New England Valkyries

One-Star Vaulting Compulsories

This past summer the AVA adopted new one-star vaulting compulsories for competitions. These exercises will replace the traditional compulsories for all AVA competitors who are vaulting below the bronze-medal level.  The new exercises help vaulters by strengthening the flight skills necessary to perform the scissors and the flank—they're also a little easier on the horse. In addition, the new moves bring US vaulters in line with international vaulting.

Here's Mara demonstrating the new exercises on the barrel:

Seven Beautiful Compulsory Exercises

Check out this excellent round turned in by German vaulter Nicola Stroh at the 2008 Aachen Championships. If you don't see a window below, YouTube is probably having hiccups. If so, click here.

For the Love of Pete

Meet Pete. Great Fall's Vaulters generously stepped up and offered us Pete when Hershey was under the weather last weekend at Regionals. Thanks, Great Falls and Jen Williams for your generosity and thanks to Pete for being such a great horse. He worked hard for everyone. Pete won Canter Horse of the competition and he deserved it. : )

Here's Tamsin doing her compulsories on Pete: