Mpumalanga Show 2022 will be an event not to miss

Equestrian vaulting is a unique discipline now offered by Quest Vaulting Institute (QVI) at the Uplands Equestrian Centre in White River – a first for Mpumalanga!

Horse sports and horse-related activities are renowned for their far-reaching benefits. These include improvements in confidence, focus, communication, self-awareness, conflict resolution, persistence and perseverance, goal setting and achievement, following advice and direction.

Physical benefits include improvements in core stability, balance, all-round strength, fitness, fresh air and sunlight.

Vaulting is a wonderful starting point for anyone who would like to start the equestrian sport and an easy way to improve your confidence on and around horses. This discipline can be pursued competitively, for fun, or as a form of physical therapy, as it constantly challenges participants to push their physical and mental limits and there is always a personal best to improve.

What is vaulting? It is the art of performing static and dynamic gymnastic and dance manoeuvres on the back of a moving horse, often to music and the vaulter’s very own theme. Learning vaulting starts on a barrel. Horse work is introduced gradually once vaulters are comfortable performing their exercises on a barrel. Those new to horses are thus not immediately challenged to be confident around these magnificent creatures.

Vaulting tests balance, coordination and the courage of vaulters, as well as encourages a harmonious relationship with the horse. Whether pursued competitively or recreationally, vaulting aims to improve the focus, rhythm, strength, core stability, flexibly and coordination of all participants and particularly those with balance, attention, motor skill and social deficits or challenges.

Instead of a saddle, the horse wears a non-slip pad and a surcingle with two large handles for participants to hold on to. This close contact allows vaulters to feel every movement of the horse and improves balance, muscle co-ordination and allows for a “real-feel” connection with the horse, which in turn boosts the self-confidence of the participant.

Quest Vaulting Institute’s head coach and chief lunger, Bongani Mvumvu, has competed in the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and 2014, being ranked top 10 overall in 2014 as well as coaching the junior South African squad who represented South Africa in Austria in 2017.
He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and aims to bring out an individual’s best and own unique flare through dedication, pride and passion.

Quest Vaulting Institute is based in Kyalami, Johannesburg, and has branched into KwaZulu-Natal as well as Mpumalanga.
QVI MP is run by Coach Carla Gerdes-Steward, a seasoned vaulter who represented South Africa in 2005 in Brazil to qualify for the World Equestrian Games, as well as in 2006 as part of the first-ever South African squad to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

The Mpumalanga Show will take place from August 24 to 27 at Mbombela Stadium.

For more information, visit www.thempushow.co.za or email hanlie@thempushow.co.za, lyzelle@thempushow.co.za or len@thempushow.co.za.