beattie Carol Beutler Linda Bibbler Priscilla G. Faulkner Kenny Geisler Virginia Hawthorne Jennifer Lauzze Yossi Martonovich Amy McCune Marjorie Oakes The following officer positions expire in November 2003 and are open for nomination: Office Current Officer Executive VP Kelley Holly Treasurer Judy Baloghy VP Competitions Marianne Rose VP Education Stephanie Siemens The following regional supervisor positions expire in November 2003 and are open for nomination: Region Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region IX Region X Current Supervisor Connie Geisler Teresa Keville Wendy Ware Noel Martonovich Jen Williams Jueli Klug 2003 Nominating Committee Kate Dalby (chair) - 703/ katedalby@hotmail.com Jan Weber - 978/ janaj40@aol.com Suzanne Detol - 503/ sdetol@aol.com Merry Cole - 505/ merryvault@go.com Sue Smith - 408/ sscherfs@aol.com 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 Election Schedule 04/30 - Nominations close. Nominations must be received on or prior to this date. 05/20 - Deadline for receipt by Nominations Chair of nominees questionnaires. 07/10 - Ballots will be mailed by the AVA National Office to sustaining members. 07/31 - Ballots must be received by the AVA National Office. 08/ Ballots counted by the Ballot Committee at the National Championships. 2 April 2003

3 Taking the Bull by the Horns Nancy Stevens-Brown For many years one of my tasks has been storage custodian and archivist for our Association. Being historian really rarely called for anything more than a suitably large dry closet and fielding occasional requests to find some obscure old record, or stuff more clippings and photos into the file. I once went on a three-week binder bender and organized everything chronologically into the appropriate cache. That was a hoot because I had lived so much of that stuff, and it undeniably dated me to remember when most of us weighed in at bantamweight, braided the horses with outrageously gaudy pom-poms, and sang raucous team chants at Fest! I realized recently that when it came to vaulting history, I had just accepted what I d lived (or more exactly my own perspective of the events) and I had never probed backward before my 1970 summer camp introduction to vaulting. All that has changed now since I just embarked on a retro trip through time, tracing not only the origins of vaulting, but its many cousins and distant relatives. (God save Google for that!) The vaulting family tree journey for me has just begun and already guarantees to be exciting, provocative, and fun. Yet, while I dig into our dusty past unearthing photos of petroglyph Iron Age men standing on horses etched in the caves of the Italian Alps, I still revel in the promise of our future. The 2003 annual meeting in Lexington, Kentucky was both enlightening and empowering with so many new and resourceful members attending and contributing to the varied challenges that lie ahead for vaulting. The cross section of membership present was the best that I can ever recall, with parents, vaulters, judges, regions, clubs, and associated interest groups all having opportunities to share and brainstorm. Our future looks enormously promising, and the season is only just under way. The vaulting calendar is bulging with everything from clinics and play days to CVI events and international travel. All this is great for me because with my new found awareness of the chronicles of our sport, I can enjoy the progress we are experiencing while unraveling and marveling at the past from where we sprung. The bull vaulters of Knossos once risked life and limb by taking the bull by the horns to vault gracefully up and over the powerful beasts, while performing for the Minoan audience. Though contemporary vaulting has many challenges, fortunately we risk little by taking our own bull by the horns and sharing our devotion with the far-reaching prospects of vaulting. Our AVA saga is not yet thirty-five years old, (thus it still all fits into my closet) but thanks to all of you, our future promises to be a full and eclectic one! From cave carvings to power point, war to WEG, vaulting is still outstanding on horseback! Vault On! Table of Contents Nominations Open... 2 Taking the Bull by the Horns Nancy Stevens-Brown... 3 AVA Annual Meeting A Celebration of Friendship, Naomi Takemoto... 4 USET Open Forum, Carole Dwinell... 5 Technical Committee, Adrienne Stang... 6 Technical Advisor, J. Ashton Moore... 6 Friendship Team, Priscilla Faulkner... 7 Therapeutic Vaulting, Rick Hawthorne... 8 Youth Organizations, Amy McCune... 9 Alumni Committee, Patti Reschar Athlete s Council, Mary McCormick Minutes - Board of Directors 02/28/ Sustaining 03/01/ USAE and USET Agree Nationals Update Horse Rescue, Alison Gieschen Ankle Sprains, Kristina Irvin, DC Drills for Vaulters, Nancy Stevens-Brown Help Wanted/Help Offered Tribute to Frankie, Susan Frankel Letters to the Editor Joanna Crell Janell Stel Results: Tambourine Barrel Fest 02/08/ Catoctin Barrel Fest 03/08/ Beautiful Belle Retires AVA Directory Calendar of Vaulting Events If you have any changes or corrections to your mailing address for, are having problems receiving your issues, or wish additional copies please contact the AVA National Office at 1 Liberty Road, Petaluma, CA 94952, phone 707/ , fax 707/ , americanvaultingassn@ yahoo.com The mailing lists are generated by the National Office and extra copies of are kept at the National Office. is published by the American Vaulting Association. Mail all submissions for publication to:, Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA Deadlines are: April 30 for publication June 1, June 30 for publication August 1, August 31 for publication October 1; October 31 for publication December 1, December 31 for publication February 1, 2004, March 7 for publication April 1. 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 and check payable to AVA and mail to, 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 Editor: Marianne Rose 408/ , marianne_rose@worldnet.att.net Proofed by Katie Dalby 703/ , katedalby@hotmail.com Printed by Roberts Press 408/ April 2003

4 AVA Annual Meeting 2003 A Celebration of Friendship Naomi Takemoto Lexington, Kentucky, home of the USA Equestrian National Office, the Kentucky Horse Park and situated in the heart of horse country, was the setting for AVA s most broadly attended annual meeting. Nearly half the participants came from the Eastern Regions, IX and X. About a third came from Regions I and II, and the remainder from Regions III and IV. Besides the diverse geographic representation, this annual meeting was attended by the largest number of former vaulters and sustaining members who had never previously attended an annual meeting. It was exciting to see so many new and young faces. They breathed new life and energy into the meetings, forums and educational activities. The atmosphere was very fresh and alive with enthusiasm. Alan Balch welcomed the AVA to the USAE. Photo: Carole Dwinell USA Equestrian welcomed AVA with a wonderful reception on Saturday afternoon. After spending time at the adjoining Kentucky Horse Park, participants gathered at the National Office. Joyce Hamblin, USAE Director of International Disciplines, gave participants a tour of their office and USAE President, Alan Balch welcomed AVA to Lexington before the start of the educational seminar with Kevin Haussler, DVM, DC, PhD. The USAE graciously provided the AVA with a conference room for this seminar. During the break, participants enjoyed a catered reception with a sumptuous buffet. Dr. Haussler presented an outstanding seminar on The Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Horse s Back and Risk Factors Associated with Vaulting. It was both enlightening and disturbing as we observed photos of the various bones associated with varying degrees of injuries to the back. Dr. Haussler explained the kinds of anatomical abnormalities that result in stiffness, pain, injury, faulty movement and incorrect use of the back. He further went on to discuss the types of vaulting exercises that present the greatest risk of injury to horses. He especially stressed the need to be sure that work is done equally to the right at well as to the left in order to prevent injury and structural imbalances. Participants left the seminar hungry to learn more about the condition of their own horses backs. Brightening up the procedures, Emma Drinker encouraged auction slackers with her bubble gun. Photo: Carole Dwinell The Saturday evening banquet was a gala celebration to honor all who have made AVA Friendship Team so successful as AVA s ambassadors to the equine world. Since 1995, the Friendship Team has participated before hundreds of thousands of Photo: Carole Dwinell Yossi Martonovich spoke with expected enthusiasm and panache, but the surprise of the evening was the stand-up routines by our auctioneer, Priscilla Faulkner. She had everyone laughing and boosted auction prices as well. Lauri DeLalla displays elegant crystal to bidders Photo: Carole Dwinell at the auction. spectators at many different equine events. These have included the 1996 Olympics, Equine Affaires in Ohio, Massachusetts and California, Equitana, and Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada, as well as numerous prestigious international horse shows. Priscilla G. Faulkner s son-in-law, Ray Egher, presented a wonderful program that captured the spirit of Friendship Team over the past nine years. AVA presented thank you gifts, donated by Albuquerque Vaulters and artist Emily Tourraine, to all horse owners, coaches, longeurs, and educational instructors who participated in the Friendship Team over the years. Every Friendship Team vaulter received a Triple Flag pin designed by the artist. Faulkner was also honored as Mentor of the Year. Family, friends, and members of the Friendship Team Vaulters Dr. Haussler gave a well-attended seminar on equine biomechanics. Photo: Carole Dwinell The banquet/auction is always the highlight of the AVA Annual Meeting. Photo: Carole Dwinell 4 April 2003

