2019 Sacramento International Horse Show Program

SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 6, 2 019 | RANCHO MURIETA, CA

SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL

HORSE SHOW PHOTO: MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY

FEATURING Friday, October 4 6:15PM

Saturday, October 5 7:25PM

$100,000 LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUPTM SACRAMENTO

Presented by Sky Partners

TM

WW W. J U M P S AC TO. C O M

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

$36,500 MURIETA INN, SPA & RESTAURANT 1.45M VAULTING EXHIBITION

Scial Events SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL

WORLD CUP WEEK

Scial Events OCTOBER 2-6

TUESDAY

6:00PM

TRAINER WELCOME PARTY AT MURIETA INN

6:30-8:30AM GROOMS BREAKFAST

P H OTO : A L D E N C O R R I G A N M E D I A

Sponsored by Sacramento International Horse Show

THURSDAY

6:00PM

$36,500 GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER

FRIDAY

6:15PM

$36,500 MURIETA INN AND SPA 1.45M VAULTING EXHIBITION AFTER PARTY FEATURING LOCKED N LOADED

SATURDAY TBD

KID’S JUMPING QUALIFIER

3:00PM

$10,000 MORNING STAR SPORTHORSES 1.40M

7:00PM

KID’S JUMPING FINALS

W W W. J U M P S A C T O . C O M

Sponsored by JH Sporthorses

7:25PM

$100,000 LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUPTM SACRAMENTO Presented by Sky Partners

AFTER PARTY AND AUTOGRAPH SIGNING FEATURING HIP SERVICES

PHOTO: ALDEN CORRIGAN

WELCOME

W

e are incredibly excited to welcome

a meal at The Gate, the inn’s farm-to-fork restaurant,

everyone back to the 12th year of the

or indulge at The Cupola, the inn’s 5,000 square foot

Sacramento International Horse Show. We

day spa and salon.

are proud to be part of the Longines FEI World Cup™

In this year’s program, you’ll find information

North American League and we are looking forward

about the Longines FEI World Cup™ Finals, which

to sharing this world-class event with our competi-

take place in Las Vegas in April 2020. If you love show

tors, sponsors, owners, and, of course, visitors!

jumping, you’ll want to book your tickets to Vegas

The Sacramento International Horse Show offers

ASAP! You’ll also want to read about rider psychology,

something for every equestrian, from riders just

featuring mental skills coach Tonya Johnston, and

beginning their show career, to those aiming for the

check out the gravity-defying XM Equestrian who

pinnacle of the sport: the Longines FEI World Cup™

will be introducing us all to the FEI sport of vaulting.

Finals. And for those who prefer to keep their boots

We’ve also highlighted two incredible organizations,

on the ground, there is great food, shopping, and

Make-A-Wish and Uryadi’s Village, that are doing

entertainment, in addition to some of the best horse

inspiring work to make our world a better place.

jumping on the West Coast.

The Sacramento International Horse Show appreci-

We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for their continuous support of this unique event. And

ates its longstanding partnership with the Murieta

we warmly welcome each and every competitor and

Equestrian Center, one of California’s premier

visitor to the Sacramento International Horse Show!

equestrian facilities. The Murieta Inn & Spa, which

Sara Nastri

opened in 2018, adds an unprecedented level of luxury and service. We encourage all visitors to enjoy

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Show Manager Sacramento International Horse Show

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WATCH THE BEST OF EQUESTRIAN SPORTS

LIVE & ON DEMAND www.fei.tv

FOREWORD

O

by the FEI President

n behalf of the Fédération Equestre

bond between horses and people; the trust, the

Internationale, it is my pleasure to welcome

communication, the hard work and the patience

you to Sacramento for another leg of the

required. It is this bond which enables impressive

highly anticipated Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™

feats of athleticism to be achieved and the core

North American League 2019/2020. Over the next few

around which the whole FEI community revolves.

days, we will have some of the world’s finest sport

This new season will once again be filled with

horses, and athletes showcase their talent as they

fantastic sports moments, and I would like to thank

chase precious FEI World Cup™ points.

