Equestrian vaulting: Dunblane vaulters step up at a canter

Jun 24 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A TEAM of vaulters from in and around Dunblane have elevated themselves to the next level.

Just a year ago the members of the Eagles Vaulting Group started out in the pre-novice section, but have now moved on to the novice category.

That means that routines are carried out at a canter, meaning greater pressure on the vaulters.

At a competition held near Braco last week the team came second – not bad, considering they had just six weeks to practice on the horse before the competition and also faced the challenge of putting the whole routine together with the music on the horse for one practice before the competition.

A spokesperson said: “The whole team have really risen to the challenge and are working really well together. The adrenaline level was high at the competition at Easterton Farm and the performance was excellent.

“The next event is the British Championships in September and Joanna Wilson has been asked to join the intermediate team for that event – yet another level up.”

The others will compete as a novice team.

Pictured back row – Karen Gardiner and Lorna Campbell (lunger). Third row – Roisin Kelly Georgina Mountford. Second row – Freya King Joanna Wilson. Front row – Jack Wilson