A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN VAULTING ASSQCTATJON

No.' 33 A.V.A. P.O. Box 13<V7, Juan Bautista, Calif. 95045June 1975

VAULTING

FROM THE. CHILDREN'S. POINT OF VIEW

Jan.-Feb. issue of 1975 ' - . . • ' " ' •' - •Hannoversches Pferd, • . ' • • . - •translated for AVA Newsby Ines Vogt, who has the • .Old Adobe Ranch RidingSchool i n Tucson, Arizona.' . . .

Vaulting Instructors and Judges. Met in Hohenhameln

Delegates of the vaulting sport from the northwestern region of WestGermany met for their traditional yearly convention. The Academy forVaulting in Hohenhameln graciously provided their facilities for thatweekend In December.

Participants included 105 delegates out of the associations fromthe Rhlneland, Westfalen, Schleswig-Holateln, Weaer-Ema', Nordheasen,Berlin,, and Hannover-Bremen.

Alfons Sieber from Munich represented the leadership for Juniormembers of the FN (National German Equestrian Federation).

1. Themes and Lectures:"Pertinent Problems In Vaulting Today"(minutes of this report are below)

"The Psychology of Vaulting"

"Vaulting for Schools, Universities,and Recreation"

"Training of the Vaulting Horse"

2. Practical Demonstrations:• Judging of 4 Vaulting GroupsPractical Lunging for Vaulting Horses

3. Conclusions '

Pertinent Problems In Vaulting Today '

V. Pabst

R.D. Schoenfelder

M. Sklorz

P. Lorenz

W. PabstP. Lorenz

W. Pabst

The majority of all vaulting groups does not have any competitive '• •ambitions, but simply has the goal to provide many children and youthwith a beneficial recreation. These groups have experienced the followingproblems:

(continued pg."4)

VAULTING GOMES TO OAKLANDby Inez' Fort

(the following article appeared in Horse News magazine. Photos are "bySandra Gardner.)

Vaulting on moving horses traces back to Roman times when.the practicewas' used to teach soldiers to ride. In the 1920 Olympic Games, vaultingappeared as a competitive event among calvary teams. Since then, theexercises have found their way into the gymnasium where the movements areexecuted on the familiar "leather horse. During the last 30 years inGermany, where it has become a leading youth sport, competitive vaultinghas returned this special branch of gymnastics to its original site - theback of a moving horse.

Mary Kremtetz and Susan Routsonhold five-year-old Joel Sibley aloftin-a movement described as the"flying angel".

Hai-Bi-Bi canters evenly forAriana Fort's "free stand". Anex-Nevada mustang, the little marewas rescued from the slaughterhouse by vaulting coach (and mother)Inez Fort.

In the United States, the sport is growing rapidly as a valuable(continued pg, 12)

AVA NEWSLETTER ig the official publication of the American VaultingAssociation. All contributions should be mailed to Roncie HantlEditor, 1261 Linda Rosa Ave., Los Angeles, California 90041. Black andwhite photos are preferred to color photos - all photos will bereturned after use, on request. They may be of any size. Change ofaddress and other mailing problems should be sent to Mary Parker,Postmaster, Capitola, California 95010.Deadline: All articles and contributions MUST be poat-marked no laterthan the 20th of the month in order to be printed in the next issue.* * * * * * * * # * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * # # »

CALENDARJuly 30 - August 2 Annual A.V.A. Vaulting FeatAugust 2 (evening) Board of Directors Meeting following the FestJanuary 3, 1976 A.V.A. ANNUAL MEETING* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * # * *

ADVERTISEMENTS

As of January 1, 1975, Advertising Rates in the A.V.A, Newsletter willbe $5.00 for five lines, minimum. Send copy to Roncie Hantke, Editor,1261 Linda Rosa Ave, Los Angeles, Calif. 90041. Pleaae enclosea check for $5.00 made out to A.V.A. We will bill advertisers forany difference. Additional rates on request.* * * * * * * * * * * # * * * # # * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * # # * * »

*** ANNUAL AVA MEMBERSHIP DUES ***Team Membership

New Teams - $25 Registration Fee (1st year only) plus $3 per vaulterOld Teams - $1'5 per year Annual Team dues plus $3 per vaulter

Individual MembershipSubscribing Members - $10 Life Members - $200

(AVA News only) (Same as Sustaining Member)Sustaining Members - $15

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P.O. Box 1307San Juan Bautj-sta, Calif.

/ 95045* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * # * * * * * * * * * * * »IMPORTANT NOTICE - All Teams

Medal tests will NOT be given to teams whose registration cardshave not been sent to the General Secretary. Checks for new memberswho join during the year must be accompanied by a registration card.If more than one membership is sent in at a time, a club will haveto aend in ONE check to cover. Our Treasurer simply cannot give thetime to list and handle the bookkeeping for the number of individualchecks that come in. If more than one check is sent in, BOTH will besent back,* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TWO RIGS STOLEN IN ARIZONA^In the last two months there have been a number of robberies

in the Scottadale, Arizona, area - mostly of saddles. In two of therobberies vaulting rigs were stolen, and as these are rare pieces ofequipment and easily spotted, we thought we would notify you in casethey turned up in your area. Any information can be aent to theRichardson Boarding Stables, 7729 North Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale,Arizona tf52"5B FHone: 9 8-3084.

(continued from pg. l) -4-They are the choice of horses, necessary space, problems in instruct-

ion, and a lack of comprehension concerning vaulting in riding clubs.Competitive vaulting groups are faced particularly with the difficultyof finding appropriate horses. Although there are talented and well-trained vaulting horses, the number is very small in comparison to thenumber of vaulting groups. In the long range, the only possibilitiesto correct this scarcity are tiring searching for good horses and awell thought out training program for them (as in the system devisedby Mr. Lorenz).

