VAULTING is best described as gymnastics on horseback and requires a lot from its athletes as they need to have tight control of their body, from the intense concentration to strong core muscles.
As with many horse-related sports, it usually requires deep pockets to boot. Sonja Rahn, a humanitarian and a horse lover, decided to remedy this by launching the Flying High KwaNdangezi Vaulters.
“A little over a year and a half ago, in conjunction with the Saint Mary’s Outreach Centre, we started vaulting with a group of eight children from the KwaNdangezi.
“These children come from underprivileged backgrounds, no gymnastics experience and very little school sport of any kind. Gymnastics on a moving horse was quite a challenge,” said Linda Wilson.
The classes are provided free of charge and the children are between eight and 13 years old. Under the expert eye of instructor Sonja, the children have continued to train steadily and diligently at the Flying High Vaulting Club in Assagay.
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They have competed in regular shows and have even claimed a few medals.Two of the children were selected for the KZN Team last year and the entire team went to the SA Champs in Jhannesburg.
“This was quite an adventure as none of them had ever travelled so far before,” said Sonja.
“None of this would be possible without our horse, Pink Slipper. She is a gentle, loving and essential member of the team.
She loves hugs and kisses, and goes out of her way to be affectionate to any child who appears to be unhappy. She has brought the children from being nervous, introverted or lacking in confidence to becoming outwardly affectionate,” she said.
The outreach centre, who facilitated the transport of the children to and from the weekly vaulting classes in Assagay, had to stop assisting due to lack of funding.
“These children will be absolutely devastated if they cannot continue with the sport they have grown to love so much.
We are looking for transport sponsors to ensure the children can continue with their classes and prepare for their next big adventure for this year’s SA Champs in Cape Town being held in October,” she said.
Contact Sonja Rahn on 076 020 9224 if you can help.
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