Longines most sincerely for their vital contribution,

The USA, Canada and Mexico will once again be

which ensures quality competition and management

setting the scene of the North American League

throughout the series. Together, we are advancing

with 14 suspense-filled qualifiers of which eight

the legacy of this tremendous series whose appeal

count towards the overall standings. Our North

continues to grow and stretch into new territories

American journey began in Langley (CAN), now we

attracting many new fans along the way.

are here in Sacramento prior to heading out to

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank

Del Mar and Washington DC, only to name a few;

the Organising Committee and their partners for their

at each leg, we are guaranteed to experience top-

vision and efforts at enabling this event and acting

level sport as athletes and horses brave courses of

as a motor for international equestrian sport in the

highest standards, set up by some of the best course

region. To the volunteer body and sponsors, as well

designers in the world.

as the athletes, the enthusiastic public and the media

Sixteen leagues, including the North American

representatives, thank you for your dedication and

League, make up the highly successful and global

loyalty; this would not be possible without you! In

FEI World Cup™ Jumping series which has been in

whatever capacity you have come here today, I wish

existence since 1978; this season 108 qualifiers pave

you an enjoyable event, conducted in the best spirit

the road to the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping

of great horsemanship.

Final in Las Vegas, USA in April 2020. The format of the FEI World Cup™ series guarantees edge of your seat competitions whilst displaying the fantastic

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Ingmar De Vos FEI President

3

www.skypartnersgroup.com

Your Treasures Are Our Treasures. Fly Extraordinary.

P R I V A T E

J E T

C H A R T E R

The world’s premiere individual Jumping series 16 leagues across the world 14 qualifying events for the North American League 14 North American League athletes will qualify for the final 1 prestigious final in Las Vegas, Nevada

Vancouver, CAN 08/20-25/2019

WorldCupLasVegas.com

New York , NY 09/10-15/2019

Sacramento, CA 10/02-05/2019

Columbus, OH 10/02-06/2019

Del Mar, CA 10/16-19/2019

Washington, DC 10/22-27/2019

Lexington, KY Toronto,CAN 10/29-11/03/2019 11/05-09/2019

Thermal, CA 11/05-10/2019

Las Vegas, NV 11/13-17/2019

Guadalajara, MEX 01/22-26/2020

Wellington, FL 01/29-02/02/2020

Leon, MEX 02/05-09/2020

Ocala, FL 03/03-08/2020 THE FINAL - Las Vegas, NV 04/15-19/2020

The Equestrian World Returns to Las Vegas APRIL 15 - 19, 2020

/WorldCupLV

WorldCupLasVegas.com

All-session tickets go on sale to the general public beginning August 16.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS IS

World Cup Show Jumping

T

his coming spring, Las Vegas will host an entirely

“The excitement of an FEI World Cup™ Final is hard to

different kind of act than the typical Vegas

describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it,” said

attractions when the world’s most elite show

Dale Harvey, manager of FEI World Cup™ qualifying

jumping and dressage horses move into downtown’s

events in Sacramento and Del Mar. “You have the very

Thomas & Mack Center to contest the title of FEI World

best animals and the very best riders, all at the top of

Cup™ Champion. Sin City has hosted the FEI Dressage

their game, and the performances they deliver are just

World Cup™ Finals four times previously, and the FEI

astounding. You can’t help but be inspired by it. It’s a

Jumping World Cup™ Finals six times previously: 2000,

can’t-miss event for all equestrian enthusiasts.”

2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015.