The following themes were discussed: the judging problems forcompeting groups, questions concerning grades, widening the range ofpossibilities for competitions, and many more. Some valuable thoughtson these themes were provided by the numerous participants.

The free-style exercises should be so formulated that they are fairto the children and the horse, in order not to overburden the horse oroverdo the exercises. The German Vaulting Association could formallyrecognize this need by amending its Rulebook, so that NO MORE THAN 3CHILDREN at a time should perform exercises on the horse (therefore thelimit is exercises in threes) and that EVERY FREE-STYLE EXERCISE must bemaintained for at least 3 canter strides.

The German ^Vaulting Association in Hohenhameln already fully agreesto these changes and so it is strongly assumed that these changes will beIn effect before the summer season. These changes and those which wereeffective last summer (197*0 for the flag, mill, stand, and scissorsshould be Included in the amendments to the Rulebook.

In the legal proceedings of the German Championship for VaultingGroups to be held this August 29-31, 1975, in Hamburg-Kl., Flottbek, theremay be a probationary change according to the opinion of certain delegatesIt would then follow that the first competition will remain separatedlike the two previous tests.

An overwhelming majority agreed to Initiate a national standard fora new Vaulting Certificate (I assume to be similar to their Silver an<3Bronze Riding Certificates.). It was recognized by comparing the reportsof various delegates that the grading standards are inconsistent in thedifferent regions. This can be clearly proven by the comparison of thepast tests: In Baden-Wuerttemberg 90$, in Schleswlg-Holstein 70$, andin Niederaachsen 50$. Without a doubt, careful consideration must havetaken place in choosing contestants to produce these rasults. On theother hand, it was brought up, that in contrast to the rules concerningthe limiting of the certificate, those individual exercises unsuccessfullydone were allowed to be repeated. Such an easing of the regulationsmay surely compensate for difficult cases, but it will lead to the lower-ing of requirements. A change in the rules should not be made, untilmore experience In this area is obtained.

The tonic "The Psychology of Vaulting" was discussed by Principal(Headmaster) R.D, Schpenfelder.He expounded on the valuable rolevaulting can play in the educational upbringing of children and the practi-cal methods In training for sports.

Children accumulate many experiences and develop, therefore, theirself-reliance in the hours during which they are not consciously madeaware of their behavior. In contrast to earlier times, a child's dailyexperiences in today's society are in general quite limited and also,his freedom or room to explore is limited. Therefore children lack cer-tain behavioral abilities and the search for a substitute for these willbecome pressing in order to keep the children from being deprived intheir development.

Vaulting can be a means of developing well-rounded individualsand can also offer a possibility to compensate for our changed enviornment,

-5- -Therefore, vaulting is clearly given a huge challenge to educate, rather.than to -provide more competitions to satisy children's egos. Thus theeducation should rank first and only thereafter should one place thecompetition. The competitive vaulting teams should not be given prefer-ence over the entire riding school's vaulting group, to which as many

T as possible children should belong."" ' ' The rapport which the vaulting instructor has with his group is of

utmost importance. He must constantly be concerned with seeing thatwhile learning, the children are enjoying it and are at ease. Theinstructor should approach his group with politeness, relaxation, firmness,and authority. Any.aggressions are to be avoided since they produce thesame reaction from the children. The teacher should be careful not todiscourage any child from his expectations, and the weakest childparticularly needs the most attention from the instructor. As educatorsof the youth, we should more than ever view vaulting with the eyes ofchildren.

Schoenfelder commented on possible negative Influences of vaultingcertificates (Voltlglerabzelchen). He said that each grade given willhave a strong impact on childrenTs performances. It would be education-

' ally wise if the certificate and Its required teat were not givenemphasis, but rather treated lightly. Especially, children who havenot achieved the necessary level for testa should be given, above all, aspecial recognition for their participation! In addition, childrenshould learn early In school, as well as In sports, to be able to handlea failure and someone else's winning.

The Director of the Institute for Physical Education at the TechnicalUniversity of Braunschweig, P. Sklorz, showed valuable possibilities tomake vaulting possible in schools. Presently there are 45 differentkinds of sports In West*~(Termany and 13 million citizens actively participate

$ '"*•>. in these sports.- J' The German Sports Association -DSB- is the largest group organization

in the world. Every sixth citizen would like to ride, but riding iaunderdeveloped in certain areas of the DSB.

Sklorz sees necessary developments for riding In the followingareas:

Cooperation between schools and riding clubs (academies) waa one ofhis suggestions. Through a new activation program new kinds of aportawould be given the opportunity to enrich and develop within the realmof the school aporta. Then It would be concievable to have organizationsfor vaulting within schools, providing the neceaaary pre-requisitesexiated such as an instructor, horse, equipment, and vaulting rig.

Vaulting should be offered as an elective courae in the universities,where future teachers are trained. The numerous national and internationalsuccesses in dressage riding (of Weat Germany) definitely substantiatesuch expectations.

As a sport for the maaaes It would be beneficial to publicize vaultingwith the question, "Vaulting - What Is that?" It would be better toexpose vaulting more-to the public.

An excellent means for publicity la open to us in the area ofcompetitive sports, because achelvements are only subject to Interestand only given recognition when they are made open to the public,Therefore it is of utmost importance to promote vaulting groups to performin public.

As a result we have an encouraging conclusion:Vaulting is a classical kind of sport for schools.

