Riba Stables holds a vaulting fun session for children and parents
KYALAMI – Riders get an idea of how vaulting works during a fun afternoon.
Doing gymnastics on the back of a horse is not easy but with a bit of training, anyone can do it.
Riba Stables held a vaulting fun session in Kyalami where vaulters of varying experience had a go at the equestrian sport. Parents who had vaulted previously brought their children to try it out for the first time, and experienced children who could vault brought their beginner parents.
It was all safe though, as instructors began by getting everyone stretching and warmed up before practising some moves on a mechanical horse.
Only when the instructors had seen the strength, flexibility and balance of each rider, did they attempt to do the same moves on a moving horse.
“Anyone who is fairly athletic can vault at a lower level,” said stables owner, Barbie Gertenbach.
“To be a good vaulter you need to be supple and strong and very fit. It’s physically very demanding and takes loads of training. You need courage and big match temperament to be tops.”
Gertenbach explained that when vaulters start out they practise on both a mechanical horse and a horse from the beginning.
However, they do as much repetition as possible on the mechanical horse or barrel, so they can perfect moves and make it easier on the horse.
When asked how the stables keep beginner vaulters safe, she replied, “A professional establishment should have ‘safe horses’ and educated coaches and lungers. In a sport involving animals, I guess there’s always the possibility of a certain risk and the best you can do is follow correct procedures and because the well-trained horse is under the control of the lunger, it will definitely be more predictable than if you had a novice rider alone in control of their own horse.”
Gertenbach said in Europe, where vaulting is at its biggest, many equestrian establishments recommend children to start vaulting to develop balance, confidence and a ‘good seat’ before learning another equestrian discipline at a more advanced level.
“Vaulting is a wonderful discipline for athletes and spectators. It combines equestrian, music and gymnastic ability.”
Details: Riba Stables riding@ribastables.co.za; 082453 3522.