5 AVA Annual Meeting 2003 praised her for the near bottomless capacity to treat all children with the same love and kindness that she would treat her own. However, Priscilla must never be mistaken for a meek Southern girl. She has steadfast courage, a soft-spoken will of iron, tireless energy and the ability to that make every problem disappear through diplomacy and thoughtfulness. With her infectious love of Friendship Team, she has managed to engage the help of dozens of coaches, longeurs, horse owners, parent chaperones and any other volunteers that she needed so that the show might go on. No one else could have done what she has done to bring vaulting to the greater equestrian sport community and the public. Sally Ike Heats Up the Vaulting High Performance Committee Carole Dwinell Sunday s USET s Open Forum continued the information exchange established at the USAE offices the previous day. Vaulting is definitely on the short list for support as Sally Ike opened with a brief history of her own vaulting experience as a parent and her extensive background in competitive sport. While the preparation for Jerez de la Frontera had a short time frame where vaulting was concerned, it was the first the USET focused on vaulting for a World Equestrian Games. Starting with the trip to preview the venue to a final thank you note and gift for the one US vaulting horse who made the trip, the USET involvement was deemed successful by all who participated. Briefly touching on the cease fire between the USET and USAE, the submission by a new national federation plan to the United States Olympic Committee and the Credentials Committee, Ike proceeded to whack the nail right on the head. The agreement ends an agonizing period of dispute with a solution that all parties heartily endorse according to a February 1, 2003 press release by the USAE. She noted that the functions under the umbrella of the new organization would remain somewhat the same with the USET Foundation portion primarily raising money for international high performance while the USAE Trust will raise funds for purposes relating to: equestrian industry, research, education, scholarship and other projects. The full content of the pplan will soon be available on the USET s and the USA Equestrian s websites at Governance/usae-uset-agreement/ lexington- model.pdf. The Purpose (note the capital P ) of the Sunday Open Forum was to brainstorm, to achieve a working list of How to Win Medals. A list was formed with input from a broad spectrum of attendees. The challenge was thrown out with the first three words after the introduction. Sally Ike was quite clear. The purpose of the USET was to get the medals. There was somewhat of a stunned silence. Bluntly put, it was the antithesis to our massaging all aspects of our sport, all the time. There was no easing into the purpose that Ike was about to set forth. It was to work together for an approach to that specific goal. What does it take to get medals? While the discussion tended occasionally to drift back to beginners and wannabees, there was no stepping off this path for more than a couple of minutes. Sunday s USET s Open Forum continued the information exchange established at the USAE offices the previous day. The list starts off with money. Lots of money is needed to field the competitors, no matter what their discipline. Then came experience, money, exposure, and of course as always, good horses. The list began to take a shape. Under money, came memberships, and public relations. Exposure was a two headed being, sort of a Janus figure, with one side looking ahead to being in the arena and attracting international attention for all who wished to be contenders and the other side looking backward at the interplay between coaches and vaulters, vaulters and judges, vaulters and vaulters, and vaulters and audiences/crowds. Experience took the form of competition in Europe, having mentors that were more experienced, cross trainers, and increasing the number of high level competitions in this country. Devon Maitozo pointed out that perhaps the selection procedure should be examined as well. A procedure that took into consideration scores which traveled with the vaulters a score rotating out as a new competition score was added. That way the scores would be up to date and reflect the work of the vaulter. The Purpose (note the capital P ) of the Sunday Open Forum was to brainstorm, to achieve a working list of How to Win Medals. With the wide spectrum of American type horses, experience in Europe using the horses that are considered appropriate for their competition is often a substantial adjustment for American vaulters going abroad. There was discussion of competitors having at least a lower level introduction to local, less stressful competitions on the continent before being dumped into the international championship level. A camp situation was discussed as an option, with the Olympic training camps in Colorado Springs and other locations used as an example. Maitozo brought up the idea of a national trainer, as well as the ranking system which is still a work in progress. More on that at a later date. The lack of international level competitions here in the states was lamented. Ways to encourage organizers to fill in that enormous gap, how to get more parental support as well as how to attract more men into the sport were the topics of much discussion. There was also some talk of club teams vs. a US team selected from the best of club vaulters for specific important medal competitions. While details need development, it was felt by some that this method might better preserve the integrity of the local clubs as well as send the best team to the highest competitions, especially if it involved a training camp situation rather than selection trials. All of the effort to increase vaulting s medal count would have a trickle down effect as these hopeful candidates for international experience would bring what they learned back to home clubs. It s a two way street. Club and vaulter development is critical. A substantial homeland competition structure will give those vaulters who do not have European stars in their eyes an opportunity to shine. 5 April 2003

6 AVA Annual Meeting 2003 AVA Technical Committee Adrienne Stang This report is a brief summary of the activities of the Technical Committee for the year The main work of the committee was concerned with AVA rule changes to be ef- fective in March The committee met twice to discuss the rule changes. A questionnaire was sent to the AVA Board of Directors in 2001 and was taken into account when rewriting the rules. In this questionnaire, twenty-one members of the board responded and the results were summarized to the board at that time. The board voted to change the composition of C and trot level teams to six member teams. They also agreed that the weight limit should be abolished and that only one timer be required. These issues have been addressed in the revised rules. The board also reviewed the horse use rules in We discussed the FEI rules and decided they were too severe for the U.S.A. We left the discussion open with agreement that the horse use rules should be further addressed. Isabelle Bibbler then presented a unit method for addressing horse use to the USAE committee, the AVA Board and Technical Committee. It received a favorable response at all levels and, based on this system, USAE adopted a new horse use rule to be effective February The new USAE rules are the same as those stated in the AVA revision. Under medal exams, we added a Mount score for Silver and Gold levels. We added the walk to Novice level to encourage the handicapped and the very beginners to be part of the AVA and the sport in general. We did a minor clean up of the Guidelines and added a General Impression score where applicable. We also tried to clean up the format (wording, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) of the AVA Rules for Vaulting. This proved to be a horrendous job. Every time one thing was changed another item required attention. There have probably been at least a dozen versions of the rewrite, all very time consuming, as the problems seemed endless. Some inconsistencies still remain, but for reasons of clarity or compatibility with USAE rules they were not changed. I hope the final version will be free of errors. I apologize for sending out more than one version and for lateness, as I didn t expect rewrites to be necessary. I hope the Board will be pleased with our work. The AVA and USAE rules will no longer have any discrepancies. The committee was contacted regarding two items that required discussion. The first issue was a request to put wording in J. Ashton Moore Adrienne Stang the rules regarding the use of helmets. The 6.Expanded educational materials for committee voted not to include wording about helmets in the rules because of legal issues. Instead, the committee recommends legal review of the issue if a statement regarding helmets is to the AVA Rule Book. Kelley Holly has reviewed the helmet issue with the U.S.A. Ice Skating Federation for their viewpoint. Secondly, we received a request to allow an A rated vaulter to compete on a C-team. We voted not to allow this as we would be required to allow all other C- teams to have A rated vaulters. This would defeat the purpose of have C-teams. The annual USAE/AVA Judges Forum has been set for September 27-28, 2003, at Osierlea, San Juan Bautista, California. This is an two day, open forum for all AVA members. Leaders of the discussions of the kür and work with vaulting horses are J. Ashton Moore and Adrienne Stang. Technical Advisor s Report J. Ashton Moore Background: Technical functionality in our association is admirable. Under the leadership of Adrienne Stang, the Technical Committee has been fulfilling its mandate. The enormous and consuming task of rewriting the Rules has been addressed efficiently, especially thanks to Adrienne Stang and Sue Detol. Since March 2001 Elizabeth Searle and I have been working on the Judges Training Redevelopment Project. The purpose of the project was to expand and upgrade the program to be more consistent with judges programs in other equestrian disciplines, and to improve the equestrian knowledge of our judges toward the standard of judges in other countries. Current Status: To date we have implemented: 1.Judges Evaluation Forms for training sessions and practical exams 2.An extended question bank for all written exams 3.Redefined parameters and time frame for judge enrollment 4.A two-part system to help judges fulfill requirements 5.A 2002 National Judges Forum in the East and West judge and instructor training. To date we have, in draft form: 1.A program for training judge trainers 2.A program for ongoing education requirements 3.Written judges guidelines 4.Parameters and requirements for practical examinations 5.Expanded equine information, horse training knowledge, and horse evaluative training in every training session. We are working toward refocusing judging toward the whole picture. The equestrian aspect is a critical component in the vaulting judges evaluative equation, as is the strong current emphasis internationally. Our continuation as an international equestrian sport depends on this focus. In order to most effectively and efficiently handle the workload and paperwork of an expanded and integrated multifaceted program (training judges, training judge trainers, judges continuing education), Liz and I have defined the following tasks and areas of expertise. The responsibility of the management team is to develop the materials, structure, parameters, and curriculum for the program, and to manage the implementation logistics. I have asked some highly qualified, productive, and involved people to serve in an informal capacity to help Liz and myself get the project off the ground: Elizabeth Searle - Director; J. Ashton Moore - Co-director, equine education specialist, educational materials coordinator; Adrienne Stang - NGB and AVA licensed judges manager, judges/examiners training specialist; Dr. Deborah Harrison- Equine Education specialist, veterinarian consultant; Toni Amoroso - Apprentice coordinator/manager; Jen Williams - Technology capability, communications coordinator. 6 April 2003

7 AVA Annual Meeting 2003 Friendship Team 2002 Priscilla Faulkner The AVA Friendship Vaulting Team continued to promote vaulting in 2002 by again going to trade shows which include both evening performances and educational sessions. In addition to performances Priscilla Faulkner and education, the vaulters also took seriously their job as ambassadors for the AVA as they mingled with the visitors. In April the Friendship Team returned to Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio, with evening performances Friday and Saturday nights to a capacity audience of 7,000. With a crowd of 70,000 over a four-day period, throngs were going past the booth, talking with Jan Weber and the vaulters, hearing vaulting announcements, and having the opportunity to attend three educational sessions a day. The horses were King owned by Del and Doris Dyer and Empire owned by the University of Findlay. Besides talented vaulters and horses, we took top talent in the form of Stephanie Friendship Gallery 2003 Carole Dwinell A small Friendship Gallery exhibition of works on paper and some jewelry at the Four Point Sheraton in Lexington, Kentucky, this year netted $ for the Friendship Team. Thanks to the generosity of Emilie Touraine, Colette Garrison, Joanne Many artists contributed to the Friendship Gallery to benefit promotion of vaulting through the AVA Friendship Team. Siemens and Nancy Stevens-Brown who shared the coaching and education duties. Usually the regular educational sessions are 30 minutes long and include walk, trot, and canter illustrations and a short performance. This time we were scheduled for a new forum of two 60-minute education sessions on a stage with only vaulters and barrel and Nancy, who did her usual excellent job. One of those two sessions was set up like a clinic using beginning vaulters from the University of Findlay. It was great fun having them there. All the education sessions were very well received. This group of Friendship Team vaulters was noted for their good disposition in addition to their excellent vaulting skills. During this year, vaulting became a United States Equestrian Team discipline and we were invited to Gladstone, New Jersey, for exhibitions at the June USET Festival of Champions. This was, obviously, our first time there and we were given quite a gracious welcome. Helping show vaulting to the USET participants, visitors, and staff were Amy Dapper, Logan Dalby, Aaron Hoster, Kerith Lemon, Elizabeth Sherraden, Elizabeth Martinico, Greta Shryock, and Shannon Wright. The horses Monk, William Yokoyama and myself, our artwork attracted art lovers to the exhibit during the AVA banquet. Images of zebras and unicorns, beads, bracelets and magnets joined those of flowers, trees, cats and ladies in large hats to provide a wide selection for Annual Meeting attendees to select for themselves and for gifts. Added to the $ garnered by the Friendship Gallery at last year s National Championship in Livermore, California, the total earned by the Friendship Gallery is $ This money goes to support the AVA Friendship Team performance group. Art is all around us. Photo: Carole Dwinell were King, owned by the Dyers, and Black Jack, owned by Wayne and Kim Beisecker. Lucinda Faulkner was on board as coach. When it was time to go home, we were told by several of the top USET echelon that they were surprised how popular the vaulting exhibitions were. Frequently people would ask them when was the next demo. We of the AVA could have told them that vaulting is always a real crowdpleaser!!! As usual, the letters have now gone out to all gold and silver vaulters that were registered in the fall as well as the ones that received their silver medal since the last mailing inviting them to join the Friendship Team. Their joining does not mean that they are required to attend a demo. It does let them have the opportunity to accept or reject exhibitions and they can join at anytime during the year. However, there are so many new Silvers this year that all may not be able to attend the demo that they desire. We always strive for a balance between new and seasoned Friendship Team vaulters, by not loading the team with several vaulters from one club if possible, and by having a balance between bases and flyers. The AVA has a great group of people promoting vaulting!!! Thanks for lending us your vaulters, your horses, and yourselves to work exceedingly hard for no monetary reward. Surcingles Pads Bridles Whips Vaulting Shoes Have a horse? Create a fun summer camp activity! Instructor training for vaulting available at your stable by appointment. For all your equipment needs! 2643 Old San Jose Road Soquel CA Phone/fax: (831) Pegasus Vaulting Supply 7 April 2003

