Equestrian Vaulting, an ancient and graceful form of gymnastics and dance on horseback, dating back to Roman times, is alive and well as a relativeky rare sport, here in Southern Sonoma County.
I found a sunny Sunday morning invitation to see Petaluma's young Tambourine Vaulters in action an education, thoroughly captivating and surprisingly relaxing (at least for me!)
Perhaps most commonly recognized as an equestrian act in circuses, the actual origins of Vaulting stretch back at least two-thousand years.
It is a sport that is open to both men and women, and is one of ten equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (Fédération Équestre Internationale orFEI).
I might have thought this an all-American sport, but in fact, Vaulting is most concentrated in Europe and other parts of the Western world, outside of the U.S.
Well-established in Germany and is growing in other western countries, German equestrian culture encourages young children to start with Vaulting before taking up early horse riding lessons. It is a gentle introduction to the horse, teaching inate skills of balance and trust.
Vaulting was introduced in the States in Santa Cruz County, in the 1950s, though limited to California and other areas of the west coast for the first two decades. In recent years the sport has gained popularity across the country.
The American Vaulting Assocation was formed in 1966. VA members demonstrated vaulting at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and again at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.
Today the AVA has over 1,000 members in 100 clubs and affiliates from Hawaii to Massachusetts and Washington to Florida. Originally focused solely on competitive vaulting, the AVA today has programs for all types of vaulters, from recreational and pony club vaulters to therapeutic vaulters, from beginner to world championship levels.
Tambourine Farm, located at 1 Liberty Road, Petaluma, also provides basic horsemanship experiences. Tambourine Vaulters started in 1983 with their first year of competition.
The team has continued to grow under dedicated Coach Kelley Holly participating in demonstrations and competitions from local fun fests to International Competitions.
High school advanced science teacher, Kelley began riding at the tender age of three and has been involved with many different disciplines, including competition level Saddle Seat, Western, Hunter Jumpers and Basic Dressage.
After high school she attended UC Davis and actively participated in the school's equestrian center's program as a rider and instructor. Kelley revitalized the UC Davis vaulting team and continued to work on her own vaulting team at home on the weekends, holding all medals up through and including a Gold.
If a masters in education and administration were not enough, Kelley also holds certification as Certified Horsemanship Association master instructor (English and Western), USEF and AVA "R" judge and a steward at the International Federation for Equestrian Sports FEI level 2.
Kelley herself holds a Gold medal in vaulting and has been the national 2-phase gold women's champion, taking both individuals and teams from the beginning levels on up through international rankings.
She is an FEI level steward, a USEF Vaulting TD, a USEF and AVA Vaulting judge, The Executive Vice President of the AVA, the Technical Committee Chairman, and the President of Region II. In 2011 Kelley was selected as the AVA Mentor of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary contributions in support and growth of the sport of vaulting.
Tambourine has 13 horses on its ranch. Active Clydesdale and Belgian Mustang cross horses, currently competing with the club, horses in training who are learning to become vaulting horses and retired horses that have worked with the club in the past but now have time to relax. Vaulters participate in horse care during practice sessions, getting to know each horse's personality in and out of the ring.
Helmets are not worn in Vaulting. Experts around the world apparently consider helmets not to improve safety in this particular equestrian sport, citing the use of them may actually increase risk of injury. Vaulting takes place on soft footing and safety skills are paramount for dismounting or 'bailing out' if a Vaulter (rarely) loses balance.
The horse is controlled by a lunger (in this case, Kelley), who controls the horse in a circle on a lunge line, attached to the bridle.
Tack called a surcingle is positioned where the front of a saddle would normally be located. This features hand grips and stirrup-like loops known as cossack loops.
Competition vaulters start off in a horse's walk mode and build up to their own individidually designed routines, to music, at canter. Click here for American Vaulting Association footage.
Tambourine Vaulters has vaulting available for all ages and levels. The youngest vaulter was 18 months when he started with Kelley and her oldest vaulter is in her 70s. Practices are offered throughout the year and new members are welcome.
For those who'd like to start vaulting as adults - a Vintage Vaulters class is offered for grown ups only.
As a recent fundraiser, parents designed and sold "You Do What?" t-shirts for Vaulters. The perfect slogan for a sport that you really do have to see to fully appreciate and once you do, you might just find yourself hooked.
From tiny tots who might as well have been perched atop an elephant, in size comparison, to a high school senior I spoke with who took up the sport as a senior project and literally took to it in leaps and bounds, this wonderful activity brings smiles to all its participants - as well as those of us sitting on the sidelines.
To learn more about Tambourine Vaulters, visit the website, here. Call Coach Kelley at 707-665-9281.
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