Kentucky Vaulting Cup Comes To A Close

The wonderful week of vaulting came to a close today with Mt. Eden Vaulting Club sweeping the CVI2* competition. They took first in the team compeition as well as the Men's and Women's Individual Competiiton.

The Kentucky Cup is the vaulting test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, on Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010. The World Championships for vaulting and reining will be held in the brand-new, 5,600-seat indoor arena used this weekend.



Benjamin, 21, of Saratoga, Calif., earned her division’s top scores in all but the first phase of the four phases and climaxed the Kentucky Cup in today’s freestyle with the competition’s highest score (8.127). Her overall score of 7.974 put her ahead of Mt. Eden teammate Mary McCormick (7.823) and Annalise van Vranken (7.562).



Geisler, 28, of Sunnyvale, Calif., won all four phases of the men’s competition to finish .525 points ahead of second-placed Mikkel Vandrup of Denmark. Geisler’s balletic freestyle was nearly flawless as he demonstrated strength and control. Geisler’s regular mount was unable to compete, so he shared Hudson with third-placed Kristian Roberts, 16, of Moss Beach, Calif. Roberts is from the Pacific Coast Vaulters, owners of Hudson.



Mt. Eden Sun Team’s solid performance earned them a victory over the Woodside Vaulters, reversing the standing’s from Saturday’s one-star team competition. In the two-star team division, Mt. Eden scored 6.512 to Woodside’s 6.154.



The Mt. Eden Sun Team members are: Kenny Geisler, Tasha Thorner, Alicien Thrasher, Kalyn Noan, Lizzie Ioannou, Heidi Rothweiler and Makayia Clyne. Jessica Ballenger is the coach, and Jodi Rinhard longed Sampson. They were also the American Vaulting Association 2009 A team national champions.



The Mt. Eden Sun Team also had exciting news as Kenny Geisler and Kalyn Noan are due to be married on Aug. 22.



The Woodside team members are: Patrick Stevens, Katherine Wick, Alyssa Bonora, Yvonne Greenen, Kathryn Jaggers, Janie Salsbury and Gabe Aniello. Their coach is Krista Mack, and Erik Martonovich longed Badger.



Cassidy Palmer, 16, of Half Moon Bay, Calif., and Marissa Hamar, 20, of Visalia, Calif., were the winner of the CVI2* pas de deux. Although they live several hours apart, the put together an enjoyable performance to the Beach Boys’ classic song “Surfin’ USA.”



More than 2,200 people attended the Kentucky Cup Vaulting or watched the online streaming video. More than 300 volunteers helped the staff produce this competition, the second of seven test events planned to prepare for the 2010 World Equestrian Games

Kentucky gruesst Europa!!

Seid ihr jemals aus dem Kuehlschrank in die Sauna gehuepft?! So geht es uns, wenn wir aus der klimatisieren brandneuen WEG Arena in den Sonnenschein treten. In der Warmup Halle dreht sich ein riesiger Ventilator – und ja, er ist wirklich riesig- und nein, die Pferde haben keine Angst davor! In Wirklichkeit lieben die Pferde ihre Ventilatoren, besonders, wenn man sie ihnen direkt an die Boxentuer haengt. Also, wenn ihr naechstes Jahr alle kommt, es lohnt sich sehr, besonders, wenn ihr euren eigenen Ventilator mitbringt!!! Das Wetter ist toll, das Essen lecker, die Leute soooo nett und der Kentucky – Horsepark ist unglaublich!



Have you ever walked out of a refrigerator into a sauna?! That is what it is like when you leave the new climate controlled indoor arena that will be used for next year’s World Equestrian Games, to walk into the Kentucky sunshine. In the warm up ring there is a huge fan that keeps the horses and vaulters cool and yes, it is huge but no, the horses have no problem with it. In fact, the horses love the fans especially when they put it right in front of their stall door. So next year, when everyone comes they will have to make sure to bring their fans with them. The weather is great, the food is delicious, the people are nice and in Kentucky – the horse park is unbelievable!



Etes vous deja sorti d'un frigo pour rentrer dans un sauna?! C'est ce que ca fait quand vous quittez le nouvel espace indoor climatisé des Jeux equestres Mondiaux (or JEM) pour le soleil du Kentucky .
Dans le paddock de détente il y a un enorme ventilateur qui permet aux chevaux et voltigeurs de rester au frais, meme s'il est enorme ca ne pose pas de probleme aux chevaux. En realite, les chevaux adorent les ventilateurs, et particulierement lorsqu ils sont places devant leurs portes de boxes. Donc l'annee prochaine, tout le monde devra venir avec son ventilateur! Le temps est genial, la nourriture delicieuse, les gens sont tres sympa et le site des JEM est incroyable/ extraordinaire.

