Top Equestrian Vaulters To Compete At The One Day Event; Spectators Welcome Free

Lexington, KY – Equestrian vaulters and their horses will be included as a demonsrtaion sport in the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) on July 22, 2009, from 11:30 to 3:30 p.m. Equestrian vaulting combines both gymnastic and dance elements performed to music on a cantering horse.

Top equestrian vaulters from the U.S. and Canada will be competing for honors with their freestyle and technical routines in the Van Lennep Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. This marks the first time that equestrian vaulting will be included in the championships.

“We are pleased to be a part of the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Riders Championships,” said American Vaulting Assiciation President Sheri Benjamin. “It is a great chance to introduce this exciting and growing sport to this prestigious event. We look forward to growing the presence of equestrian vaulting at the championships in the future.”

Spectators are invited to attend the event for free. Parking for all competitions will be $3 per day at the entrance to the Kentucky Horse Park, and $5 in the evening. Spectators are encouraged to enjoy many other activities and attractions offered at the Kentucky Horse Park during their visit. Admission tickets to the park can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center - $15 for adults, $8 for children (7-12) and children 6 & under are free. Park admission includes access to the world-renowned International Museum of the Horse and American Saddlebred Museum, horse-drawn tours and various equine presentations and shows throughout the day.

About Vaulting

Vaulting is both a recreational activity and a competitive discipline where both gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a walking, trotting or cantering horse. It requires a harmonious relationship with the horse and outstanding physical condition from the vaulter.

An FEI-recognized discipline since 1983, vaulting competitions are held regionally, nationally and worldwide and individuals, pairs and teams all compete in separate events. This variety creates an engaging experience for spectators as they watch athletes of all ages perform breathtaking routines that include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter and kneeling and standing exercises.

Vaulting is a unique and growing sport with a rich heritage traced back to the ancient Minoans and later to Roman soldiers. It was featured in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp as "artistic riding" and has since evolved into the sport it is today. Vaulting is a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength and creativity while working in harmony with the horse; it is used around the globe as an introduction to the equestrian world and is recognized as a technique for developing strong riders in all disciplines.

About the American Vaulting Association

The American Vaulting Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to growing vaulting in the United States through educational programs, activities and competitions. This year the AVA celebrated its 40th anniversary; it has hundreds of vaulting clubs around the nation, and hosts dozens of activities and competitions annually.

ENDS

For more information go to www.americanvaulting.org or call the AVA National Office at (323) 654-0800.

For more information on the 2009 NAJYRC please visit: www.youngriders.org.