8 AVA Annual Meeting 2003 Alumni Committee Patti Reschar Committee Members: Patti Reschar Chairman, Naomi Takemoto Co-Chairman, Marianne Rose, Judith Bryer, Jane Garrod, Hope Scherf, Adrienne Stang, Laurie Brandt, Jeannette Boxall-Krassow, Sydney Frankel. The Alumni Committee hosted its second annual gathering on November 9, 2002 at the home of Chairman, Patti Reschar. The purpose of this year s gathering was to discuss an outreach plan to recruit alumni members and to discuss plans for the 35 th Anniversary Banquet and Alumni Reunion at the Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz. The group decided to embark on a large-scale mailing to names of alumni that are currently in Marianne s database. Since the board approved a budget of $ for this mailing, we set early spring 2003 as the date for sending letters of invitation to become alumni members and an announcement about the upcoming reunion in The committee voted to honor past national champions, both team and individuals as well as international competitors at the banquet. The committee felt that limiting the evening s honorees to just international competitors was too narrow. The committee felt that national champions from the lower levels have been neglected and that recognition of all national champions was more appropriate to the occasion. The committee discussed a fund raising project to coincide with the auction at the 35 th Anniversary Banquetand Alumni Reunion. Naomi offered to spearhead a fund raising effort within the business community of Santa Cruz County. However, a broader fund raising effort requires a donation-worthy project that would be attractive to people who know little about vaulting. The committee would be supportive of a project that benefits youth. Athlete s Council We Want You! Mary McCormick During this year s annual meeting, a new Athlete s Council was formed. Current council members are Jessica Ballenger, Aleta Kotecki, Laurie DeLalla, Logan Dalby, Jonny Kurzfeld, Krystal Solorzano, Greta Shryock, Mary McCormick, and Julie Keville. Our goals for this council include discovering what vaulters want and need, and communicating this information to the board. We are the vaulters, we are this sport and we need the Board to have a clear understanding of what we want and what we need from them. For this to happen, we need to get YOUR thoughts and opinions. What do you need to help advance your vaulting? What do you think about the way competitions are run? The only way the board can help us and make changes to accommodate our needs is if they know what we want! Some current issues that we are addressing and proposing are more education Mary McCormick shows us what Secretariat is reeally good for! Photos: Carole Dwinnel A sleepy bronze colt is one of the many beautiful surprises at the Kentucky Horse Park. opportunities for vaulters to learn about longeing and training a vaulting horse, more clinic availability for all regions, judge s training for vaulters, major clinics in a central area to make it easier for more clubs to attend, more educational seminars at the next annual meeting that focus on different aspects of our sport, and even simple things like better and more nutritious food at competitions. Things can and will change if we voice our opinions! If you were on the original council and would still like to be a member, you are more than welcome just let us know. Anyone who is over the age of 15 is welcome to join the Athlete s Council, but we encourage vaulters of all ages to express their opinions to let us know what they want. Please contact Mary McCormick via at silverstarfarm@hotmail.com with any questions, concerns, thoughts, ideas, problems, etc. You can also post and view messages on the yahoo groups web page, athletescouncil. We are here to help vaulters express their needs. Krystal Solorzano helps Rosie Brown of Pegasus Vaulting Supply display the elegant blue, red and white blanket her company donated to the AVA Horse of the Year, Lascar. These bronze horses and jockeys delight the Lexington tourist. 8 April 2003

9 AVA Annual Meeting 2003 American Vaulting Association Board of Directors February 28, 2003 Lexington, Kentucky Executive Board members present: Nancy Stevens-Brown (President), Kelley Holly (Executive Vice-President), Jen Williams (Secretary, Region IX Supervisor), Stephanie Siemens (VP Education), Teresa Keville (VP Membership, Region II Supervisor), and Marianne Rose (VP Competitions). J. Ashton Moore (Technical Advisor) was present. Directors present: Toni Amoroso, Shari Ballenger, Jeannie Beattie, Carol Beutler, Isabelle Bibbler, Merry Cole, Kim Deaver, Suzanne Detol, Emma Drinker, Priscilla G. Faulkner, Sydney Frankel, Connie Geisler (Region I Supervisor), Kenny Geisler, Virginia Hawthorne, Jennifer Lauzze, Rachel Markels- Webber, Noel Martonovich (Region IV Supervisor), Yossi Martonovich, Amy McCune, Marjorie Oakes, and Wendy Ware (Region III Supervisor). The Board noted receipt of the Treasurer s report. Approved: Minutes of the November 2002 Board meeting. Announcement: National Office Manager, Janet Brown, has tendered her resignation. Executive Board Members will perform the essential functions of the National Office until a new National Office Manager is found. Committee Reports: Friendship Team, Safety Committee, Education, Medal Test Secretary, Nationals Standards ad-hoc Committee, Technical Advisor, Awards Committee Approved: The following wording be reviewed by a California lawyer, with the intent of developing an AVA risk management policy: The American Vaulting Association has determined that helmets are contraindicated for those involved in competitive track vaulting. Due to the gymnastic nature of the sport, the use of protective headgear may be hazardous. Helmets are neither recommended nor required. Further, the position of the American Vaulting Association is that vaulting, an international equestrian sport, is distinctly not riding. The horse is under the control of the longeur rather than the vaulter. In recognition of the applications of vaulting for experiential education and therapeutic benefits, any participant who wears a protective helmet in the course of treatment for a disability should continue to wear their helmet while involved in vaulting. Approved: All the AVA rule changes as recommended in Feb. 28, 2003 open meeting, except the question of 6- or 8-man teams. Approved: The rule as written for 6-person Trot and C-teams. Approved: A waiver for all AVA Recognized Competitions in 2003 to allow 8-person Trot and C Teams, which are to perform 4-minute kürs. Trot team Compulsories are to have a 10- minute time limit for an 8-person team and an 11-minute time limit for an 8-person team with a substitute. Approved: The Executive Board to negotiate the price and distribution agreement of the book Training for Vaulting Coaches with the authors. Annual Meeting of Sustaining Members March 1, 2003 Lexington, Kentucky Approved: 2002 Minutes of the Sustaining Members Meeting. Approved: 2003 Nominating Committee of Kate Dalby (Region IX, Chair), Sue Smith (Region II), Suzanne Detol (Region III), Merry Cole (Region IV), and Jan Weber (Region IX). Unanimously approved. Approved: 2003 Grievance Committee of Suzanne Detol (Chair), Priscilla G. Faulkner, Sydney Frankel, Merry Cole, and Kenny Geisler. Unanimously approved. Approved: Changes to AVA Constitution and Bylaws and AVA Standing Rules as follows: Constitution and Bylaws Article VI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Section 4. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, one-third of its members shall constitute a quorum. Directors shall, in case of absence from the meeting, wherever possible, communicate their position in writing on the basis of the advanced agenda. Except for amendments to the Standing Rules, in the event that a quorum is not present, if a majority of the Directors have clearly conveyed their positions in writing, those matters on which they have expressed a definite opinion may be officially acted upon by a majority vote, but no other matters may be decided upon. Article VIII EXECUTIVE BOARD Section 2. Members shall, in case of absence at a meeting, wherever possible, communicate their positions in writing on the basis of the advanced agenda. In the event that a quorum is not present, if a majority of the Executive Board has clearly conveyed a definite position in writing, those matters on which they have expressed a definite opinion may be officially acted upon by a majority vote, but no other matters may be decided upon. Standing Rules Article I MEMBERSHIP Section 4. Add to the existing text: a. The adult member of a family membership who has paid the appropriate fee, as established by the Board, is a sustaining member. Section 1. G. Family Memberships. Add to the existing text: 5. The adult family member is designated as a sustaining member and has all rights as set forth above. Approved: Suzanne Detol and Jane Garrod to further modify the Standing Rules as necessary to cause them to be consistent with the new rule changes. J. Ashton Moore introduced Sally Ike, the USET Director of Vaulting Activities. Ms. Ike spoke about the support the USET provided to the vaulting contingent in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain at the WEG in September 2002, and outlined the structure of the new combined National Governing Body (NGB) for equestrian sport in the USA. National Office Interim Plan: Due to the resignation of our National Office Manager, various members of the Executive Board and the new National Office Manager will be covering National Office responsibilities on a combined basis until after Nationals Lynne Stevens (the new National Office Manager) and Marianne Rose will manage the database and membership. Teresa Keville will manage phone and inquiries. Kelley Holly will handle physical mail and finances. Carol Beutler will manage the responsibilities of Competition Secretary. Miscellaneous & Announcements: Tom Oakes demonstrated a software program under development to facilitate online competition entries. The development team consists of Paul and Sue Caskey and Tom Oakes. Jeannie Beattie and Carol Beutler solicited sponsorships for Nationals High-point award winners for 2002 were announced. Toni Amoroso will now manage the AVA High- Point program. Stephanie Siemens announced an April 5 & 6 Vaulting Horse Training educational opportunity at Osierlea in San Juan Bautista, California. Carol Beutler anticipates being able to post a revised/simplified Treasurer s Report within three weeks to the avamembers@ yahoogroups.com list. The Annual Meeting Planning Committee consists of Teresa Keville (chair), Rachel Markels-Webber, Stephanie Siemens, Vicki Sherraden. The Athlete s Council chair is Jessica Ballenger. The Sponsor is Teresa Keville. 9 April 2003