CVI1* Winners Are Honored At Prize Giving Ceremony Saturday Night

The CVI1* concluded by giving top honors to the winners of the Men's and Women's Individual Competitions as well as the Team and National Pas-de-Deux Competitions.

In the Men's Individual Competition Joey Gadd held his place in the top spot through the second round, putting in strong performances together with his horse Lanson 16. Shawn Ricci of equiBalance vaulters took second on Rubin and Clay Tomas with Beau Monde took third.

The Women came on strong today but the top ladies held their ground to remain on the podium after Round 2. Rachel Bublitz with her equine partner Oliver didn't let up as she grabbed the top spot with a three tenths of a point lead over Kyra McCarty who moved up to second. Kyra performed with her horse Vermeer and Kathryn Jagger vaulting on Pepper Jack took third.

The team division wrapped up with Woodside putting in a strong freestyle performance and taking the top spot as they performed with Giovanni. Mt. Eden's Eclipse team vaulting with their horse Sir James took second.

Everyone enjoyed today's National Pas-de-Deux class. Elizabeth Brigham and Anna Thomas took first with their performance on Janyck. Tessa Divita and Christine Herrmann took second on Pepper Jack.

Spotlight On Costume Design

Hollywood doesn't have much on equestrian vaulters, months are spent planning, designing and making the intricate costumes that vaulters wear for their compulsory, technical and freestyle tests. Careful consideration is taken to adhere to the FEI rules for competition attire and to make sure that it ties in with the overall theme of the vaulters music. The FEI rules state that, "dress must be formfitting and all articles of clothing, or parts thereof, must remain attached to the vaulters body at all times. Trousers must be secured to the foot and skirts may only be worn over tights or leggings."

Laura Loonstein from Italy tells us that she is wearing a brand new costume at this event. She had it designed specially for her; she wanted a costume that was feminine yet strong for her freestyle. As she lives in the fashion capital of the world, she had one of her mothers friends who is an Italian designer, Mirca Morselli, lend a hand during the design phase. It is a turquoise lycra with black and clear crystals on white stripes. She especially likes it because all of the lines on the uniform are continuous and the lines are beautiful.

Inspiration comes from many places for the vaulters, Anna VanVranken saw a card in an airport while she was traveling for vaulting that sparked her imagination for a new uniform design. The card had a beautiful black, blue and green butterfly on it as does her freestyle costume now. Her routine is choreographed to graceful music and so, the skirted butterfly costume really allows her to tell her freestyle story.

Kristian Roberts tells us that he tried to keep his uniform simple but themed in line with his music which is from the movie, "Narnia." His coach Jill Palmer made the costume for him, it's black Under Armor with some silver material added to look like armor. He thinks it adds to the overall ambiance and really makes the performance exciting to watch for the audience.

Laura and Mackenzie Jassowski are both designers of their own costumes. Laura said, "I really tried to make something that was dramatic and that no one else had. I designed the whole thing myself, down to the last stitch." Mackenzie tells us that she wanted something that would be bright and stand out from the crowd. It was also important to have something that was simple yet elegant to match with her music. She loves wearing her uniform and feels proud that she designed it herself.

The Standings Get a Shake Up At The Close Of Day 2

Style, grace, and artistry were front and center in today's day of freestyle in both the CVI* and CVI** competitions. Competitors fought to hold their positions as they presented their own unique routines choreographed to music of their choice. Spectators were entertained by performances from the Men, Women and Teams that ranged from classical to pop and everything in between.

Megan Benjamin moved into the top spot after putting in a smooth and elegant freestyle showcasing her strong artistic style. Mary McCormick had a tough go having had to make a horse change at the very last minute and struggled to find her usual rhythm, she stayed in medal contention taking the second place. Anna VanVranken moved onto the podium in third with her graceful performance.

In the One Star Women's Competition Rachel Bublitz moved into first place after delivering a solid go. Kathryn Jaggers moved up three places, from fifth to second, and Kyra McCarty dropped to third.

The Men managed to hold their places after the compulsory round, in the CVI** Kenny Geisler still leads, with Kristian Roberts in second and Mikkel Vandrup moving into third. The performances may have ranged from epic scores to pop tributes to a political statement, but across the board the audiences were entertained.

In the One Star Men's Competition, the standings remain the same. George Joseph Gadd increased his lead on second place Shawn Ricci by delivering a strong, clean freestyle round. Both Ricci and third place Clay Thomas had unfortunate falls within their routines.

The Team competitions continue to impress the spectators. The Mt. Eden Eclipse team continues to lead the CVI* competition with Woodside Vaulters second. In the CVI** Woodside won the freestyle with a solid performance and the Mt. Eden Sun Team came into second. Both Two Star teams had last minute horse changes which made for an interesting competition as both made adjustments to acclimate to their new teammates. Overall, Mt. Eden continues to lead the team competition after the first round.