The first FEI Jumping World Cup Final took place in This time, 75,000 fans are expected for the five-day

1979 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and was won by Austrian

event scheduled for April 15 – 19, 2020. The Thomas &

rider Hugo Simon who would win again in 1996 and

Mack Center in downtown Las Vegas has recently gotten

1997. An American has never won in Las Vegas, but U.S.

$75 million in renovations specifically for World Cup

riders have won 11 World Cup Finals around the globe

Finals, including improved warm-up areas and stabling,

including Omaha (McLain Ward in 2017), Paris (Beezie

and 50,000 square feet of the venue will be reserved for

Madden in 2018), Gothenburg (Beezie Madden in 2013)

equestrian-themed shopping.

and the Netherlands (Rich Fellers in 2012).

For details and tickets visit www.WorldCupLasVegas.com.

All-session tickets are available now.

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Hitting the PAST LAS VEGAS FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ FINAL WINNERS 2003

2000

oa (BRA) and Rodrigo Pess uet o Baloubet de R

2005 2009

Marcus Ehning (GER) and Anka

Photos courtesy of World Cup Las Vegas

um Meredith Michaels Beerba (GER) and Shutterfly

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2007

2015

t (SUI) and Steve Guerda n’s Paille Albfuehre

Beat Mandli (SU I) and Ideo du Thot

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V o l t a i r e D e s i g n . c o m

In Between Rounds

with Course Designer

MARINA AZ Photos: Above - Horse and Style; Below - Alden Corrigan Media

International course designer Marina Azevedo learned the sport of show jumping young. She grew up on a farm in Brazil, and began jumping at only nine years old. She trained with some of the best coaches, including Olympic rider Vitor Teixera, and made a name for herself competing in some of the most prestigious Brazilian championships as well as the South American Games.

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It’s important for a course designer to understand the riders, what they think is hard and what is easy, and

EVEDO

how they work with and develop their horses.

Then at 17 she was able to spend two years riding and

States. Her resume now includes some of the most important

training in Europe with fellow Brazilian show jumper and

shows in the world, including the FEI World Cup Finals in Las

Olympian Nelson Pessoa, father of Olympic gold medalist

Vegas the CSIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Games, the Pan

Rodrigo Pessoa.

American Games, South American Games, Brazilian National and International Championships, and two million dollar

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Azevedo of

Grand Prix events.

her time with Pessoa. “I learned from the best people, and this time was very important for my career. I really learned how to

“When I received the invitation to build the million dollar class

show at the highest levels.”

at HITS Thermal I was surprised but happy,” said Azevedo. “I remember the day of the GP I was very, very nervous, but at

After the birth of her son, Azevedo focused on coaching other

the end I was very happy with the results. The jump off of that

riders, until one day her friend Guilherme Jorge asked her

class was amazing.”

to help him build a course. The rest, as they say, is history.

Azevedo became a professional course designer, learning from

Azevedo draws on her own experiences as a rider and her

established designers including Leopoldo Palacios, Linda Allen,

knowledge of horses to design the best possible courses. “It’s

Frank Rottenberg, Arno Gego, and Olaf Petersen. Guilherme

important for a course designer to understand the riders, what

Jorge, her first mentor, was chosen to course design for the

they think is hard and what is easy, and how they work with

2016 Olympic Games in Rio. “All of these designers who came

and develop their horses,” said Azevedo.

before me have helped me throughout my career and inspired me in my work,” said Azevedo.

Azevedo is working on achieving level 4 FEI certification, and plans to continue designing courses as long as she can. In

Azevedo spent considerable time designing in Brazil before

addition, she runs a private school in Brazil. “I love both my

branching out to design courses in Europe and the United

jobs, and I think they complete me.”

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Uryadi’s Village

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GRAND PRIX RIDER JENNIFER FILL-CROOKS I S C H A N G I N G T H E W O R L D, O N E C H I L D AT A T I M E

I

n 2014, long-time member of the international show jumping community, Jennifer Fill-Crooks, decided to take a

big step towards fulfilling her lifelong dream of helping orphaned children. Herself the mother of 15, including 11 children through adoption, Jennifer was deeply drawn to the heartbreaking situations of orphaned children the world over, and did what she could to bring them into her home and family.

