Rapid growth of vaulting in the eastern United States has resulted in more recognized vaulting competitions for area athletes this season. Region IX of the American Vaulting Association (AVA), covering all states from Maine to Mississippi, will be hosting the first East Coast Regional Vaulting Championships July 15-17, 2005, at Fairfax County’s Frying Pan Park, in Herndon, VA. The competition is recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation and the AVA and will contribute to national rankings and regional high points awards.

Vaulting contributes to proper equitation and builds self-confidence, combining basic horsemanship with the strength of gymnastics and the performance of dance on the back of a moving horse. As a competitive sport, vaulters must perform a set of compulsory exercises and freestyle routines. They are judged on the execution of the moves, the degree of difficulty of the routine, their performance and the performance of the horse under the control of a longeur.

At the pre-registration deadline, Region IX Supervisor Jan Weber announced 30 horses will carry 112 vaulters representing 23 teams from 12 states (including Region X vaulters from Michigan). Vaulters of various skill levels have entered classes from beginner walk on the horse and stationary barrel, to trot and canter classes up through Silver level. Individual, pairs and teams will compete for top awards.

Information about the AVA Region IX Vaulting Championships and about vaulting programs in the region can be found at www.geocities.com/avaregionix. General information about the sport of equestrian vaulting is available at www.americanvaulting.org.

The following teams will be represented at the 2005 AVA Region IX Championships:
Connecticut: UCONN, Vaulters of Ice Pond
Delaware: Small Wonder Pony Club
Georgia: Falconwood
Massachusetts: Dare to Dream, New England Valkyries
Maryland: Great Falls
Michigan: Agape
North Carolina: Shea-Rose
New Jersey: Shooting Stars, Vaulting Visions
New York: High Vaultage
South Carolina: Low Country
Tennessee: In Step, Silver Star
Virginia: ART (Advantage Ranch), Balance, Blue Star, Mt. Tabor, Old Dominion, Paradise, Topaz, Virginia Vaulters
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