10 Therapeutic Vaulting Rick and Virginia Hawthorne Rick Hawthorne The National Council on Therapeutic Vaulting has many purposes. 1.To help increase the knowledge of therapeutic vaulting available to the numerous handicapped people within the United States. 2.To be a clearing house for any questions or problems about therapeutic vaulting that may arise around the country. 3.To increase awareness of what vaulting and the AVA can do for people no matter what their challenge. 4.To be a committee that will help teach more about therapeutic vaulting so that everyone benefits from each other s knowledge. 5.To help raise, and make available as appropiate, much needed funds to any AVA program which works with handicapped vaulters. 6.To make aware the safety requirements needed for a safe successful program. 7.To involve as many knowledgeable persons in the vaulting, horse and therapeutic worlds to help put together a certification program applicable to all therapeutic vaulting programs. Rarely has there been a sport that has offered as much to the world as has the sport of vaulting. Many lives have been touched by this sport either by witnessing or participating in it in some form over the years. This includes training equestrian soldiers, the vault horse in gymnastics, trick riding, circus riding, or today s sport of equestrian vaulting. There is a segment of the population that is benefiting more than any other from the tremendous gifts of vaulting and that is the handicapped population. There are many programs across the nation and around the world that are using vaulting to help reach and strengthen the lives of accident victims, brain injury victims and people with physical or mental disabilities. It is amazing to watch the results that these programs are getting from using vaulting exercises and the motion of the horse. What is Therapeutic Vaulting? Vaulting is an activity where the vaulter or group of vaulters engage in a variety of gymnastic exercises on the back of the moving vaulting horse. These exercises are known as compulsory and kür exercises as defined by the American Vaulting Association. The specially trained vaulting horse works in a circle on a longe line at the walk, trot or canter. The horse may also be lead when safety warrants. There are times when it is safer to transition a vaulter from one exercise to another while leading the horse. The use of therapeutic vaulting for individuals with disabilities varies depending on the population served and the goals to be attained. Benefits of therapeutic vaulting include but are not limited to body awareness, conditioning and coordination, concentration, perceptual learning, increased confidence, cognitive control, social education, and developing team work skills like trust, communication, group problem solving, etc. The Vaulting Horses Vaulting horses need to be at least six years of age. At this age the horse is more likely to have adequately developed in mind and body for the focused and demanding work required of it in any vaulting program including therapeutic. Strong conformation, soundness and lack of pain in the horses back are necessary for the horse to remain comfortable and calm during the work being asked of it. Because the horse mostly walks during these lessons doesn t mean that these lessons are easy on a horse. The size of the horse in relation to the size of the vaulters and safety for the spotters is a necessary consideration to maintain the horses comfort and to allow the vaulters sufficient room on the horses back to perform the desired movements securely. The vaulting horse needs to have a good temperament and accept people approaching from all directions. Vaulting Tack: English bridle with noseband Smooth snaffle bit with no more than two joints Adjustable side reins Padding sufficient to protect the horses back Two-handled surcingle with sufficient stability for the weight of the vaulters and the activities being performed Non-elastic girth Padding under the surcingle in the girth and wither areas of the horse Longe line with a non-swivel clip Longe whip Practice vaulting barrel To ensure safety, the vaulting equipment must be suitable, good condition, strong, fit correctly and be regularly maintained. The vaulting instructor/longeur should be knowledgeable in the correct use of the equipment. Padding that is sufficient to protect the horses back and within the recommendations of the AVA may be two inches thick when compressed and should not extend more than eight inches in front of the surcingle nor past the croup. Vaulting Arena: The vaulting arena needs to be clearly defined, level, soft, resilient, and free of obstructions and must be routinely maintained. It must have a diameter of 22 meters (72.5 feet) which allows a longeing circle diameter of 13 to 15 meters (42.5 to 50 feet). The minimum ceiling clearance is 16 feet. The arena must be well defined for the horses and vaulters sake. The vaulting area should have footing that is neither slick nor too deep for the comfort and safety of the horse and the vaulters. Shavings, sand, or a mixture of shavings and sand at a minimum depth of four inches and a maximum depth of six inches of footing are examples of some options available. Volunteers (spotters/side walkers) Skills required of volunteers for therapeutic vaulting are instructed in vaulting exercises, gymnastics, group dynamics and emergency response. Volunteers may be needed to supervise or assist vaulters. Certain vaulters and certain activities require more supervision than others do. It is important to instruct the volunteers (spotter/ side walkers) when to help or not and when to talk or not, during a lesson. Proper Clothing for Vaulters For safety, comfort and welfare of the horse and vaulters, vaulting attire should be appropriate to the activity. Good choices for footwear may include vaulting shoes, gymnastics shoes, inexpensive lightweight canvas shoes, or aqua socks. T-shirts and pants that stretch like bicycle pants or jogging pants work well. Jeans do not stretch and make vaulting very difficult. Long hair 10 April 2003

11 Therapeutic Vaulting must be tied back. Jewelry is inappropriate for any sporting activity except for medical alert bracelets which should be secured and covered. No food items may be in a participant s mouth. The Vaulting Barrel The vaulting barrel should follow the design and be constructed as per the AVA barrel specifications found in the current AVA Rule Book. The vaulting barrel is padded with handles. It should be placed in a level location with sufficient clearance to mount and dismount in any direction without any obstructions such as trees, buildings, bushes, toys, etc. There must be enough footing (as in the vaulting arena) underneath and around the vaulting barrel to create a soft, resilient and even surface. The Question of Helmets The American Vaulting Association maintains that the use of protective headgear may be hazardous to those involved in vaulting, however if a student wears a helmet at all times, then he or she should continue to wear to the helmet during vaulting activities. Theapeutic Vaulting Basics We have found these few basic rules very helpful when working with vaulters of all ages and abilities Rick and Virginia Hawthorne Always be positive. A smile helps. Remember there are no two handicapped/special needs vaulters that are alike. Find the best way to deal with each. How you work with one may not work with another. Know the handicaps you are working with and how best to work with each particular handicap. Even if there are two of the same handicaps, they might need to be handled differently. Never get upset with the handicapped/ special needs vaulter just with their behavior or lack thereof. Make sure the vaulter understands this. Have your goals in mind for each vaulter, and keep to those goals. If the goal is not attainable for this lesson be sure the student/vaulter leaves his lesson with a feeling of accomplishment, even if it s very small. Remember, we all have good and bad days. The special needs vaulter is no exception. Be aware of this for you and the vaulter. When spotting a possible fall, be sure you always keep the vaulter s head from touching the ground. Eye to eye contact is very important in teaching and knowing you are being heard. Do not wear sunglasses. If a hat must be worn, make it as small and non-colorful as possible as it becomes a distraction. When giving a leg up, be sure you use your legs, not your back, for the strength you need. Have a straight back, bend your knees, take hold of the vaulter, straighten your knees while putting the vaulter onto the horse s back. You need to know the basic vaulting compulsories. Start simply and work up to the compulsory(s) of your choice (example: the Basic Seat: Start with one arm out or even just release one Youth Organizations Youth Organization Liaison Report Amy McCune A preliminary list of youth and equine organizations that may have an interest in adding vaulting to their programs has been developed. Anyone with additional/potential contacts is invited to share those with me. The expectation is that each of these groups will be contacted once an appropriate package of marketing materials can be organized, including the Clubs and Camps manual currently under revision. This undertaking will require the support of local AVA clubs to serve as mentors and provide training assistance to their local counter-points in other organizations. Since the majority of these organizations already have a strong structure and competitive platform, the goal will be to introduce vaulting as a training technique to improve their riders at the local level. As it increases in popularity and acceptability, it will be an easy transition for the organization to incorporate vaulting into its competitive events. hand off the surcingle handle). It all depends on the severity of the handicap of the special needs vaulter. Start with the first three compulsories. Most of the vaulting rules also apply to the special needs vaulter. Examples: Hair must be tied back, proper clothing and shoes must be worn, jewelry is inappropriate. For a medical bracelet, use medical tape over the bracelet for safety. Once you know the basics, just tailor them to the vaulter s abilities. One of the limitations of a vaulter is the limitations of his/her coach. Each vaulter s accomplishment will stay with you for many, many years. To learn more about Therapeutic Vaulting and where you might find it, please contact Rick Hawthorne, the chairman of the AVA Council on Therapeutic Vaulting at (818) or vvvrick@attbi.com. The primary roadblock in successfully introducing vaulting to other equestrian youth organizations is that many programs (and a growing number of states) require riding helmets be worn during all mounted activities. Many of these organizations feel that an exception could be made to this requirement if the AVA had a clearly stated policy (in writing), and supporting documentation, indicating that helmets should not be worn. Placing a statement about helmet use in the AVA rule book would be a huge step forward for the growth of vaulting. In addition, having this statement included in the vaulting section of the USAE rule book would be highly beneficial as many organizations use that rule book as the default to situations not explicitly covered by their own policies. This is an issue that AVA s Technical Committee and Board of Directors will be asked to address in the coming year. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact Amy McCune at phone: 508/ or amccune@umext.umass.edu. 11 April 2003

12 USA Equestrian and USET Agree [To readers: I am running both the USAE and the USET press releases about the agreement because they each focus on different areas.- Ed.] USA Equestrian A new era for equestrian sports began on Saturday, February 1, 2003, when the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Membership and Credentials Committee received a plan jointly proposed by USA Equestrian (USAE) and the United States Equestrian Team (USET) to create a new NGB for the sport incorporating the strengths of each organization. The joint agreement resolves the question of governance of the sport and ends an agonizing period of dispute with a solution that all parties heartily endorse. The new plan became a reality when signed by USAE President Alan Balch, Vice President David O Connor and Treasurer Kathy Meyer and by USET Chairman Frank Lloyd, President Armand Leone and Secretary Eric Straus. It calls for the formation of a new corporate entity to assume all the current functions of USAE and USET with the main fundraising efforts handled by two new supporting organizations. As part of the agreement, Balch agreed to resign as a Trustee of the USET, to instruct his attorneys to take immediate steps with the USET to resolve the litigation Balch v. USET in a manner acceptable to both parties, and that he will not seek to serve as an officer or director of the new NGB until after the election cycle for The USET agreed to nominate David O Connor as a Trustee to its Board and all parties agreed that O Connor will be responsible to communicate and coordinate all international matters between USAE, USET and the USOC during the interim period prior to the establishment of the new NGB. The new NGB will be governed by a Board of Directors not to exceed 54 members. Officers will include a President; Vice President International High Performance; Vice President International National FEI Affiliates; Vice President National Affiliates; Vice President Finance & Administration; Secretary and Treasurer. The new NGB will be led by a paid Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A six member CEO Search Committee, with three individuals appointed by USAE and three by the USET, will begin immediately to seek a suitable individual for the CEO position. The CEO is to be in place prior to commencing operations of the new NGB. USET Chairman of the Board, Frank V. Lloyd and David J. O Connor, USAE Vice President stated, We are particularly delighted for the athletes, coaches, staffs and the entire sport of equestrian; and look forward to the renewed enthusiasm and support to make this country the top equestrian nation in the world. Visit USET Sally Ike The February 1, 2003 Agreement between the U.S. Equestrian Team and USA Equestrian promises to provide a focus to each of the FEI disciplines (Dressage, Driving, Endurance, Eventing, Reining, Show Jumping, and Vaulting). Because all sport programs will be under one roof, the athlete pipeline from Trot vaulters to Gold Medalists will be an unbroken line. Under The Agreement, A new Federation will be formed. It will be in charge of all sport programs, and will have a new name. The new Federation will have four divisions: High Performance (Vaulting High Performance Committee) FEI/National (Vaulting competitions at the National Level) National (non-fei disciplines) Finance/Administration (membership, drugs and medication, hearing process, etc.). The AVA retains its role of guiding the sport at the national level. As the National Discipline Affilitate, AVA will have direct representation on the Board of the new Federation. This Board member will be appointed by AVA, not the new Federation. All USAE and USET committees will remain the same through 2004, with the exception of the USA Equestrian Vaulting High Performance Committees, which have been dissolved. The existing USET Vaulting Committee, which already performs High Performance duties, will expand by a maximum of four members named by USA Equestrian (see list below). Its new name will be the Vaulting High Performance Committee. The USET/USAE will each morph into foundations/trusts for the purpose of holding assets/liabilities, respectively, of each organization. Neither organization will remain in its present form. The USET s primary purpose will be to raise funds for High Performance Programs. The Vaulting High Performance Committee is in the process of developing a fouryear plan to win medals in championship competition, which will be updated each year. Components of the Plan under discussion include not only grants to vaulters for the purpose of international competition, but also educational programs for vaulters, horses, coaches, and longeurs and funding to Organizers of USAE and/or FEI competitions. While the focus of the Plan clearly is winning medals, the ripple down effect of the increased opportunities for vaulters will be an expansion of the sport at all levels. It s an exciting time to be part of the sport, with the possibility of many championship medals on the horizon! Vaulting High Performance Committee J.Ashton Moore, Chairman Adrienne Stang, Vice Chairman Sydney Frankel (USET Vaulting Horse Owner Representative) Deborah Harrison, DVM Sue Detol (USAE appointee) Isabelle Bibbler (USAE appointee) Devon Maitozo (USAE appointee) Linda Bibbler Emma Drinker Jan Weber Priscilla Faulkner Christine Traurig George Williams Olympic Discipline Active Athlete TBD (USAE appointee) The full content of the new NGB plan outline will be available on the USAE website at and on the USET website at 12 April 2003

