The Byron Bay Vaulting team has returned from a weekend at the Queensland State Vaulting Championships in Guanaba, with coach Jerri Dixon stealing the title of state champion.
Best described as ‘gymnastics and dancing on horseback’, horse vaulting goes back 2,000 years to Roman times.
‘We’re so proud of how well the club went at this year’s championships – the girls have grown so much – individually and as a team – in just twelve months,’ said Jerri.
‘We will all be working hard towards the National Championships to be held at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre in September.’
The group also placed first for pas de deux on horse (Maleka Mitchell and Gabrielle Orrock), pre-novice horse (Nicola Barlow) and pas de deux open barrel (Nicola and Rachel Barlow).
Second and third place for preliminary individual (Rachael Barlow and Maleka Mitchell), intermediate individual (Melissa Stone), pas de deux barrel (Mali Chapman and Maleka Mitchell) and third place for pre-novice (Mali Chapman), preliminary individual (Maleka Mitchell), and preliminary individual <10yo class (Gabrielle Orrock).
The sport of vaulting promotes coordination, balance, self-esteem, the ability to work as a team member, all linked by the love and trust of the vaulting horse. There are vaulting clubs operating throughout each state in Australia.
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