Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

White Oak Vaulters Host Mountain Spring Fest May 26

Story by Celeste von Mangan

Equestrian vaulting—a combination of dance and gymnastics performed on the back of a moving horse—dates back to 1500 BC in South Scandinavia, but the International Equestrian Federation has only recognized it since 1983 by as one of seven official equestrian disciplines.

If you’d like to see what equestrian vaulting looks like, you’re in luck. On Saturday, May 26, the White Oak Vaulters will host a Mountain Spring Fest at Leatherwood Stables, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Admission to the fest is free to spectators, and the fee for vaulting participants is $7 per class. Dana Van Vranken is traveling from New Jersey to judge, and Saddlewood Restaurant will sell food.

Classes in the horse division include a standing contest at the walk, trot or canter; a freestyle costume class; vaulting parent’s class for compulsories at the walk and a seated and standing ball toss.

In the barrel division, participants perform on a piece of equipment designed to simulate the horse’s body. Classes include mirror pairs, parent/child pairs, sibling pairs and pairs costume freestyle.

Equestrian vaulters compete as individuals, as pas de deux (pairs) or in team events. Beginning vaulters compete at the walk and also at the trot in the United States, while copper, bronze, silver and gold medal level vaulters perform on a cantering horse. Vaulting competitions include both compulsory exercise and choreographed freestyle exercises performed to music.

“Our club is one of three in North Carolina,” said head coach Amy Albertson, “and it is an American Vaulting Association (AVA) registered club. We started a year ago last summer and it is a growing sport.” The White Oak Vaulters recently competed in an AVA recognized vaulting fest at South Lake Farm in Huntersville. Albertson describes vaulting as one of the safest equestrian activities, with vaulters experiencing few injuries or accidents.

Anyone can participate in the Mountain Spring Fest. Participants do not have to be AVA members.

“I’ve been vaulting for two years,” said Amanda Dereng, team member of White Oak Vaulters, “and I’ve done some pretty amazing things that I didn’t think I could do. Some of my favorite moves are shark, star and arabesque. I think vaulting is fun, challenging and exciting at the same time.”

“I agree on that one,” said fellow team member Eve von Mangan. “My favorite moves are standing, backbends and jump-off dismounts. I especially like to do these at the trot; it is hard, but fun! I cannot wait until I can stand at the canter.”

Albertson has openings in her weekly vaulting classes on Mondays from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at White Oak Stables in Purlear, home of the Wilkes Therapeutic Riding Program that her mother Diana Albertson runs. The White Oak Vaulters currently includes members from the High Country as well as from Wilkes County, and Anderson said that if enough people express interest, she will form a separate class for adults. Albertson also teaches a therapeutic vaulting class on Thursdays and will be coaching a five-day vaulting day camp from June 4 through June 8.

Albertson is looking for sponsors for Mountain Spring Fest, specifically to help purchase ribbons and to pay the judge’s fee and expenses.

For more info about the fest, to become a sponsor or to join a practice class or vaulting camp, call Albertson at 336-903-0016. Click to www.wtrp.org for information on the Wilkes Therapeutic Riding Program.

For directions to Leatherwood Stables, located between Boone and Blowing Rock, click to wwwleatherwoodmountains.com.

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, May 26
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Leatherwood Stables
Cost: Free for spectators/$7 per class for vaulting participants