13 USAE Rules Approved USAE Rule Changes Now Available The USA Equestrian Executive Committee approved rule changes to the 2003 USA Equestrian Rule Book on February 25, A list of these rules is located under Rules/Changes at the Federation website, Included as a separate posting is the Jumper Rule, which was approved by the Board January 19, and amended February 25, with an effective date of April 1, It will be mailed to Jumper officials and competition management and will be available upon request. Additionally, the 2003 Rule Book on the website has been updated with all rule changes effective through March 1, Note that the Rule Book sections are updated as rules become effective and those approved since the printing of the 2003 Rule Book are indicated by colored text. Copies of any and all rule changes are available upon request by contacting Marie Murphy at (859) or mmurphy@ equestrian.org. USAE Winners Photo: courtesy Connie Geisler 2002 USA Equestrian Vaulter of the Year is Devon Maitozo. The 2002 USA Equestrian Coach of the Year is Emma Drinker. Devon and Emma received the beautiful trophy shown above being proudly displayed by 2001 USA Equestrian Vaulter of the Year, Kenny Geisler and 2001 USA Equestrian Coach of the Year, Connie Geisler. Congratulations to all. New Horse Rule New USAE rule for all horses participating in ANY class on a day on which a USAE class is held. Article 811. Horse Identification Number and Certificate. All horses competing in USA Equestrian recognized competitions (except those activities enumerated in Art , items 1-6 [vaulting is NOT enumerated here - Ed.]) must be properly identified and must obtain a Horse ID Number from USA Equestrian. An identification number for each horse must be entered on all entry forms for recognized competitions. Only one Horse ID Number will be issued per horse, and must remain with the horse throughout its career. Anyone knowingly applying for a duplicate Horse ID Number for an individual horse may be subject to disciplinary action. USA Equestrian life recording numbers are the same as Horse ID Numbers. Applications for Horse ID Numbers are available from the USA Equestrian office, and/or can be downloaded from the USA Equestrian website or from competition management. Competition management is responsible for notifying exhibitors of this requirement in their prize lists. There will be no charge for Horse ID Numbers that are issued via the internet to members of USA Equestrian or its affiliates for: 1) horses that are life recorded, registered or otherwise identified or listed with a USA Equestrian discipline affiliate, or 2) horses registered with a USA Equestrian breed affiliate. Horses not meeting the above criteria must have a completed Identification Certificate submitted with the application for a Horse ID Number before a number will be issued. Horse ID Numbers issued via mail will be charged $10. Horse ID Numbers issued at a competition will be charged $20. (Note: The USAE Board voted to waive these fees during the 2003 competition year.) Visit All USAE horse rules apply to ALL horses competing on any day in which a USAE class is being held! For Nationals, the only horses which will not need to be registered will be the horses which are ONLY used on Thursday as that is not a USAE day. WEG Debriefing Federation International Equestrian Representatives of Jerez 2002 WEG organising committee and an FEI delegation met on the 20 and 21 January 2003 for a debriefing meeting in Jerez de la Frontera Spain. The expenses and income were within budget. The organizing committee and the FEI are pleased to announce that the event took place without loss. The final report on Jerez 2002 WEG was presented to the FEI: 300,000 visitors in total attended the event, 1048 accreditations were issued for the media, 25 television stations broadcasted a total of some 150 hours of the WEG in around 100 countries. The economical impact for the city of Jerez and for the whole equestrian world has been extremely positive. The legacy of the Jerez 2002 WEG was very positive for Spain and in particular for the equestrian world. Chapin and Garrapilos continue to host equestrian events. Chapin has become the national equestrian training centre for Spain with 50 horses permanently stabled in the installations. International jumping events will be organised in May 2003, along with national dressage competitions. Visit Voltigierzierkel Ulrike Rieder The Voltigierzirkel International Forum is now fully accessible in english. The registratration is also in english. We hope that more US vaulters will be attracted to our page at de/ forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=15 New Internet Vaulting Shop Bid for books and other vaulting and horse articles! Just visit ebay.de/sportpferdevoltigierenreiten. [Note the above site is in german - Ed] The following sites are partially in english and include much more information about vaulting in Germany and the rest of Europe If you have questions, please contact: Ulrike Rieder, Der Voltigierzirkel e.v., Reilsheimer Weg 7, D Gaiberg, Germany, Tel Fax , ulrike.rieder@voltigierseiten.de. 13 April 2003

14 Nationals Update Where to Go, What to See Noel Martonovich During your stay in Denver, take your time and enjoy some of the amenities Denver has to offer. The National Western Complex is within walking distance to: The Forney Museum: a museum of transportation featuring one of the biggest train engines ever built, old cars, airplanes, bikes, etc. Only 10 minutes away is: The Children s Museum - Discover a world of laughter and adventure with your kids. Touch, see, experience, create, and explore science, art, and nature with hands-on exhibits. Or tackle the slopes year-round by learning how to ski, snowboard, or in-line skate at KidSport. Directly across the river from the Children s Museum is Six Flags Elitch Gardens - With over 40 exceptional rides and attractions, Elitch Gardens offers fabulous fun and heart pounding thrills for all ages. Ocean Journey - is a celebration of lifegiving water in all its forms, from the Colorado River to the Sea of Cortez, and from the Indonesian rainforest to the Pacific Ocean. Coors Field - The Colorado Rockies baseball team will be playing several home games during the week of August The best way to see these sights is by taking the Cultural Trolley. It is an open-sided antique trolley that runs along the Greenway beside the Platte River. It costs just $3.00 for the entire day. It runs every half hour from 9 am to 6 pm and connects museums, restaurants, shopping and hotels. If you go a little bit farther away from the Complex you can find: Denver Zoo - Home to more than 3,000 animals including polar bears, king cobras, elephants, crocodiles, vampire bats, monkeys, and more. Explore a tropical rainforest, including a mountain cave, jungle river, swamps, and off shore coral reef. The zoo includes a seven acre exhibit featuring some of the worlds most endangered species of primates. Denver Museum of Natural History - National Western Complex Denver, Colorado August 7-10, 2003 The above logo was designed by Emilie Touraine. The T-shirts will feature this design in copper on a turquoise background. The barn will be open for horse stabling beginning Monday, August 9, Please review the February issue of, page 24 for more Fest information. The Nationals entry information and forms will be posted online approximately May 30, An will be sent to all clubs and those who do not reply within a week receive a hard copy. Please review the health requirements for horses traveling to Denver as some immunization programs may take months. Please review the current USAE and AVA Rules. Visit the Competitions website for updates and news at -->calendar >Nationals The fifth largest natural history museum in the country, featuring worldrenowned wildlife exhibits, gems and minerals,dinosaurs,an Imax theater and a planetarium. Denver Botanic Gardens - Tropical conservatory and outdoor gardens of native and exotic plants: Japanese rose, herb, and rock gardens. In downtown Denver you can find: Denver Firefighter s Museum - Memorabilia and artifacts of early Denver and firefighting history. One of the best museums in town. Kids can try on fire-fighting uniforms, climb on an antique fire engine, ring a fire bell etc. Molly Brown House Museum - Home of the unsinkable Molly Brown heroine of the Titanic. Tours are conducted by costumed guides. Colorado History Museum - Covered wagons on the open plains, Indian dances, and buffalo hunts, mining history, pioneers, fur trappers, and cowboys. Explore Colorado s rich heritage through artifacts, photographs, facinating exhibits and more. Byers-Evans House Museum - Elaborate victorian house built in 1883 and recently restored to the period. Exciting interactive program. Denver Art Museum - World class collection with 40,000+ works of art, including world renowned Native American collection. U.S. Mint - Ten billion coins are produced here each year. Tours are free, given on a first come first served basis every 20 minutes. Colorado State Capitol - Modeled after the capitol building in Washington, D.C., it features a gold dome and a panoramic view of the Rockies. While you are downtown you can enjoy : Punt the Creek - Float along downtown Denver s historic Cherry Creek in one of the only punts in the country (similar to a gondola). Leaving the downdown area: Black American West Museum and Heritage Center - Preserves the history and culture of those African American men and women who helped settle and develop the American West. Wings Over The Rockies - Twentythree aircraft and static exhibits, one of only five B-1 bombers ever built. All in a huge hanger at former Lowry Airforce Base. These are just a few of the things to see without traveling more than 20 minutes from the National Western Complex. Visit Denver s web site for more information. (Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce) comindex/co/co_co.shtml#si (select yellow pages news, tribal info, etc.) (Denver convention/visitors bureau). Anyone with great suggestions about things to do and see in the area, please send them to (marianne_rose@ worldnet.att.net or fax 408/ ) to share with the vaulting community. 14 April 2003

