AVA's "Vault Kentucky" Initiative Gaining Ground

The American Vaulting Association is sponsoring two 'Introduction to Vaulting' day camps for youth and two train-the-trainer sessions, as well as various clinics throughout the region this summer.

July 2, 2009 — The American Vaulting Association’s (AVA) “Vault Kentucky” program is in full-swing, with a dozen vaulting-related events scheduled for the month of July all over the state. Equestrian vaulting combines both gymnastic and dance elements performed to music on a walking trotting or cantering horse.

As part of a key initiative to bring equestrian vaulting to the home of the World Equestrian Games 2010, the AVA is sponsoring two Introduction to Vaulting summer day camps for youth, two train-the-trainer sessions for riding instructors who want to add vaulting to their coaching repertoire, and multiple on-site clinics at riding facilities throughout the region, according to Wendy Ware, the AVA’s Vice President of Education.

“Our goal is to introduce this exciting and growing sport to Kentucky and surrounding states this summer, and to give riding instructors and equestrian facilities the tools to start new vaulting programs throughout the region,” said Ware.

The non-profit association has discounted both the Beginning Vaulting Camps and Train-the-Trainer sessions to just $75 for both programs, which each take place over three half-days. And when three or more riders/athletes sign up for a camp, their instructor comes to the train-the-trainer session free. At both camps (July 13-15 at the Meadow Lake Equestrian Center in Lancaster, and July 20-22 at the Kentucky Equestrian Center in Winchester), top U.S. coaches and equestrian vaulters will teach participants dance and gymnastics routines on a moving horse.

For those who prefer a custom session, the AVA is offering on-site half-day clinics throughout July, designed to bring vaulting directly to equestrian facilities in the greater Kentucky area, including the surrounding states. The AVA will provide coaches, vaulting horses and all equipment necessary for these sessions.

To register for the camps or to get more information on the on-site clinics, click on the “Kentucky Camps and Clinics” button on the American Vaulting Association website at www.americanvaulting.org) for an online brochure, email wendy@americanvaulting.org, or call the AVA National Office at 323-654-0800.

In addition, three vaulting shows welcome spectators free at the Kentucky Horse Park this coming month: the AVA/USEF National Vaulting Championships (July 11-12), vaulting at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (July 22) and the Kentucky Vaulting Cup CVI (July 31-Aug. 2).

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