Children are the moat valuable possession of our society.Under this £Ttle Paul 1/orenz of Stuttgart, the successful riding andvaulting instructor, preparedTTis lecture and revealed his practical

-6- . •developments to the field. He opened with the arguement that thesedevelopments were not accidents, but rather results from many years ofthinking and practical experiences. Furthermore, he gave his explanationand interpretation of the theme, "Children are the most valuable possessl'"of our society."

"Master" Lorenz requires the vaulting instructor to always handlethe horse in a relaxed, quiet, friendly, confident and clear manner.When unavoidable mistakes occur, he should ask himself, "What did I dowrong?"

Wheras the rider requires his horse to stand straight and then ridesit forward, the person longing should postition the horse on the circleand with restraining longing aids drive it forward. A horse green tolonging should have both side reins equal in length, since it must firstlearn to balance itself on the circle. On a large circle the horsegallops with long strides, while on a small, narrow circle the canterstrides become smaller and shorter.

As a highlight of the convention, Mr. Lorenz expertly demonstrated"his practical work on the lunge with very green horses. At that pointeach participant was clearly made aware that the very best teaching methodremains one of practical demonstrations. At the end of that convincingdemonstration each participant hoped that as a result of his observationshe could improve his methods of training for more and better vaultinghorses in the future.

At the end of the convention the following' conclusions were made bythe convention chairman:

1. Numerous proposals, suggestions, and requests were brought up and havealready been treated in this article.

2. Future conventions should place an emphasis on instruction for Judges.3. Levels of difficulty in free-style exercises should be more clearly

distinguished by judges and instructors.4. The number of participants should be increased and they should be

placed, in more distinct divisions.5. For this purpose, committees should be designated: a committee of

Judges, a committee of instructors. They should convene firstseparately and then Join together for consultation of fundamentalquestions.

6. The program of the convention should expound more on psychologicaland instructional questions.

7. More publication of detailed reports by the equestrian press isdesired.

8. The participants of 'the convention desire a report of the minutes inorder to fulfill their role as publicity agents.

Vaulting Assistants Pass Their Exam

' The third national course for vaulting apprentices took place againat the National Academy for Vaulting in Hohenhameln. The chairman of theNational Division of Vaulting of the FN, Wilfried Pabst (Hannover)together with the Advisor of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Weitzner (Hohenhameln)were present for the last official business. They examined the writtenexams which contained 14 questions each. Twenty-three participants fromthroughout West Germany successfully took the final exam. That afternoonIn the clubroom of the riding building the certificates were distributed,Wilfried Pabst was pleased to announce that all the vaulting assistantshad passed the final test and that a growing interest concerning suchcourses existed.

Long before the third national course began, an enthusiastic responsewas evident. More than 40 vaulting assistants wanted to take part In this

-7-'two-week long course in Hohenhameln, but only 23 were accepted because ofinsufficient room and the desire for quality instruction through smallgroups. One of the requirements for the course was proof of 3 years

' -teaching experience as a vaulting assistant.•' Riding and sports instructor Peter Petersen directed the course, whichhe divided into four main areas, insisting that they be learned thoroughly.'They were the training of the vaulting group, independent lunging,knowledge concerning all questions in the Rulebook, and fulfilling therequirements of the Qerman Sports Organization for its special sportassistant's certificate. Other lecturers were: Wilfried Pabst, Dr.Weitzner, Peter Petersen, Barbara Dennert (Doctor of Education at theTechnical University of Hannover), Principal Wolf-Dietrich Schoenfelder(Hohenhameln), Dr. Otger Wedekind (Hannover) and Ernst Worbs (Goslar)..During the course a one day meeting for vaulting judges was directed byWilfried Pabst, The participants of the course received many valuablesuggestions from the Judges.

In this course and in both preceeding courses the feminine sexdominated. Wilfried Pabst saw this situation as a result of the factthat vaulting groups attract far more girls. In addition, in the GermanRepublic over 500 vaulting groups are presently active, out of which 150-of those are found in Niedersachsen. The age of course participantsranges between 18 and 48 and this age range was also typical of the othertwo national courses.

Along with the hard work on the theory and the practice, there wasstill enough time for social and recreational activities, even thoughHohenhameln doesn't exactly' provide the most luxurious night life. Oneevening was dedicated to discussions. The whole panorama of the ridingsport and related topics were lively debated. Every now and then in the

\g one also found time to go swimming with the sporta instructorPeter Petersen or to ride in the riding hall.

The Chairman of the Riding and Driving Club of Hohenhameln and Vice-'President of the Riding Organization of Hannover-Bremen Inc., HeinrichSchaper, Solschen, addressed the happy participants in the final ceremony.In wishing them the best in their activities, he thus formally ended thethird course for vaulting assistants.

- • • and JL new course for vaulting assistants is planned I

The interest is great, and it is in accord with the need of manyvaulting groups throughout the German Republic. The German Academy forVaulting has complied with the wish of the Director of Vaulting Groups andoffers "a new course from March 8th to 21st of 1975 in Hohenhameln.Prerequisites for participants are:

Participation in a preparatory course inclusive of an exam.A minimum age of 18.At least a two-year active participation as a member of a vaulting

group and/or as an assistant instructor.dj An unreproachable behavior and capacity for leadership.The coat is aa follows: The course fee of 350 DM (about $75)

including luncnT ~Tn addition, Halbpension (one full meal) in the dormitoryis 210 DM. (about $120 per week Including lunch and dinner). Please sendapplications to the Pachschule fur Voltigieren, z. Hd. Herrn Dr. Weitzner,3164 Hohenhameln, Telephone (0 51 28) 304.

