National Vaulting event comes to Bray

THE fourth National Equestrian Vaulting Competition took place recently at Festina Lente in Bray.

The sport is a combination of gymnastics and dance on the back of a horse which can be practiced both competitively or non-competitively.

Therapeutic or interactive vaulting is also used as an activity for children and adults who may have balance, attention, gross motor skill, or social deficits.

Vaulting is still quite an unknown sport in Ireland, though it has a good following especially in England, Scotland, Germany and the US.

The day included pre-novice compulsory moves on the barrel, followed by individual free style moves then pairs freestyle on the barrel.

After the barrel work, vaulters worked with the horse, performing compulsory and freestyle moves.

International French/Irish vaulting judge Alison Rimaud travelled from France to Ireland to judge the competition.

To find out more or learn about classes, go to festinalente.ie.

Joseph McGill, Dan Hickey, Clodagh Carey, Rosanna Reid, Amelia Booth from Festina Lente with Ginger at the fourth National Equestrian Vaulting Competition at Festina Lente.