In the CVI** competition Marisa Hamar and Cassidy Palmer, the competitions sole pairs competitors, displayed a fun and energetic routine that got the audience up and dancin!

For full competition results check out the "results" page.

Vaulters And Their Horses Applaud The Footing

The quote heard round the new indoor is that the footing is GREAT! So what exactly makes this the perfect surface for vaulting? The vaulters love that it is wonderful for their horses, very supportive with a touch of spring. These are exactly the same qualities that make it great for them as well, hard enough to get a great spring out of for mounts but soft enough to make for safe landings. Mary McCormick said, "This is the same footing that they have in Aachen, I love it. I'm so glad that it is what we're vaulting on here at the Kentucky Vaulting Cup." The Ottosport footing is a special mixture of three types of local sand and a felt textile imported from Germany.

Solid Compulsory Tests Spring McCormick and Geisler into the lead

After a tough round of compulsory competition, Mary McCormick of Mt. Eden Vaulters takes the lead in the Women's Individual CVI** competition with a 7.826. In a close second, Megan Benjamin also of Mt. Eden Vaulters, scored a 7.781 and Shannon Poer of Woodside Vaulters came in third with a 7.463. In the Women's Individual CVI* Competition Kyra McCarty won with a 6.3.

In the Men's Individual CVI** compulsory competition, Kenny Geisler of Mt. Eden Vaulters scored the top spot with a 6.644. Kristian Roberts of Half Moon Bay Vaulters came in second with a 6.4 and Erik Martonovitch of Big Horse Productions was third with a 6.244. In the Men's Individual CVI* George Joseph Gadd took the lead with a 5.878.

In the CVI* team competition, Mt. Eden's Eclipse Team took first with a 6.252 average and in the CVI** team competition Mt. Eden's Sun team won with a 6.143.

Check back tomorrow for the results of the exciting freestyle competition!

Vaulters LOVE The New Arena!

Vaulters from around the world agree that the new indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park is just amazing. They can't wait for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Laura Loonstein from Italy said, "The new arena is so inspiring, it makes you want to do your best. This competition is exciting, it will be a great venue for WEG in 2010."

Anna VanVranken of the USA exclaimed, "This competition is amazing, it's just like all the competitions I go to in Europe -- so very well organized."

"It's a true honor to be here at an event of this magnitude on our own home turf," Mary McCormick of the USA remarked.

Yang Ling from China told us, "I think it's an amazing competition arena and everyone here has been so nice and welcoming. It has been especially fun meeting all the competitors from other countries, it's a wonderful atmosphere here."

"Very exciting, I definitely love this place," Mikkel Vandrup commented, "I am looking forward to returning for the World Equestrian Games next year."

Kentucky Vaulting Cup Officials Welcomed VIP Style

The Kentucky Vaulting Cup Officials were welcomed to the event with a toast by discipline manager Kersten Klophaus and the WEG Foundation's CEO Jaime Link. They enjoyed some time in one of the indoor arena's new VIP sky boxes complete with a full kitchenette and reserved seating which makes for the best view in the house.

Competitions Director Kate Jackson said, "We are so excited to have you all be the first vaulters be in the new indoor arena."

Only 421 days left till the World Equestrian Games, everyone get ready!

Kentucky Finance Director Drops By To Check Out Some Vaulting

Jonathan Miller, Kentucky Finance Director and World Games Board Member and his daughter Abby are vaulting's newest fans! They dropped by this morning to meet Megan Benjamin, 2006 World Equestrian Games Individual Women's Champion and Ali Divita, 2008/2009 US Women's Individual Champion, and learn more about our incredible sport. They were very impressed with the training going on in the main arena and Mr. Miller even asked if he could try it out sometime.

A Little Kentucky Rain On The Vet Check

When does a little rain ever stop vaulters? Definitely not today, the vet check was moved indoors and ran smoothly. Horses warmed up and stayed dry in the indoor warm up before proceeding to the vet check area.

Sue Detol, President of the Ground Jury said, "I was impressed, everyone did a great job presenting the horses. We're looking forward to a great event."

Vaulters Arrive Onsite at Kentucky Horse Park

The excitement is starting to build for the Kentucky Vaulting Cup as the vaulters and their horses arrive and load into the barn. Stay tuned for more updates to come!

Equestrian Vaulters Dazzle Crowds at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented By Gotham North

Lexington, KY. July 27, 2009. Spectators were treated to a spectacular display of harmony between athlete and rider with a one day equestrian vaulting demonstration competition during the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championsip Presented by Gotham North. Top Equestrian Vaulters from the US and Canada competed for honors with their Freestyle and Technical routines in the Van Lennep Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. This marks the first time that Equestrian Vaulting was included in the Championships.