'.V

-8-GARROD FARMS COMPETITION

April 20, 1975

Canter Teams:1st - Garrod Farms (green team), Saratoga2nd - G&R Vaulting Team, Sacramento3rd - Shez Scherf, Saratoga4th - Garrod Farms (white team), Saratoga

Part-time Canter Teams1st - Garrod Farms2nd - G&R

Trot Teamlat - Timberline, Blitzen Bouncers, Soquel2nd - Timberline, Flyers3rd - Timberline, Cats4th - Timberline, Tigers

Part-time Trot Teams College Trot Teams1 s t - G a r r o d 1 s t - A R C2nd - Scherf 2nd - SOSC3rd - ARC

It was a GREAT day!11 Unfortunately the Oregon team couldn't workwith their own horse, Pokey, due to being over-excited from the travel-ing distance. He Just couldn't settle down. However, they did use himfor their Kiir despite his unsteadiness.

Nancy Stevens received an award for being such an enthusiasticcoach by bringing 32 vaulters (four teams) to the meet. The Timberlinehorse, a Percheron- Morgan cross by the name of "Duke" received a lumpof sugar for carrying all of their vaulters during the day.

Freda Radich

Having watched vaulting competition grow steadily over the pastseveral years, it was rewarding to see such a good turn-out. There werefour complete cantering teams, several "part teams", plus the trot teamsJudged by Mike Hutchings.

The greater number of teams was not the only thing noted, but thequality of both horses and vaulters has greatly improved . The horsea,for the most part, went very nicely, with the exception of the firsthalf of the "compulsorieg", when all but one of the horses continued tobreak from canter to trot. I feel in this situation, It is better tocorrect the horse at that time, losing a few points, rather than waitingfor a break. More points were lost due to the vaulters loss of balanceand rhythm. Also, an exercise done completely at the trot cannot bescored, and the vaulters kicking the horse forward do not maintain form.

The form of the Garrod A & B teams was really great, showing heightand elevation, particularly the high tucks done from the flank. Theirfour-count vault-on was very well done.

G & Rfs team did very well on the Kiir, which placed them within 2points of placing first. The content was good and well within theteam's ability. They performed very smoothly,

Chez Scherf team showed a lot of improvement since the medal examsthis winter. With a little more polish they should be a hard team tobeat.

It is important to remember that in scoring in the Kiir, the goal is

-9-the total amount of points scored. Some teams chose a very difficultcontent, but then could not perform. So the high points for contentwere offset by few points for performance, and the result was a lowertotal score. I would suggest that the teams keep this in mind, and selecta content for the Kur which is composed of exercises they can perform well.

It is very encouraging to see this growth of vaulting, and thegeneral impression one gets, is that the competitors and coaches areinterested and dedicated. The years ahead should be very rewarding!

Joyce Gussenhoven

I was fortunate to be chosen to Judge a very enjoyable competition.The teams represented at the trot were Southern Oregon College, AmericanRiver College, Summit Flyers (now known as Tlmberline), Garrod Farms, andChez Scherf. The competition was broken up into three classes - 1. Partteams, teams with fewer than 8 members;2. Regular teams;and 3. Collegeteams.

The Garrod Farms part team consisting of 1 member, took first place.Chez Scherf!s 3 member team took second, and the 2 member American Riverteam came in a close third.

In the Regular Team class the Timberline took first, second, third,and fourth. That's right - they had all four entries. They weredisappointed that they didn!t have any competition other than themselves.I was amazed by their scissors. All of the kids landed dead center inboth the front and back scissors. Nancy Stevens, their coach, stressesthat where you look is where you go and has her kids spot their landingon the back scissors. It really helps. Hidden Hills had better ,watch out - Nancy may have a new dynasty in the making!11

The real competition was supposed to be between the college teams,but unfortunate circumstances dictated otherwise. Neil Schwartz's South-ern Oregon College team had the misfortune of having to use a borrowedhorse that the team had never vaulted on before. The result waa thatduring the early compulsorles mounts weren't their best and the exercisesJust weren't what the team was capable of. Things improved a littleduring the last half of the compulsories but legs were bent, kicks werelow, and they were landing off center in the scissors. Look where youwant to land, and practice Jumping to build the legs,

The American River College team has a lot of strong-looking men andhad a good finish to their compulsories, however lots of points were takenoff for incorrect hand and arm position and bent legs. I was disappointedin the las I half of the compulaories since I expected great height fromthe boys. They seemed to relax through the dismounts. Remember that ifthe Judge is debating between a 7 and an 8, you will get the 8 if youhave an excellent dismount. The boys should swing harder and lower theirheads in order to get the legs up, then they should push hard with theirarms and fly from the horse. There aren't many things that can beat awell performed half flank. The American River team had another advantage,aside from using their own horse, over the Southern Oregon team in thatthey also had gome smaller members to throw about In their Kur - - - Andwhat a KuriI! Just when I had thought that all new KUr possibilities hadbeen exhausted, they came up with several new ones that were very good.One was a single base holding a smaller vaulter over his head in a flyingangel position which was very pretty and well performed. A neat dis-mount that I hadn't seen before was a back roll done from the side seat,facing outside and landing on the inside of the horse. One of the boysdid a down and over routing that was the best I have ever seen at thetrot. The Kur wag performed so well that it appeared easy. They andtheir coach, Keanna Carpenter, have done a great Job. With Just a littlemore work on the fine points such as atraighter legs, toes and arms,

-10-they should be unbeatable. I do hope, however, that they won't settlefor a trot, since everythings looks so much more spectacular and has somuch more height when done at the canter. Half flank dismounts canreally fly. 'Needless to say, American River College took first, andSouthern Oregon second.

