Champion vaulters head to Spain
KYALAMI - Vaulters from Riba Stable in Kyalami were among about 45 vaulters who competed at the 2013 Prestige Vaulting League.
Classes from E Grade to B Grade were offered. Winners of the final league won a trip to attend a vaulting clinic in Spain with Martin Araratb Ruiz, who is currently one of the top vaulters in the world.
Four pupils from the stables, Julia Schurr, Paris Riddell, Chelsey Gertenbach and Emma Lund, as well as Ruby Dare from Zambia, attended the six-day clinic in Spain, with their coach Jasyn Gertenbach, thanks to their exceptional achievements at the 2013 Prestige Vaulting League.
“It was an amazing experience for our vaulters, as they had the opportunity to vault with children and adults from France, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Canary Islands, Norway, Zambia, Canada and Germany,” said Barbie Gertenbach of Riba Stable.
“The girls were able to experience vaulting with unfamiliar equipment and horses. They learned independence and endurance. The training sessions were four hours long in intense heat, which required the girls to focus and extend themselves physically,” Gertenbach said.
Emma Lund said the event was “the trip of a lifetime and an opportunity to make new vaulting friends”. She thanked those who made the trip a reality.
During the 2013 Prestige Vaulting League, Riddell came first in the barrel event while Lund and Schurr came second and third respectively. Riddell and Lund were placed 2nd and 3rd overall. “Their ability as vaulters was admired and appreciated by the vaulters of the other countries,” Gertenbach said.
The stable thanked Equine Insurance Brokers Equipage, who was one of the main sponsors of the event. “Willows Riding Centre, Super Rock Drills, Western Shoppe, and several individuals were supportive in helping to raise funds. Thank you to everyone,” she added. World Training International and Bulu Blankets supplied the stable with champion horses blankets.