“There were so many more children in need than what I could address personally,” said Jennifer Fill-Crooks. So she was inspired to create Uryadi’s Village, named after her beautiful show jumping mare SF Uryadi.

In Ethiopia, one in five children are orphaned.

That’s 5% of the entire population, one of the highest percentages in the world. 44% of children in Ethiopia are stunted due to malnutrition, half will never attend any school, and 88% will never attend secondary school. Statistics like these became part of the foundational issues that Uryadi’s Village focused on addressing: the care and education of orphaned and abandoned children. The organization’s mission is to support vulnerable children and their extended families and communities around the globe. By offering insightful, respectful partnerships with the people, instead of crippling foreign dependence, Uryadi’s Village is focused on co-developing social, economic, and environmentally renewable systems to benefit orphans and vulnerable women and children.

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Since 2014, that first big step has been followed by many

community, the village is designed to not only be a welcoming,

more steps, and rapid progress that has been nothing short

beautiful home, but also productive, and foster a sustainable

of miraculous. From the first stages of traveling to Ethiopia

lifestyle in concert with the environment and the local culture.

and speaking with the people there to determine what area

Uryadi’s Village grows an ever-increasing amount of food on

was most in need of what UV could provide, to navigating

site, which adds a greater variety of nutrient dense foods

the twists and turns of cultural differences and developing

to the children’s diets. The food systems have also become

relationships with key government offices and officials,

a demonstration site for the community, showcasing how

Jennifer and her team have steadfastly stayed the course.

food can be grown in truly regenerative ways that will help to halt the progressive degradation of Ethiopian land.

“The challenges have been many,” said Jennifer FillCrooks, “but the rewards have been so much greater. We

Uryadi’s Village children are being cared for in other important

have been able to build a vibrant partnership with the

ways. All school-age children attend the best local private

Ethiopian people not through coming in to “save” them,

schools, and two children currently attend the best deaf

but by humbly asking what the Ethiopian people need

academy in a nearby town. Uryadi’s Village has made it part

and want, and how we can best partner with them to

of its mission to welcome special needs children, who have an

create greater resilience and increased prosperity.”

especially difficult time in Ethiopia. The organization is working to help the community find new ways of approaching the

As Uryadi’s Village took in more children, the need to move

unique situations and gifts that these children bring. Uryadi’s

from their first small rented facility to a larger permanent

Village is committed to helping the Ethiopian people find their

home became urgent. Under the direction of world-renowned

own creative solutions to the challenges that face them, and

permaculturist Warren Brush, the team at Uryadi’s Village

they have proven to be enthusiastic and eager partners.

worked quickly with their Ethiopian counterparts to develop a site known as Wolaita Village, building new houses and

Uryadi’s Village is now ready to expand, and has been

facilities for the care of our children. In March of 2017, after

granted the land that borders Wolaita Village for that

many long days and nights putting the finishing touches on the

expansion. “We cannot wait to see how the next phase of

site, the children officially moved to Wolaita Village, and there

this project will blossom into something dynamic, unique,

was a celebration full of dancing, singing, and joyful tears.

and, most of all, empowering to the Ethiopian people,” said Jennifer Fill-Crooks. “We invite all Sacramento International

Now, two years later, Wolaita Village has become a stable,

riders and guests to learn more about what we do and

beautiful home for almost 100 children who would not

who we are. We would love to have you be part of building

have a home if not for this village. As a permaculture based

resilient and empowered communities in rural Ethiopia!”

www.uryadisvillage.org

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Inside the Minds of Show Jumping Riders

A Conversation with Tonya Johnston 22

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Photo courtesy of Tonya Johnston

When you watch the elite riders enter the ring for tonight’s FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier, you may wonder exactly what’s going through their heads. For many, a good performance at this

We sat down with author and mental skills coach Tonya Johnston to get some insight into what the riders are likely thinking and how it could affect

event is vital to achieving their

their success in the show ring. Ms. Johnston regularly

goal of competing at FEI Jumping

the short stirrup ring to international championships.