All of the teams and individuals put on a good showing ofsportsmanship and enthusiasm. They really wanted to compete and showwhat they could do, and as a result the competition was a great success.I can't see a better way of sparking interest and making the sport growthan having more of these... so let's go. Southern California - - - it'sYOUR turn now!

Mike Hutchings, Judge

P. S. Thankyou, Garrod Farms 111 11

NEWS FROM WASHINGTON D.C,

Sharon Davis, a former vaulting instructor at Garrod Farms, Saratoga,California, now resides in Virginia, Just out of Washington, D.C., whereshe has been helping with the vaulting program at. both Sweet Briar andFoxcroft. She has also become involved with vaulting for the handicappedand writes as follows:

"Vaulting is contributing much success to the Urban TheurapeuticRiding Program of Greater Washington D.C., where mentally.retardedand emotionally disturbed children are gaining, personal confidence andpositive social behaviour reinforcement through their association withhorses and vaulting.

"We are working (one other instructor and I) with approximately 80to 100 kids every week and I personally use vaulting as a regular partof the riding schedule with the children in my classes. It has been areal delight to these children to be able to do "circus11 riding, as theycall it. But most rewarding to me is to see the increase in musclecoordination and the carry-over .into their basic equitation classes "ofthe confidence and balance which vaulting has given them."

TIMBERLINE TATTLE

The summer will be'an exciting time for theTimberline Vaulting Team in Soquel. We went toour first competition April 20th at GarrodFarms with 32 members of the Timberline Team,The four teams performed at the trot on theirteam horse "Duke", a palomino gelding who is •13 years old, J- Percheron, J Morgan. Everyonehad a great time, at Garrod'a and reallyappreciated all the work that went into the pre-paration of the show.

On the 23rd of April, 12 TImberlinersperformed at Loma Prieta Elementary School forthe school assembly. Next, on May 10th, fourTimberline groups met at Lakeside School in LosGatos for the May Fair. They displayed theirvaulting skills before a large and enthusiasticaudience. On the llth they met again atMountain School in Santa Cruz and showed their

Coach Nancy Stevenstalks with Erin Peter-sen and Roxanne Ottsmanduring demonstration atLakeside achool in LosGatos.

-11-new Kura that the team is working on. All of these demonstrations will actas fun "dreas rehearsal" for our first Exhibition June 6th at San JoseSpartan Stadium, where 16 Tlmberliners plus "Timber", the team mascot,will vault during the half-time break at the Earthquakes pro-Soccer game.

Everyone is putting In many extra hoursof practice to prepare for this eveningexhibition, as the crowds at theEarthquakes Soccer games usually numberfrom 15,000 to 20,000 people:I I

Nancy Stevens, the TImberllne Coach,has been really traveling far and wide insearch of a Canter horse, and finallyluck is changing and she has two goodprospects in training for the Fest ashopeful Canter horses. Along with this,plans are being set for the first BronzeMedal Exam at Timb'erllne Stable on June28th. The 55 vaulters who now participateIn classes at Timberline are eager forSummer schedules, so that new classescan be started for beginning vaulters.Classes now meet every day.but Sunday,leaving good old reliable "Duke" only oneday of rest. Each group has Its ownname, but everyone Is nicknamed a "purple

people" since the team colors are purple and white. Someone suggestedblack and blue as team colors, which would, save on uniform costs, but wechose to be conservative with purple leotards and white skirts and soxfor the girls, and white shorts and turtlenecks for the boys, who alsowear purple and white sox, Duke looks sexy with a purple pad and legwraps, plus white whip and purple lunge line. "Timber" wears a purpleleotard and always has his white toes onl

Team mascot "Timber"doing a r'4-toed dog stand"

Note Tim's pointedon Dukeears I

Denise Weaver jumping rope at Lakeside School.Nancy Stevens lunging, Lee Stewart waiting his turn.

(continued from pg. 2) -12- ' .addition to the programs of riding schools, summer camps, Pony Clubs and4-H clubs. Colleges and universities, too, are becoming Increasinglyenthusiastic about the possibilities of Including vaulting in theiralready established gymnastics programs and as part of Inter-collegiate { ,Xcompetition. At this moment, the American Vaulting Association Is laying .the groundwork for re-introducing the sport Into the Olympic Games asa division of gymnastics.

For those of you who have never seen an example of vaulting, perhapsI should give a brief description of what it involves. A well-trainedhorse is put on the lunge line and moves in a circle around the Instructor,in an area that need not be any larger than a 40-foot square. The vaulter,who stands In front of the instructor, runs down the lunge line, takeshold of the grips on the surcingle, matches his stride with that of thehorse, Jumps forward, kicks back with the right leg (if the horse ismoving counter clockwise) while pulling at the same time with both armsand, in one bound, lands'squarely on the horse's back. This is the simplevault-on and one of six compulsory movements performed In competition. Allother movements are free-style. The scoring In vaulting is similar tothat computed In gymnastics.

In Oakland, Port's Flyers" had Its beginning last summer in ourbackyard. We didn't have the proper rig at first so for about four monthswe practiced with an old surcingle without hand grips. Even thoughwe weren't vaulting on correctly, we were managing to land topsideand could perform several movements once on board.

This fall, our rig finally arrived from Germany and then the vaultershad to relearn the vault-on because the grips change the position ofone's body in relation to the horse. At this time, several new peopleheard of our group and Joined. With the arrival of the rig, we startedto practice more exclusively at the canter. • . ' (~\'

All of this time I had been relying on Elizabeth Friedlander-Searle ' s VljJ^•book "Vaulting: The Art of Gymnastics on the Moving Horse" which wascertainly a great help, but I was not knowledgeable beyond the book.Fortunately, the author gave us a lesson In person last November fromwhich we all benefitted Immeasurably, Since then, we have had severallessons from Jeff Moore who learned from Elizabeth Searle and Is thecurrent secretary of the American Vaulting Association, Our lessonsalways improve our style and add to our repetoire of movements.

