Teen equestrian learns invaluable lessons at Junior World Vaulting Championships
Catherine Mynhardt spent three weeks in the Netherlands, training for the FEI World Vaulting Championship in Austria.
Recently galloping her way to the Fèdèration Èquestere Internationale (FEI) World Vaulting Championship for Junior and Young Vaulters in Austria was St Mary’s School, Waverly equestrian Catherine Mynhardt.
The FEI Junior World Vaulting Competition is a highly competitive and prestigious event, with athletes from all over the world competing.
The Grade 9 learner is no stranger to international competitions. In 2024 she competed in a Concours Voltige International (CVI) in Budapest, Hungary.
Prior to that, she competed twice in Mauritius at the Africa Tri Nations Cups. The equestrian explained the process of being chosen to compete in Austria.
“In order to qualify to represent South Africa for the Junior Worlds Vaulting Competition in Austria, I first had to compete in a CVI competition, with four international judges, and qualify with a score of 6,5 or above on the highest level for a junior vaulter, which is 2. I qualified with a score of 6,67 in March this year.”
She added that the top three South African vaulters were selected, along with one reserve for the junior female category.
“We spent three weeks in the Netherlands training on our horses and preparing for the competition.”
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The equestrian noted that she performed well at the Junior Worlds Competition, “especially considering my horse, Machi, was pulled out of the competition after the vet check, owing to an injury, and I had to vault on an unfamiliar horse.
I was pleased with my compulsory round, but the horse was unhappy before my freestyle round, and did not settle enough for me to complete all my moves safely.” She highlighted that, despite this, she took away invaluable experience and was more motivated.
“I am taking a break from vaulting,” recovering from a wrist injury, “but I will be back strong for the next season in 2026. I hope to compete in another CVI in March 2026, and am planning to represent my country again at the next Junior Worlds.”
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