15 Nationals Update Class Sponsors - Nationals 2003 A Team $250 Mt. Eden Vaulters B Team $275 Pacific Coast Vaulters C Team $200 North Wind Trot Team $200 Region IX Open 2-Phase Team $100 New Mexico Bank and Trust Preliminary 2-Phase Team $100 Region IV Trot 2-Phase Team $100 Kings Mountain Vaulters Open Pas de Deux $50 Dori-Del Hills Preliminary Pas de Deux $50 Oakes Family Open Pairs $50 Jane Egger Preliminary Pairs $50 AVAILABLE Trot Pairs $50 Matrix/Mare Willow Gold Women $425 Garrod Farms Gold Men $200 Sydney Frankel Silver Women $150 Topaz Vltrs/Dalby Family Silver Men $150 Jane Garrod Bronze Women $100 Wanda Anderson Bronze Men $100 Mt. Tabor Vaulters Trot Women $100 Marianne Rose Trot Men $100 Shari and Jessica Ballenger Open Barrel Kür Women $50 Catherine Kidderman Open Barrel Kür Men $50 AVAILABLE Prelim.Barrel Kür Women $50 New England Valkyries Prelim.Barrel Kür Men $50 AVAILABLE Trot Barrel Kür Women $50 Kings Mountain Vaulters Trot Barrel Kür Men $50 Amy McCune Unrated Canter Barrel Kür Women $50 North Wind Unrated Canter Barrel Kür Men $50 AVAILABLE Unrated Trot Barrel Kür Women $50 Marianne Rose Unrated Trot Barrel Kür Men $50 Albuquerque Vltrs Tiny Tots Barrel Kür $50 Carol Beutler Unrated Canter Barrel Doubles $50 AVAILABLE Unrated Trot Barrel Doubles $50 AVAILABLE Hospitality $100 Flannagan Family Hospitality $25 Naomi Takemoto Hospitality $50 Balance Vaulters Judges $25 Sue Detol Judges $5 Jeannie Beattie Judges $200 Nancy Steven-Brown Runners $25 Peggy - Sue/Nancy Steven-Brown Runners $25 Nette/ - Nancy Steven-Brown Runners $25 Naomi Takemoto Runners $25 Catherine Kidderman Horse Awards $25 Sue Detol Horse Awards $25 Vaulter of Ice Pond Horse Awards $25 Jeannie Beattie Clean Stall $25 Fally - Haynie Family Additional sponsors AVAILABLE for Hospitality, Judges, Medic, Horse Awards, Clean Stall and Runners. If there is something you would like to sponsor, we can accommodate you. Sponsors are invited to present the awards for their classe(s) at the awards ceremonies during Nationals. The sponsor list will be published in the Event Program and in the October 2003 issue of Vaulting World. Thanks to Carol Beutler and Jeannie Beattie for a rousing sponsor drive during the Annual Meeting. Contact Carol Beutler at cbeutler@sbcglobal.net if you wish to sponsor a class or other part of Nationals. Minimum Requirements for National Championships Suzanne Detol The committee for developing a draft document setting forth ideas for minimum requirements and/or expectations to be met by our national championships has completed their initial work product. The report was printed in the AVA annual meeting packet, and can be viewed on the competitions website ( ~avafest >resources). At this time we are asking for more input from the membership. Do you have ideas you would like to see implemented at our national championships? Do you have suggestions on how things can be done differently or more efficiently? Do you have additional suggestions that you would like to see taken into account? Please help us make this work product a comprehensive plan that the majority of our members can support. Please review the initial report, and then send all additional suggestions and/or comments to Suzanne Detol: sdetol@aol.com; S.W. Johnson School Road, Cornelius, OR 97113; fax: Formerly VALENTINES CUSTOM TEAM SPORTSWEAR For a New, Free 2003 Catalog and Color Swatches CALL (503) FAX (503) wowsaun35@msn.com 1107 SW Stephenson Ct., Portland, OR April 2003

16 Horse Rescue Alison Gieschen As you may have heard, our vaulting horse Janyck fell through the ice into a lake and a major rescue ensued. He was trapped in the icy water for two hours and it took another hour and a half to get him on his feet. He was actually unconscious at one point and appeared nearly frozen when they pulled him out of the lake with the back hoe. Fortunately, it looks like Janyck will not be suffering any long term damage from this event. He is still a little sore but he is predicted to have a full recovery. During the rescue, three news helicopters were filming and there was a live video feed on Channel 6 for the entire two hours of the rescue. Thousands of people ed and phone the station to check on the horse after the rescue. Obviously this has brought a lot of attention to our horse. He was on the front cover of three area newspapers and there were follow-up TV and newspapers stories. He appeared on Good Day Philadelphia. We have been contacted by both Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel about doing stories on his rescue. The good news is that at every possible opportunity we have been explaining what this horse does for a living vaulting, and there has been a lot of interest in the sport. All the television stations involved in the story have asked to air follow-ups when Janyck is healthy so they can show the viewers what vaulting is all about and see the recovered horse in action. Animal Planet will be filming Janyck at the Herndon Spring Fest as a follow up to their story. We are going to include at much vaulting footage as possible. Also, a publication in Canada has picked up the story and I referred them to the AVA web site to get more information about vaulting. They had never heard of the sport and may be interested in doing a story just on the sport alone. Tom Hayne has been great in putting together a video for AP that includes Janyck carrying the winning Gold and Silver kürs from our last fest. That should be great representation of the sport. I am rather overwhelmed by all this media. I am doing my best to be a good spokesperson for vaulting, but I am not used to being filmed and questioned on live television so I am finding the job very difficult. I have been showing pictures and doing my best to give background information and I have placed the AVA web site in all the newspaper stories, and live on Good Day Philadelphia. I am truly in shock and overwhelmed that this story has gotten so much attention but I know that the sport of vaulting is getting much publicity from all this. Maybe Janyck knew what he was doing when he went for a walk that day! Ankle Sprains [This article was written for people who live in the mountains but I found it a simple overview of an issue of importance to vaulters. Ed.] Many people experience ankle sprains in spring as the weather warms up and activity level increases. The mountain terrain has many obstacles to trip over or jump off when outdoors. The common way to sprain an ankle is by tripping and landing incorrectly on the foot. A second common cause is jumping off something and landing with the ankle twisted or turned. Ankle sprains are an injury to the ligaments, the strong fibrous tissue that runs from bone to bone and occur in joints,such as ankles. Sprain symptoms include swelling, pain and bruising or discoloration at the ankle, foot and lower leg. Sprains often heal slowly because ligaments lack a good blood supply. Once the injury occurs, ice or soak the area in a bucket of cold water for ten minutes per waking hour for one or two days. Kristina Irvin, DC reprinted from the Mountain Network News, March 2003 As it improves, continue to ice after any training or at the end of a day as long as there is moderate swelling. It is important to rest the joint from any activity for the first several days. Swelling may occasionally occur for several months. If the sprain is mild, easy walking can be beneficial to healing, but do not train or remain active through excessive pain. Mild activity keeps the blood flowing, increases the removal of waste products and provides influx of nutrition to the joint. If the ankle feels unstable or weak, tape or wrap it in an ace bandage for a few weeks. In severe cases, use crutches or a cane to reduce the weight on a sprained ankle. Aspirin or a mild anti-inflammatory may help with pain and swelling, especially at night. These medications are not recommended for more than one or two weeks. If you prefer a natural anti-inflammatory, you might try Bromelain. A homeopathic anti-inflammatory is Arnica. The first exercise that can be done early in the healing process is attempting range of motion. Once way to work through the ranges is to write the alphabet with your toes in the air. When the ankle starts to normalize, begin walking or training slowly on smooth surfaces. Here is how to strengthen the ankle and lessen or prevent an ankle sprain that is a painful, debilitating injury. It is important to strengthen ankle joints, increasing ankle agility and flexibility to prevent repeat injury. If chronic sprained ankles are a problem even with preventative measures, tape the ankle, use an ankle brace or wear high top shoes when training. Be aware that if pain or swelling is severe, seek the advice of your doctor. The ligament may be torn. Surgical repair of alignment may be necessary. Surcingle for sale, leather color, fits my draft. $150 Phone: 302/ , franbak@aol.com 16 April 2003

17 Positive Coaching The Problem and Opportunity In any given year, more than four million volunteer coaches work with more than 40 million young athletes (ages 5-18) in the United States. The youth sports experience provides opportunities for children to learn important lessons about determination, commitment, hard work, teamwork, and empathy while acquiring increased selfconfidence and positive character traits. Unfortunately, these opportunities are all too often squandered for a variety of reasons, among them: Youth coaches and parents blindly emulate the win-at-all-cost mentality that filters down from the professional sports entertainment business. Youth coaches are untrained in and unfamiliar with principles of effective motivation and age-appropriate teaching strategies. Grass roots youth sports organizations (YSOs) are staffed by volunteers unprepared to lead a complex volunteer educational organization. The time is ripe for a systematic approach that deals with the causes and not just the symptoms of these problems. Visit for some fascinating material on this important subject. From the home page, go to Training, and then visit the Coaches, Parents or Leaders Workshops. There are even some quizzes at the end of each section. This is recommended research for everyone involved in any sport. Drills for Vaulters Nancy Stevens-Brown I am always asked what helpful exercises vaulters can do to increase their overall conditioning and control. I love having new ideas brought to the mix, so when I saw the book Over 75 Drills and Conditioning Exercises I had to order it. Unlike Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover the author, Karen Goeller, shares her practical experience as a gymnastics coach with twenty years in schooling level 1-10 gymnasts. Her credentials were earned in many areas of sports training and under celebrated experts in multiple fields, but her best asset is the ease and readability of this conditioning primer, which sells for a reasonable $ Clear, Concise Content The title pretty much says it all! The animated stick figure drawings, along with concise step by step coaching guide, make the 75 Drills easy to read, use and follow. The spiral bound format is handy enough to take along on any workout. Though a few of the exercises require mats or other equipment, most can easily be done with some modification at almost any stable or vaulting club. Run, Vault, and Dance Drills The author divides the contents into five sections. The first, Running Drills, include technique and power, technique and speed, and introduction to board skills. All these will certainly boost a vaulter s aerobic capacity as well as spring for vault-ons and dismounts. Her next theme, Vaulting s Drills, is geared for the gymnastic vault, but again the exercises can be modified to meet the demands of our horse vaulting. Drills For The Bars include exercises for upper body strength, abdominal strength, and more. Most of these routines are unquestionably adaptable and beneficial for our sport. Think of it a chance to master or teach butt swings! Enough said just right there! Karen devotes an entire section to Dance Skills which will introduce various new tricks for every vaulter-in-training s bag. Her mentor for many suggested exercises was Broadway dancer Renville Duncan. Just the name Attitude Lifts makes me feel uppity, and Renvillations looks like a typo, but a groovy workout! Handstands! The last topic, Drills for Press Handstands, I especially liked for handstands are my personal panacea for everything that ails a weak vaulter. You just have not lived until you have done some repetitions of the seal press! And, when is the last time you saw a stalder roll done to perfection? I maintain that if a vaulter can perform a correct, balanced handstand, they are well on their way to mastering what is required in our sport. This easy to use guide has been adopted by gymnastic coaches and firefighters around the country to supplement their conditioning regimens. It is simple enough for vaulters to follow and complete enough for the coach who seeks innovative ways to maintain and increase their athletes conditioning and power. Over 75 Drills can be ordered by contacting or phoning the author Karen M. Goeller at 508/ CVI* Saratoga Marianne Rose Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards invites the entire vaulting community to participate in the top level vaulting event to be held in the USA during CVI* Saratoga will be a festive celebration of international vaulting and friendship. Although only top level vaulters (Silver or Gold medal required for individuals, A-team level for teams), will be able to compete, everyone may support the event by attending, helping to run the event, advertising in the program or offering other types of sponsorship. CVI* Saratoga is a benefit for VIA Rehabilitation Services. Please visit www. cvisaratoga.org for complete entry forms and information. INSTRIDE MFG. Equestrian Apparel & Accessories We manufacture & sell Tights/Breeches & Uni-tights over 20 Colors, in 5 Fabrics: Summer Wear to Polartec. Custom colors & sizing available: including long, x-long, xx-long, & short inseams. Ladies 22-34; Children; & Men. Call or for fabric swatches & uni-tight pricing. 800#: instride@lcc.net or write Instride Mfg Rt. 1, Box 202-C, Lovelady, Tx Made in America with Pride! 17 April 2003

