Photo: Joe Simonds
We are asking for community support to allow our talented vaulters both locally as well as those across the US to have another opportunity to qualify to represent the United States internationally. The average cost of a vaulter competing in a local CVI is less than $500. The cost of vaulter competing in a CVI held elsewhere in the US or Canada is a little higher, whereas attending a CVI in Europe can be thousands of dollars. When traveling internationally, you not only have the typical entry fees but also the costs related to training and borrowing a horse, as well as the markedly greater travel, food, and lodging expenses.
For those directly involved in vaulting, we know the benefits of vaulting at all levels goes well beyond just the competition. Even the honor of representing your country in a World Games venue pales in comparison to the development of responsible young adults that I have seen time and time again in vaulting. I have witnessed a top ranked vaulter take time out during a World Equestrian Games in which she was competing, to come and watch the younger vaulters just to support the future of our sport. I have seen vaulters offer their competitors, the use of their horse, or advice on getting better.
Photo: Lynne Owen
Equestrian vaulting is a sport that is all about responsibility and trust between teammates, their horse and lounger whether that is a single vaulter, a pair of athletes, or a squad of 6. You must trust your teammates to do their job and you must be responsible to do all the hard work and sacrifice that is required of you in order to have a successful team. These skills have direct carryover in developing the trustworthy and responsible people that equestrian vaulters consistently become.
We are asking for your donation to help our young American athletes compete on the international field and look forward to developing vaulters who will proudly represent the United States now and into the future.