Kyalami vaulters shine
KYALAMI - Kyalami was abuzz with athletes from all over the country and abroad from 21 to 23 June for the Seventh Group IX Africa Vaulting Cup.
The event was held at the SA Lipizzaner Hall at the Kyalami Equestrian Park and 65 equestrian vaulters competed in E, D and C Grade classes of equestrian, vaulting from four of the FEI Group IX regions namely Mauritius, Madagascar, Swaziland, with Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal athletes from South Africa.
In the spirit of the event being that of development and training, the athletes participated in intensive training with hands-on coaching clinics in the week leading up to the show. Coaching was conducted by three-star International Equestrian Federation coach and judge from the Czech Republic Dalibor Blazek, German Junior Champion 2012 coach who is now residing in South Africa, Lars Hansen, and coach and International Equestrian Federation Vaulting Solidarity ambassador Bongani Mvumvu.
The Opening Ceremony, held on 21 June, was followed by a display of dance, dog defence and obedience work, as well as vaulting in various forms by some of South Africa’s top vaulters.
Janet Pitchford of the Gauteng Equestrian Vaulting Committee said the weekend was filled with camaraderie, fun and a healthy level of competition.
The South African Individual E grade team won first place. The team consisted of Tarryn James of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Nicole Allen of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Tannica Bentley of Gauteng and Courtney Gallocher of Kwa-Zulu Natal. In second place was Mauritius with Nikita Yeadon, Victoria Le Breton, Lea Dubois and Noa Marin, while third place was awarded to Madagascar, made up of Arnaud Ravelonanosy, Mirija Ramarojaona and Mandresy Ramarojaona.
In the D Grade Individual team competition, the Swaziland team with Vikki Dlamini, Bandile Dlamini and Melusi Dlala placed first. South Africa’s team placed second and was made up of Lausanne Seyffredt of Gauteng, Paballo Mashila of Gauteng, Rachel Fryer of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Brandon Baker of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Pitchford extended congratulations to all the individual vaulters who competed in the show.
“The Africa Cup was the coming together of African countries and islands with a remarkable effort made by all, especially the Madagascans who are very new in this sport. We look forward to the 2014 Africa Cup next year and welcome more African vaulters,” said Pitchford.
