Student that Vaults
Let me tell you a bit about this new blog. I am a senior in college, studying as an Art and Design major. Life can get pretty crazy for me at times between school, work, and trying to live life. So, this brings us to the main subject at hand, what I do in my spare time (when I get any). I am an athlete in a sport called Equestrian Vaulting.
Equestrian Vaulting is typically described as gymnastics and dance by moving horseback. And that pretty much describes what I do more or less.
Typically, I could go into detail on the full rundown and rules of vaulting, though you can learn that over time on this blog. Maybe I'll create a post summarizing some of that stuff.
Ok, so I am a vaulter. Or you can just say "The Vaulter", if you want to remember the site. I started vaulting almost three years ago. I've pretty much been around horses since I was little. Started riding Western with some family, then went on to competing in English Hunter/jumper with a bit of eventing through most of high school up until I transferred to my current school. And this brings us back to the subject of vaulting.
Why vaulting? Because I wanted a sport that would challenge me and something exciting. Trust me, women's rugby was fun and all, but over $800 for a month of physical therapy on my one shoulder is not worth continuing at risk of serious injury.
My friend and I sometimes call ourselves 'backyard' vaulters since we often practice on our own horses on times, outside of the team that I am on. As you can see in the image below this is one of the horses I get to vault with. Her name is Lyra, an OTTB (off the track Thoroughbred).
And before anyone says you're hurting these horses! Understand this, as a vaulter, we train on what we call vaulting barrels before we take the moves to the horse! So I'll only say this one, we practice, practice, and practice some more before we attempt stunts on the horses for their comfort and safety as well as theirs.
Here is another thing about vaulting before someone tries to start a debate. As you notice, I am not wearing a helmet. Yes there is a reason, and it's not because I'm crazy. In the AVA (American Vaulting Association), there are rules and regulations against helmets since they can be a serious safety hazard to a vaulter and or the horse. Straps can get caught, helmets obstruct movements, and falling with one on could cause a more serious injury compared to falling without one. So please, reframe from the nasty comments on how I'm not wearing a helmet. I am a trained athlete in this sport with several years of experience training with a team. I will say this, do not attempt what you see at home.