18 Help Wanted and Help Offered Help Wanted Pacific Coast Vaulting Club is looking for an assistant vaulting coach, horse rider. Live in or out. Call Sydney Frankel 650/ Pacific Coast Vaulting Club is looking for a Trot/Beginning Canter horse for our little ones. Call Sydney Frankel 650/ Hello, My name is Annika Hass and I m a sixteen years old girl from Germany. I have been vaulting for six years and I help to coach younger children. At the moment I m learning to longe. I would like to come to the USA in January 2004 for half a year to go to school and meet American people, to learn something about your culture and to improve my English. I m searching for a guest family and it would be great if a vaulter agreed to take me in because I would be delighted If I Help Wanted? - Help Offered? Do you need help with any aspect of your vaulting program management, equipment, training, horse management, safety, even creative inspiration? Can you help with any aspect of vaulting administration, vaulter or horse training, equipment could continue vaulting during my exchange. In return I would either offer an exchange for a vaulter to come to Berlin in Germany and practice vaulting here or I could offer some money. Yours, Angelika Haß a.ha.@12move.de The homepage of my vaulting club is In the picture I m the third from left. Help Offered Matthias Lang, twice World Champion in 2000 and 2002 will be available for clinics and demonstrations on the East coast in September, October and November He is an excellent teacher for all level vaulters. He teaches, vaulting, gymnastics and modern dance. He will travel to each interested club and personalize his sessions according to the different clubs needs. He will also give some weekend seminars open to vaulters from different clubs, Dance and Vaulting, Gymnastics and Vaulting, and Vaulters Preparation. If you are interested or want more information call as soon as possible: Nicole d Auriol 610/ (DN Agency) or cell. phone 610/ or your requests to: orders@dnagency.com. Sandy Dahlgren: After thirteen years of taking still pictures of vaulters, six years ago I began taping competitions for the coaches and parents of Valley View Vaulters, Barronsgate, and F.A.C.E. Vaulting Clubs. These VHS videotapes are now available to the vaulting community. They are personal videos and are not being sold as a business, but as a courtesy to the vaulting community and to pay taping expenses. Unlike professional videos that can be purchased at some competitions, these are steady, zoom in on the action, and follow the vaulters. There has not been a dissatisfied purchaser, be it a vaulter, parent or coach. Teams nationwide, AVA judges, and even the USET are using my videos. resources, competition management, enthusiasm maintenance, etc.? If so, send your offer of expertise or time or real goods to, Help Offered, marianne_rose@ worldnet.att.net. The June issue will have a FREE Help Wented/Help Offered (as space allows) section. Please keep your Want or Help Ads as short as possible. Tribute to Frankie Susan Frankel All of us at Pacific Coast Vaulting Club bid a sad farewell to Frankie, our Quarter Horse who gave us and so many others ten years of great vaulting. Frankie passed away February 15th from Cushings disease. He generously gave his best efforts to many tiny tots, trot and canter vaulters during his life. When the Woodside Vaulting Club was training at the Frankel residence, many aspiring vaulters used Frankie to widen their vaulting boundaries and will remember his gentleness. Frankie went to Nationals in Santa Barbara and carried Pacific Coast vaulters through a successful competition. After Nationals Frankie was urgently needed to help with disabled children. He helped these children develop their courage and their motor, vaulting, and riding skills. They were able to love, hug and have fun with their big furry friend, Frankie. Frankie returned home to the Frankels Frankie and friends to continue his loyal service to our tiny tots and trot vaulters. Frankie gave his love and gentleness to children of all ages. We will miss him. Photo: courtesy Pacific Coast 18 April 2003

19 Help Wanted and Help Offered ORDER FORM International Championship Tapes [ ] 2002 World Vaulting Championships Round II Kürs (4 hrs - tapes 1:3 and 2:3): WEG -Jerez, Spain: 9 team kurs, 15 men kurs, 15 women kürs, awards & closing ceremonies - $30 [ ] 2002 World Vaulting Championships Round II Compulsories (2 1/3 hrs tape 3:3): WEG - Jerez, Spain: Compulsories for all men, all women and top 9 teams - $15 [ ] 2002 World Vaulting Championships opening ceremonies excerpts (1 hr) - $10 [ ] 2000 World Vaulting Championships Round II Kür (2 hrs): Mannheim, Germany: 15 women s kürs, 15 men s kürs and eight team kürs, awards & closing ceremonies - $30 [ ] 2001 CVI* Saratoga, CA - $15 [ ] 2002 German National Championships (only available with the purchase of another tape. This is a VHS copy of someone else s tape so your donation only covers my copy time and shipping.) - $15 [ ] 1999 CVI* Saratoga, CA - $15 Q A & FUNDRAISING What was your most successful fundraising effort? AVA National Championship Tapes - Each VHS tape focuses on American Gold, most Silver, some Bronze kürs, and all A-team kürs. Some compulsories, B-team kürs, C- team kürs, Pairs, Pas de Deux, scores and awards. [ ] 2002 AVA/USET National Vaulting Championship Rounds I-II (4 hrs 2 tapes): Livermore, CA - $20 [ ] 2001 AVA/AHSA National Vaulting Championship Rounds I-II (7 hrs): Mt. Holyoak, MA - $20 [ ] 2000 AVA/AHSA National Vaulting Championship Rounds I-II (5 hrs): Santa Barbara, CA - $20 AVA Selection Trial or Local Competition Tapes - Each 2-6 hour tape includes American Gold, most Silver, some Bronze kürs, and all A-Team kürs. Some compulsories. [ ] 2002 Selection Trials for World Championships: Mt. Eden, Woodside, Tambourine, Face Off or Hearts & Diamonds. - $20 [ ] 2001 Local Competition: Choice of Mt. Eden, Woodside, Region I, Valley View, or Face Off - $20 [ ] 2000 Selection Trials for World Championships: Barronsgate, Mt. Eden, Woodside, DG Bar or Region I, Valley View - $20 Include your address when you mail your check and order. Checks are cashed when your order is shipped. You will receive notification of shipment 2-3 business days prior to delivery. Prices include Priority Mail shipping and handling for the USA. Name of receipiant: Shipping Address: address for notification of shipping: Total check amount $ Write check to Sandy Dahlgren MAIL CHECK & ORDER TO: Sandy Dahlgren, 9057 Morning Glow Way, La Tuna Canyon, CA For more information contact Sandy_Dahlgren@ yahoo.com or phone (818) The June issue of will feature YOUR answers to the question. Share with the rest of the vaulting community your big financial hit the one that put your club over the top. Let us in on your secrets for successful fundraising events. Show us how much work it took to get those bucks! Let us suffer with you as you tell about your angst and anguish trying to maintain your program in a less than positive economic climate. Did you cash in with little fundraisers like candy sales, car washes, bake sales, horse washes or big fundraisers like auctions, clinics, raffles or??? The American Vaulting Association presents an exciting interactive horsemanship program for vaulters & coaches Designed to stimulate, educate, enhance our relationship with our most important teammate: the horse. EARN A CERTIFICATE AND PATCH! For your opportunity to participate in this motivational program, please request an application and guidebook from: Marge Oakes, 732 Camino Del Bosque NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, oakes@swcp.com 19 April 2003

20 Letters to the Editor East Coast Clinics The following is a response by Joanna Crell to notification of the horse training seminar in California on April 5-6, 2003 Oh how we wish this could happen on the east coast somewhere!!! If there is ever a chance for a great clinic to be put together possibly a horse clinic such as this, and perhaps a vaulters clinic with a coach and or upper level vaulter that is a good teacher I know we would all fill it and then some. It is hard to promote vaulting without having more technical suppports from which we can all base our programs and then stage events. As a coach in a state with few people aware of vaulting we have traveled to connect with any other AVA folks. There are actually people capable of forming teams and programs but they are reticent to give it a chance because there are not enough examples and the parents don t see the value (!) In our facility, kids beg to vault and the parents are blown away by what it does for their riding their bodies and their self esteem. Having NARHA contacts scattered around is not enough to promote vaulting, and since therapeutics is my field I can speak directly to that. The few programs that use therapeutic vaulting do not get enough coverage anywhere. They are good but the message is not really put out on the wire! I will say In Harmony Vaulting Club does more to give exposure to vaulting and driving for the disabled than any one and they are right on! Perhaps if there were a movement to even get a largely discounted price on good surcingles bought as a block to market for sale to equestrian centers as a promotion for the sport [new clubs could start up]. I feel that [the cost of surcincles] is the single biggest sticking point. No one wants to commit to buying an expensive piece of (crucial) gear that they are not sure will be used enough, and has (they think at first) limited application. A saddle is always usable, a better saddle is always resaleable. They don t know how precious a good surcingle is, and what it can do for their program. I know, because we bought a good surcingle (Meineke) a while back and we want and need a new one BAD!!! And the price is just daunting. So in a program like ours, it gets pushed back, we still need a harness, more fencing, etc. As we are starting a group at another barn, hoping they catch a fire, we are looking to the future, wondering. My daughter Liana, all healed up now after her terrible barrel accident, can t wait. Its been so cold here. Even in the indoor [arena], who wants to do much standing on frisky horses in a snow suit? She dreams about being a professional vaulter and going to other countries especially Italy and France. We fuel her dream and tell her to work hard, that others will be there for her and she will have friends who join her. Right now, it s a little lonely doing walkovers and splits in the living room, and cartwheels between stalls as she feeds the hay out in the chilly barn, kissing each furry beast and wiping her nose of their shedding hair. I can t wait to meet other instructors and parents. Someday there ll be a place to send her and a way to afford it, and other potential vaulters will come here. There is a special beauty to the idea of a unified team, a group of vaulters that might have different abilities but can work together. That s my goal. Liana s is to fly high, where ever, when ever and with whom ever having the time of her life. If one thing could happen in vaulting, let it be that we show it to be for people all kinds of people. Vaulting is a foundation, a beautiful exciting magic carpet ride that is worth discovering. The skills will transfer to all sorts of other activities and the memory of being one with a horse lasts a lifetime. What can we do to help bring this experience to more people? A follow-up note: I know we were a bit out of it this year, and stayed home to really work on our annual Circus (week after Labor Day) and Special Olympics. I will stay more in touch with everything that is offered. We are trying hard here in Maine to form a vaulting network, getting together at least three teams to hold some fun clinics, do some demos and hopefully try to be able to ask Nancy Stevens-Brown here somewhere in Maine. It is a good goal, now to round up the kids. This is the year for inspiration and change, we are looking forward to seeing our vaulting friends. Being in Maine is sometimes like being on the North Pole, but we are ready to come out of hibernation now! A reply: Dear Joanna, My name is Adrienne Stang and I chair the USAE Vaulting Committee and the AVA Technical Committee. I am also in charge of USAE/AVA Judges Training. This clinic to which you are referring was originally to be held on the East Coast, but arrangements for a location could not be worked out. We are trying to put together another USAE/AVA Judges Forum in the East for some other time this year and when we are successful, it will be published in Vaulting World and put on our web site. I am glad you are so enthusiastic about vaulting. I would suggest that you contact our largest group dealing with handicapped vaulters: Valley View Vaulters. They have a wealth of experience and information and Rick and Virginia Hawthorne are always willing to help teams starting out. I would also encourage you to purchase the necessary equipment in order to move ahead. Maybe some bake sales or something else could be arranged to raise the money. Equipment makes all the difference in the world, especially with handicapped. Having had a handicapped group of over 60 vaulters for many years, I can tell you that surcingles that are lighter weight with smaller handles work better for this level. They are often not as expensive and you might find one for sale by a team no longer vaulting or that has moved up to a higher level. It might be prudent to put an ad in. If I can be of help to you, please contact me. I presume you are members of the AVA and that you receive our newsletter and information. If not, that would be a good place to start. Best regards, Adrienne Stang Joanna Crell and David Folger may be reached at the Willowind Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center, State Hwy. 3 box 1140, Bar Harbor, Maine , Ph/Fx: 207/ , willowind@acadia.net, web site: 20 April 2003

21 Letters to the Editor New Club I just got my first publication and am so thrilled. It s so nice to see and read about the other clubs. We have a club in Nebraska guess that puts us in Region X. I have coached for the past six years. This will be our third year to perform at our State Horse Expo. All we know is from videos and books and now I see we should have joined AVA years ago. So nice to hear what other clubs do as we are so isolated here. I sure enjoy having the club and the girls have great fun. We toyed a little with it after acquiring a surcingle for our Therapeutic Riding Program, then saw a demonstration at a National Horse Council Seminar and were truly inspired with it and went from there. Anyway just wanted to let you know I love your publication and hope to gain more knowledge from it. Already knowing that Nationals are in Denver - how awesome! Thanks, Transitions Vaulting Team Janelle Stel 260 W Hwy 34, Phillips, NE JStelk@nc-plus.com Insurance Update Betty Ferri, Sypolt Insurance Services Inc. It has come to our attention that there are some misunderstanding as to the coverage provided to the member clubs under the American Vaulting Association commercial general liability policy. The American Vaulting Association policy only provides coverage to member clubs while they are participating in an AVA sponsored event. The policy is for the protection of the American Vaulting Association as an entity, not to member clubs. If you are involved in an American Vaulting sponsored event you will be afforded coverage under this policy, if the member club has submitted the add/change form with required funds two weeks prior to the event. The forms are available from the AVA or at -->resources -->forms. The fees for such coverage are $45 per event day and $20 per additional insured. Additional insureds only need to be added once per year regardless of the number of events they are associated with. Please be aware that there is no coverage afforded until the insurance company has been notified of the event and/or additional insured. There must be time enough for the AVA to process the request, pass it on to Sypolt Insurance Services, Inc. and for Sypolt to notify the event facility. There is no coverage afforded under the American Vaulting Association policy for member club activities outside the scope of American Vaulting Association activities. Each club must have it s own club commercial general liability policy to have coverage for practice sites, meetings, fund raisers etc. that are not American Vaulting Association sanctioned events. There is no coverage provided under a club commercial general liability policy for horse ownership. Individual horse owners should have their own personal horse owner s liability policy. We can not add an individual horse owner as an additional insured on either association or club policies If you need a club liability application and/or a personal horse owner s liability application for a quotation for coverage, please contact: Paige Johnson Sypolt Insurance Services, Inc ext If you have questions that can not be cleared up by your AVA contact, then please call Betty Ferri at ext Kids Love Vaulting! Marit May ( 3years old) crosstrains on her snow horse. is always delighted to publish photos of unique vaulting mounts as above and any artwork, stories or poetry by young vaulters. Leah Coe (6 year old) draws her perfect day. Photos courtesy Noel Martonovich 21 April 2003

22 Tambourine s Barrel Fest Tambourine s Barrel Fest (Unrecognized) February 8, 2003 Petaluma, California Judges: Suzanne Detol (FEI O), Julie Keville (AVA Gold Medalist) Participating Clubs: Evergreen, Kings Mountain, Lone Oak, Morning Star, Mt. Eden, Nu Balance, Starlite, Tambourine, UC Davis, Woodside Team Events Open Team Compulsories 1. Tambourine Preliminary Team Comp. 1. Morning Star NuBalance Evergreen Trot Team Compulsories 1. Woodside Tamborine Mt Eden Novice Trot Team Comp. 1. Morning Star Open Team Kür 1. Tambourine Preliminary Team Kür (4) 1. NuBalance Evergreen Morning Star Trot Team Kür 1. Tambourine Mt Eden Novice Trot Team Kür 1. Morning Star Kings Mountain Doubles/Triples Trot Triple 1. Keenan/Rogers/Palmer, Kings Mountain Bonora/Hyver/Jaggers, Woodside Babitch/C.Meakin/Cooley, Mt. Eden Open Double 1. Martinico/E. Moresi, Nu Balance Galvan/H Moresi, Nu Balance Preliminary Double (4) 1. Anderson/Bylard, Nu Balance A. Divita/T. Divita, Woodside Pearson/Wick, Woodside Novice Canter Double 1. Thawley/Matulic, Morning Star Garcia/Sache, Morning Star H. Roberts/N. Roberts, Morning Star Trot Double (8) 1. K. Palmer/C. Palmer, Kings Mountain Bonora/Wick, Woodside Team Cuisine by USET In this stunning, hardcover book, more than 300 authentic recipes from equestrian athletes and friends from around the world are paired with over 250 color photographs depicting the USET headquarters at Hamilton Farm and the countless national and international victories of the United States riders, drivers, reiners and vaulters. Team Cuisine can be yours for just $35.00 per copy, plus $5.00 shipping and handling. As you Beautiful Belle Retires 3. Romsdahl,/Rogers, Kings Mountain Novice Trot Double (4) 1. Kelsey/Brownell, Kings Mountain V. Volanto/A. Volanto, Morning Star Volanto/M. Steidle, Morning Star Individual Events Gold Compulsories 1. Leticia Solorazano, Nu Bal Silver Compulsories 1. Sara Cleary, Lone Oak Elizabeth Martinico,Nu Bal Bronze Compulsories (4) 1. Ali Divita, Woodside Kristina Tarango, Starlite Sierra Anderson, Nu Bal Novice Canter Comp. (14) 1. Elizabeth Lindahl, Tamb Katharine West, Woodside Anne Lewis, Woodside Trot Compulsories (27) 1. Cassidy Palmer, Kings Mtn Kayla Palmer, Kings Mtn Marissa Ballou, Lone Oak Novice Trot Comp. (27) 1. Veera Volanto, Mng Star Kelsey Brownell, KingsMtn Julia Bell, Tambourine Tiny Tot Compulsories (13) 1. Alyssa Flemming, Starlite Emma Moresi, Nu Balance Arilyn Martin, Evergreen Gold Kür 1. Leticia Solorzano, NuBal Silver Kür 1. Sara Cleary, Lone Oak Elizabeth Martimico, NuBal7.000 Bronze Kür (5) 1. Ali Divita, Woodside Jenny Cleary, Lone Oak Kristine Tarango, Starlite Novice Canter Kür (14) 1. Ashlin Hooper, NuBalance Katharine West, Woodside Zoe West, Woodside Trot Kür (26) 1. Cassidy Palmer, Kings Mountain Marissa Ballou, Lone Oak Holly Moresi, NuBalance Novice Trot Kür (24) 1. Megan Warkentein, Starlite Letty Wallace, Lone Oak Julia Bell, Tambouine Tiny Tot Kür (11) 1. Emma Moresi, NuBalance Alyssa Flemming, Starlite Tessa Divita, Woodside Adv. Musical Interpretation 1. Florence Rubinger Jordan Hansen Musical Interpretation (8) 1. Lindsey Neurburg Marina Nims Elana Matulic relive many of the USET s most exciting moments in Olympic, Pan American, and World Championship history, you ll be able to enjoy the same recipes your favorite equestrians enjoy. Interested buyers may order now for April delivery. To order your copy of Team Cuisine, please call the USET at (908) or write to Jane Brown at Team Cuisine, c/o United States Equestrian Team, Pottersville Rd., Gladstone, NJ All proceeds benefit the USET and its international competition and training programs. J. Grissom Happy Hearts said good bye to one old friend, Beautiful Belle. She is on to bigger and better things with her owners, the Pakizers, but she will be missed! She did so much for our fledgling team, taking us to our first Nationals with most of our team, and participating in countless community activities. Stepping up to the plate, into some mighty big shoes to fill, is Mackaroni, our Haflinger gelding who has learned so much watching Belle. We have high hopes for our little big horse but also know that 2003 may be a quiet year as we bring him up to speed. We were blessed this year with a new friend: Minette, or Minnie as she s come to be known, is an 18hh Belgian mare that our vet found for us. Currently, our veteran vaulter (Brittany) is at the Bronze level and we call Minnie our Future Gold because, by the time she s ready, that s hopefully where Brittany will be. Beautiful Belle Photo: Eric Jewett Catoctin Catoctin Barrel Fest (Unrecognized) March 8, 2003 Leesburg, Virginia Judge: Mary McCormick (AVA Silver Medalist) Participating Clubs: Blue Star, Catoctin, Great Falls, Shooting Stars, Topaz, Virginia Vaulters Team Event Intermediate Team Kür 1. Virginia Vaulters Great Falls Topaz Doubles/Triples Events Unrated Triples 1. Snoy/Phalen/Slotten, Great Falls Bergen/Geller/Arnold-Bik, Catoctin Advanced Doubles 1. Ashley Jewell/Lara Borson, Virginia Vaulters Annalise VanVranken/Dana Van Vranken, Shooting Stars Intermediate Doubles (5) 1. Annalise VanVranken/Bethany Morschauser, Shting Stars Sarah d Auriol/Elizabeth Brigham, Great Falls Aileen Phalen/Lindsey Moloznik, Great Falls Novice Doubles 1. Erica Hoogerland/Alissa Feudo, Virginia Vaulters Individual Events Advanced Kür (5) 1. Annalise VanVranken, Shooting Stars Katie Haynie, Virginia Vltrs Dana VanVranken, Shooting Stars Intermediate Kür (12) 1. Ashley Jewell, Virginia Vaulters Sarah d Auriol, Blue Star Christine Beauchene, Virginia Vaulters Unrated Kür (8) 1. Lindsey Moloznik, Grt Fls Rachel Sykes, Topaz Chelsi Slotten, Great Falls Novice Kür (8) 1. Erica Hoogerland, Virginia Vaulters Alissa Feudo, Virginia Vaulters Stephanie Weather, Shooting Stars Tiny Tots Kür 1. Riker Lawrence, Topaz Brooke Army publishes complete results of all AVA recognized classes, but only first through third place for unrecognized classes. You will find complete results at net/~avafest -->calendar April 2003