This week, three of our students competed in a very exciting sport that requires lots of nerve. Merryn Patterson, Autumn Farrell and Lauren Rogan-Mackie travelled to Warwick to take part in the British Equestrian Vaulting English Championships.
Equestrian vaulting can best be described as ‘gymnastics on a moving horse’. The horse is controlled by a lunger and moves in a 15-metre circle. Most exercises are performed at canter, although practising difficult manoeuvres and some classes are done at a walk.
Our trio, Merryn, Autumn and Lauren are now the English Champions in their category and should also qualify for the British Championships in October.
Merryn said, “It was quite exciting as we were trying to qualify for the British Championships. We train at the Lads Lodge Riding Centre and it’s a nice little group. We have separate training sessions to improve our core strength as well as the training on the horse.”
Autumn and Merryn have been involved in the sport over 3 years, while Lauren is a relative newcomer who started a year and a half ago.
Merryn’s Mum, Sarah Patterson commented: “To say we are proud is an understatement!” We are too!