Megan Benjamin, 2006 World Equestrian Games Women’s Individual World Champion, vaulted her way to victory in the CVI** Women’s event with a flawless technical test together with her equine partner Sonny Boy, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood, owned and lunged by Emma Garrod Seely. She solidified her lead with stunning artistry and powerful gymnastics moves in the freestyle test. She is coached by Emma Garrod Seely, and is a member of the Mt. Eden Vaulting Club in Saratoga, Calif.

“I’m excited that vaulting is a part of Young Riders this year; it was an honor to win the inaugural presentation of our sport at such a prestigious show,“ Megan Benjamin said. “During the past five days I’ve been in equestrian heaven, and I am in awe of all the young talent across the disciplines.”

The CVI** Men’s event title went to Patrick Stevens vaulting with Caspar lunged by Julie Divita. Patrick’s display of strength and harmony with his horse, a nine-year-old Hanoverian, won him high marks from the judges in both his technical and freestyle tests. He is coached by Jennifer Lauzze, and is a member of the Woodside Vaulting Club in Woodside, Calif.

In the CVI* event Yvonne Greenen of Woodside Vaulters and Joey Gadd of Mt. Eden Vaulters each claimed gold in the women’s and men’s classes respectivly. Greenen performed with Pepperjack, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred/Percheron, lunged by Julie Divita. She is a member of the Woodside Vaulting Club in Woodside, Calif and is coached by Jennifer Lauzze. Gadd is a member of the Mt. Eden Vaulting Club in Saratoga, Calif. and is coached by Emma Garrod Seely. He vaulted with Sir James, a six-year-old Thoroughbred/Percheron lunged by Olivia Swan.

About Vaulting

Vaulting is both a recreational activity and a competitive discipline where both gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a walking, trotting or cantering horse. It requires a harmonious relationship with the horse and outstanding physical condition from the vaulter.

An FEI recognized discipline since 1983, vaulting competitions are held regionally, nationally and worldwide and individuals, pairs and teams all compete in separate events. This variety creates an engaging experience for spectators as they watch athletes of all ages perform breathtaking routines that include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter, and kneeling and standing exercises.

Vaulting is a unique and growing sport with a rich heritage traced back to the ancient Minoans and later to Roman soldiers. It was featured in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp as Artistic Riding and has since evolved into the sport it is today. Vaulting is a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse; it is used around the globe as an introduction to the equestrian world and is recognized as a technique for developing strong riders in all disciplines.

About the American Vaulting Association

The American Vaulting Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to growing vaulting in the United States through educational programs, activities and competitions. This year the AVA celebrated its 40^th anniversary; it has hundreds of vaulting clubs around the nation, and hosts dozens of activities and competitions annually.

The World Games 2010 Foundation Announces Competitors for Kentucky Cup Vaulting Test Event

Eight countries will go head to head at the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in Kentucky Cup Vaulting, the official test event of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The CVI 1* and 2* events will feature vaulters from Canada, Denmark, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, China and the United States. The vaulters will compete individually and in teams and will complete compulsory and freestyle rounds. Many of the athletes participating in the test event have also competed in previous World Equestrian Games as well as National and World Championships. Notables include:

· Ali Divita: 2008/2009 US National Champion - USA

· Megan Benjamin: 2006 WEG Gold Medalist - USA

· Mary McCormick: 2007 US National Champion - USA

· Annalise VanVranken: 2006 WEG Team Silver Medalist, 2008 World Championships Team Bronze Medalist - USA

· Kenny Geisler and Eric Martonovitch: US National Men’s Individual Team Members - USA

· Colin Schmidt - CAN

· Mikkel Vandrup - DEN

· Ling Yang - CHN

The Kentucky Cup Vaulting test event will be held July 30 through August 2 in the new indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Competition will begin daily at 8 a.m. and will resume in the afternoon at 1 p.m. Admission is free to the public, and parking is $3 during the day and $5 after 5 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to competition.

About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.

Kentucky Horse Park Gears Up For More Vaulting

The Kentucky Horse Park is preparing the the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North; in which Vaulting will be featured as a demonstration discipline for the first time in the history of the event.

In the past, a prestigious group of vaulters, known as the 'Friendship Team' have come together and put on entertaining displays during competitor parties and dinners at the Championships, however this marks an entirely new opportunity for the sport of equestrian vaulting.

The FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships have hosted a unique series of championships for an array of International competitors for many years; often featuring athletes that go on to represent their countries in the Olympic games. 

Although vaulting will only be featured as a demonstration sport, the event will be judged and subject to many rules and organizational outlines of the Championships, as well as benefiting from the same venue and timeframe. 

The Young Riders organizational staff have been adamant about promoting other disciplines in equestrian sport, and have stated a goal of adding an additional discipline at some level each year. 

Two Weeks Left; New Indoor Arena Opens!

Less than two weeks till the opening ceremonies of the vaulting test event for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  

The new $45 million indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park is finally open; promises spot among world's leading equestrian venues.