Hai-Bi-BI (Arabic for "sweetheart11) Is our vaulting horse. I boughther three years ago at the Newark slaugEter yard. She was a wild yearlingoff a Nevada range. She was frightened of absolutely everything and verythin. She has come along beyond all expectations. When we took upvaulting, she was the logical choice for a horse. She Is 14,3 handsand has a nice, wide, fat back. She is a buckskin with Quarter horseconformation. She never needs shoes and stays fat on a normal diet. Avaulting horse needs fat for Its own protection.

As a recently published AVA brochure points out, vaulting Is anIdeal equestrian sport for many reasons: only one horse Is necessary formany participants, a high standard of performance can be achieved In ashort time, cost and maintenance of equipment Is negligible compared tothe expenses Involved In other sports and only a small work area Is needed.

Besides being fun, vaulting teaches body control, rhythm and timing,balance and suppleness, courage and determination.

Members of Fort's Flyers really love to vault. They show steadyprogress and undoubtedly Improve their riding at the same time. r"-^

I really suggest that anyone who would welcome a new "twist" to. his v •$riding try vaulting!

-13-

FROM OUR MEW AVA HULE BOOK

Section TVSCORING

A. Points and Values: Decimals may NOT be used, but -t- or - may be usedto indicate strengths or weaknesses.10 - Excellent 5 - Sufficient9 - Very Good 4 - Insufficient8 - Good 3 - Poor7 - Fairly good 2 - Bad6 - Satisfactory 1 - Very Bad

0 - Not Performed

1 Point DeductedFor each stride less than 4 (Basic Seat, Flag, Stand),For each rhythm failure in the Mill (over or under 4 count),For touching the ground with the handa after vaulting off,For each stride over 2 that vaulter sits in side seat in the Flank,For no gymnastic finish,For interfering with longeline or sidereina (if serious, up to 3For each vaulter not performing in the KUr. points),

2 Points DeductedFor not vaulting on within 2 strides after taking the grips,For exercise not commenced within 2 strides after vault-on,If exercise fails, but vaulter stays on and repeats successfully,For retaking grips (loss of balance) in Basic Seat, Flag or Stand,For giving a boost to small children (allowed in C division only),For touching horse with hand behind surcingle in the mill,For performing the wrong vault-off,For falling after the vault-off,For using the stand-up rein (Class C only),For not kneeling on both knees before the Flag and/or Stand.

Score of 0For not letting go of stand-up rein (C division),For coming off the horse during a compulsory exercise,For repeating twice,For each compulsory exercise ahown in the wrong order,For turning the wrong way in the Scissors (left leg ont on top),For illegal use of substitute vaulter, (See Section III),For a compulsory exercise not performed at the canter.

Penalized under General Impressions:For -vaulting in a circle larger or smaller than 13m diameter,For vaulting in the wrong order (not according to back numbers),For instructor audibly coaching vaulters,For using a back pad on the horse, 2 points automatically deducted

AFTER the Judge's score has been~reGorded on the s h e e t l -Not ScoredEach static Kiir exercise not held for 3 strides,Any Kiir exercise with more than 3 vaulters on the horae at the sameAny Kvir exercise begun after the allowed time has run out, time,Any Kiir exercise not shown at the canter.

-14-(The following article was translated by Inez Yogt, Of Tug con/ Arizona

The article appeared in Sankt Georg magazine, April 1975,)'

AN INTERVIEW WITH "VAULTING-PABST"—

At the end of February the vaulting groups, teachers and Judges ofthe southern circuit met for their annual meeting at the Kraeherwald inStuttgart. On that weekend the program included pertinent questionsand problems concerning vaulting throughout the country such as, train-ing of horses, systematic gymnastic preparation, judging of requiredand free-style exercises' and much more. In addition to the meeting whichincluded more than 100 interested people, an opportunity was offered'to .have an interview with Wilfried Pabst, who has been humorously, butJustly nicknamed "Vaultlng-Pabst". He pointed out new directions forvaulting and at the same time campaigned against old prejudices.

Sankt Georg: Mr. Pabst, you are the head of the Vaulting Division ofthe F.N. How do you view the development of vaulting over the lasttwenty years?

Wilfried Pabst: We started vaulting 20 years ago mainly as an exhibitionand followed certain rules in order to incorporate it into a performancesport. Then, and now, it provides a step toward riding. Riding onponies and riding on large horses are other preparatory steps. Inthe meantime^vaulting developed into a separate type of sport for theyouth, which is strongly oriented toward tumbling and gymnastics. Wehave consciously sought and found this association. A very important'step toward this was the founding of the Academy for Vaulting inHohenhameln. Eighty children are presently attending the boardingschool and taking courses such as tumbling, gymnastics, and vaulting.

Sankt Georg: Bo you count on more schools of this kind and an increasing " ;/|popularity for vaulting? v

Wilfried Pabst: At the Sportinstitut of the University of Braunschweigstudents who are becoming sports instructors are concerned with vault-ing. It may be soon possible to get the more classically-mindedsports.teacher who understands and supports vaulting to put his know-ledge into practice.

Sankt Georg" Doesn't this encourage a tendency to withdraw from ordecrease the amount of riding?

Wilfried Pabst: Already with this close working together with the horsethere will always, naturally, be a direct connection to riding. On theother hand, we aee the possibility of that trend toward separation,but don't think it's dangerous. We as teachers can easily immaginea gymnastics club with horses for vaulting or a closer connectionbetween gymnastics and riding clubs. In order to prevent exaggerations .in the -area of free-style exercises we got together with gymnasticsand oriented ourselves toward their conception - whatever they accept-as a vaulting exercise is what we desire to keep. If they should tellus that one is too exaggerated we would immediately eliminate • it. Yousee, the cooperation with gymnastics helps vaulting, brings to it anew Impetus - and probably new friends.

Sankt Georg: Concerning new friends - In which countries are vaultingcompetitions found?

Wilfried Pabst: In France, Holland., Denmark, Austria, Israel , Switzerlandand by the way, they are very popular in the United States.

Sankt Georg: As a result, would you consider it feasible to have a r European Championship for Vaulting? v-^

Wilfried Pabst: In the "near future surely not. As soon as the standardsof the other countries reach our standards - which are presently higher- we can think about it. Without equal competitors we wouldn't suggestsuch a competition.

-15-Sankt Georg: What do you think about adding vaulting to the Olympic

program?Wilfried Pabst: That is a dream for the future.Sankt Georg: During this convention you mentioned much about cutting

out possible abuses and fighting against accusations and prejudices.What do you mean by that?

Wilfried Pabst: In order to keep the free-style exercises from becomingexaggerated and dangerous we believe that we now have three availablepreventative measures. For instance, we want to keep strictly to ourmaximum age of 16 years and that alone will eliminate many abuses.Starting on May first of this year our regulations will allow onlyexercises up to those In combinations of threes. .So no longer mayU-5 children be on one horse. Also in the future all exhibitionsof recognized free-style exercises must be maintained for threecanter strides.

Sankt Georg:. What would you say if, for example, somebody put threechildren on top of each other?

Wilfried Pabst: That Is a possibility. The accident rate for vaultingIs far below one percent and slight fractures predominate.

Sankt Georg: Would you be ready to forbid a really dangerous exercise?Wilfried Pabst: Certainly. At the advice of some sports physicians

for Instance, we have officially discouraged the free-style exercise,"The Bridge". It consists of one child sitting on top of anotherchild's shoulders and the upper one bends backwards until he touchesthe horse's back. In a report from the sports physicians It wasconcluded that spinal Injuries may develop as a result. Last andnot least we advise that children under 6 years of age should notstart vaulting.

Sankt Georg: How many vaulters do we presently have in West Germany?Wilfried Pabst: I can only guess that about 600-700 groups are organized.

Considering about 4o children to each group, it would give around30,000 vaulters. You should also know that in many clubs there arewaiting lists because not all the children are accepted.

Sankt Georg: What do you consider the biggest problems In vaulting?Wilfried Pabst: We lack good horses, professionally trained judges,

and show managers who are willing to organize competitions. Ifsomeone would be particularly able to train vaulting horses and sellthem he could become a wealthy man. With clinics and conventionswe will find more judges who were formerly active and who can workwith us. Not last on our list, we are thinking about financiallypromoting show managers so that we can offer more competitions. Moneyis often available In state governments, but is not used for vaultingbecause of insufficient interest and tight budgets.

Sankt Georg: How does the future of vaulting look?Wilfried Pabst: We want to further our regulations and subject them to

continual criticism for their practical validity. Therefore we willnot forget that vaulting is supposed to be primarily a game and joy forall participants. One practical step for the future Is surely ournew instructional film, which we filmed with the Stuttgart Riding andDriving Club and it may be rented this summer from the P.N. InWarendorf0

-16-

American Vaulting AssociationFOURTH ANNUAL NATIONAL VAULTING FESTJuly 30 - 31, August 1-2, 1975

PLACE: Bolado Park, San Benito County Fairgrounds, Hollister, CalifContact: J.A. Moore, General Secretary,

P.O. Box 1307San Juan Bautista, California

Telephone: (408) 623~W*6 Evenings

PROGRAM SCHEDULE: Weds. & Thurs., July 30-31 Judges and InstructorsProgram

Medal ExaminationsCompetitionsBoard of Directors meeting

Thurs., July 31Fri. & Sat., August 1-2Sat. Evening, August 2

EVENTS123

AVA ANNUAL NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS -.Class A teams- Class B teams- Class C teams

Note: If there are fewer than 2 teams entered in any division,the next lower division will be combined with it.

5

6

7

3 PHASE TEAM COMPETITION - Open teams, no classification eligibilitylimitation, except that it is not open to vaulters enteredin trotting events. This competition is new and seeks totie in with gymnastics competitions, stressing the im-portance of basic ground work as a foundation for vaultingexcellence. The event will be conducted in three parts, ;as follows:

Phase A - Ground Exercises. 5 mins. maximum allotted to each teamto perform a routine of warm-up and suppling exercises in unison, tomusic - resembling the men's and women's floor exercises in theOlympics. To be presented in a double line of 4, emphasis to beon useful gymnastic exercises—not a chorus line. To be judged onvalue of exercises performed, precision as a group, form shown.Suitability of music selected a consideration only to break ties.Teams must bring their own casettes." (No time penalties)

Phase B - Barrel Work. 5 mins. maximum allotted to each team, toperform individually, in succession, a program of exercises to music,which Inprove form and agility. All exercises must be performed byall team members. To be judged on practical value of exercisesselected, uniformity of performance, form, promptness. Suitabilityof music considered only to break ties. Teams may bring their ownbarrel, go long as it la not double In length. The one availableat the Feat is 42 Inchea high. (No time penalties)

Phase C - Compulsories. On the cantering horse. 10 min. maximumtime allowed. 1/4 point per second penalty for any time over 10min. To be judged according to AVA rules.

TROT TEAM COMPETITION - Not open to vaultera entered in any cantercompetitions

INDIVIDUAL TROT COMPETITION. Compulsories only. Open to members ofclubs without team representation and to club members who are not 'on their club teams. Limited to 7 vaulters from each club. Notopen to those entered in any canter competition. To qualify forHigh Point Award, must enter all six exercises,

INDIVIDUAL CANTER COMPETITION. Compulsories only. Open to members

-17-

- -

of clubs without team representation and to club members who arenot on their club teams. Limited to 7 vaulters from each club.Not open to those entered In any trot competition. To qualifyfor High Point Award, must enter all 6 exercises.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE AVA OFFICE BY JULY 21

8. .INDIVIDUAL CANTER COMPETITION - Kur exercises. Open'to Silver andGold Medalists only. ' . .. '

Classes • • • • , - . , . . . _A Downs & Ups - New Rule Book routine for Gold MedalistsB Downs & Ups - free routineC"' Free FlankD Arabesque Off (Pike off) • - "E Reverse Dismount (best dismount where vaulter is facingF Best Roll-up variation backward)G Best Flag variationH Best Unusual or new Vault-onI Best unusual or new Vault-off.J Best unusual single Kur exerciseK. Best single Kur routine (without dismounting except forL *Best double Flag variation downs-and-ups)M *Best double routineN *Best triple routine

*Do not count toward High Point AwardTO QUALIFY FOR HIGH POINT AWARD, MUST ENTER AT LEAST. 3 CLASSES.

MEDAL EXAMS: All levels. Regular application for Medal Exams (will besent upon request) must accompany entry blanks, with fees.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Wednesday 8:30-12:15

Discussion of the new Rule'Book .The Compulsorles: demonstration, discussion

and scoring ...... . . . , .Ground Exercises: demonstration and discussion. . .

The Horse: lecture on type, way of going,.suitability. . .

Teaching Vaulting to Camp Counselors: working withmixed age groups and limited time for accompllshmaccomplishment . .

1:15-5:00Medal Exams: panel discussion of levels and

requirementsal Kur Requirements: demonstration „

Technique of longelng the Horse; use of long-reiningto produce bending, correct carriage and balance •

Starting the green Horse with Vaulters

Elizabeth F. Searle

Gail NewburyGail Newbury and

Sue Davis

Elizabeth F. Searle

Marcia Sullivan

Jeff Moore,.ElizabethSearle, Naomi Takemoto,Gail NewburyJeff Moore andElizabeth SearleJeff Moore andElizabeth Searle

' 1:9° PMScoring from Films-18-

Thursday 8':30-12:15Competitions : format., ideas, promotion, new

pamphletInstructing Small Children: lecture and demonstrationDressage for the Vaulting.Horse: lecture and demo. -• .The 3-Phase Event: explanation and purposeWork on the Barrel: teaching tips to develop form .

and safety habits .......

1:30-5:30Medal Exams: discussion of vocabulary & protocol;

practice Judging ...Building a Kttr:. lecture ,

Doubles and triples: demonstrationScoring the Kur: lecture; use of the new score sheet

7:00 PM •Organizing Teams and Clubs: panel discussion . . .

Jeff Moore andElizabeth Searle

Freda RadichMarcia SullivanJ; Moore, E. Searle.E. Searle.J. Moore & .Sue DavisJ. Moore & Sue Davis

Recognized Judges &ApprenticesMarcia SullivanMarcia SullivanElizabeth Searle

Freda Radich, NancyStevensj Lauri Ober

Friday Event NoAM

PM

Evening

SaturdayAM

PM

5A4A8

64B8

3A2A1A7

5B3B2BIB

Evening

Parade of TeamsTrot Team compulsoriesGround Exercises - 3 Phase EventIndividual Canter - Kurs, Section I

(Exercises: A,C,D,E,F,G,L)Individual Trot competitionBarrel Routine - 3 Phase EventIndividual Canter - Kurs, Section II

(Exercises: B,H,I,J,K,M,N)Dinner; Film; Awards for the Day, Introduction

of teams, Songfest.

C Team Championship, compulsoriesB Team Championship, compulsoriesA Team Championship, compulsoriesIndividual Canter competition (compulsories)

Parade of Teams 'Finals - 3 Phase EventTrot Team Kiirs. . .C Team Championship, KursB Team Championship, KursA Team Championship, KursCLOSING CEREMONIES AND AWARDS

Board of Directors Meeting

-19-

HIDDEN HILLS

The Hidden Hills demonstration at Santa Barbara Saturday evening,May 24 and Sunday afternoon,, was a huge success I I I The Saturdayperformance received a standing ovation. The team Is now working onnew exercises. May 21, Wednesday, the Canter Team gave a demonstrationat the Rose Bowl Rider's arena In Pasadena. A Trot Team of beginnerswho had had less than six lessons did an outstanding job on theircompulsories, and-then proceeded to do an equally fine job on doublesexercises which they had never done before. The Hidden Hills teamshowed how doubles exercises are started, and how confidence is builtas they work After the demonstrations, a 3rd horse was brought out'and; the audience was invited to try vaulting. They thoroughly •enjoyed the session! . - ^ ' ' , - , .

May 17 the Trot Team gave another very creditable local demon-.stration of simple double exercises. ' .

The summer vaulting session'will be starting soon, with the workprogramed toward the Annual Fest in August.

f— J— "IF

"DEAD MAN"

This exercise is nowknown as "Dead Man11 toconform to the German termsIt was formerly called"Plying Angel" in the U.S.,but another German exercisecarries that name and itbecame too confusing.

AMERICAN VAULTING ASSOCIATION

P.O. BOX 1307 SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA 95045

x>F

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