World Cup™ Finals, the annual pinnacle of the sport. For some,

works with equestrian athletes at every level, from Her book, Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse, is available on Amazon, and you can connect with her via her website www.TonyaJohnston.com.

it’s the culmination of years of work they’ve put into training their horse and perfecting their own skills, and a test of how they stack up against the best in the country. For all, the pressure is on.

Q

Why mental skills for equestrians?

What inspired you to get involved in this aspect of the sport?

A

I started riding at 5 years old, and growing up I always struggled with inconsistency in my

riding. I’d often win on the last day of the horse show, but it was very up and down earlier in the week. I was just fascinated by that. I watched riders who were more consistent and I wanted

Photo by Holly Casner

to know what they were doing. I’ve always been interested in the psychology of performance and what helps people shine, and I wanted to be part of that solution. When I heard about sports psychology I just knew that it was the right field for me. It came from a place of wanting to help people understand themselves in an equestrian setting.

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Q A

How is the horse affected by the rider’s mental state?

Horses are so sensitive and so aware of the energy that is around them, and riders must be dialed in because

they are the ones who know the course and who have to communicate their intentions to their horses. If a rider

Q

In a class like a World Cup™ Qualifier, where so much is on the line, how can riders put that aside and simply ride their best?

A

Anyone who competes has what we refer to as outcome goals. An outcome goal may be to qualify

for the World Cup™ Final or to be in the ribbons or to

is conflicted or has doubt or worry, that becomes part of

win money. But riders have to know when and where

his or her messaging and the horse will pick up on that

it is appropriate to think about those goals. Warming

very quickly. It’s almost instantaneous how rapidly the

up the horse for the class is not the time to think about

rider’s thoughts are communicated to the horse. Riders

outcome goals, because at that point there are too many

have to be mindful of that and keep their focus in the

factors outside of the rider’s control. When preparing

moment. Thinking too far ahead or thinking back to a past

for a big class it’s better to focus on performance

mistake—even the recent past like the last fence—won’t

goals, which are things that the rider can control. For

help a rider explain to the horse how to do the job at hand.

example, a rider on a big-strided horse could make it a goal to reorganize the canter in every corner of the ring while on course. That’s an appropriate goal and something riders can sink their teeth into and focus on.

Having outcome goals and a desire to do well against the competition is a great thing, and it’s important for riders to acknowledge their passion and their drive for the sport.

It’s just a matter of channeling that energy appropriately, and of focusing on the right type of goal at the right time.

Q

Many people in all disciplines get anxiety about performing in front of an audience. How can riders best handle the pressure of a huge crowd?

Photo by Holly Casner It’s really different from any other team sport. When

A

Visualizing is a great tool for newer riders who don’t often get the opportunity to perform

in front of huge crowds. They can rehearse in their

humans notice their teammates are distracted, they

minds by visualizing the sights and sounds of the

can verbalize it. They can ask “hey, are you with us?”

venue and the energy of the crowed, and then

or “what are you thinking about?” A horse can’t do

imagine handling that energy with calm and focus.

that, so it’s the rider’s responsibility to keep his or her communication and intentions clear and clean.

Seasoned professionals who have a lot of experience with big crowds have learned to feel that electricity

Additionally, riders have to adjust to the energy of their

and then channel it into a great performance. That’s

horses. Some horses naturally get keyed up going into

a champion mindset—taking the situation and

the ring for a big event, and their riders must be able

letting it bring out the best in you rather than being

to temper themselves and transmit calm and clear

afraid of it. Some personalities naturally have an

energy to those horses. Conversely, some quieter

advantage here, but with enough thoughtfulness and

horses may need a little extra energy and enthusiasm

mental skills anyone can become the type of person

from their rider to get revved up for a big class.

who actually performs better in the spotlight.

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Photos courtesy Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make-A-Wish Foundation Visits Sacramento International Sacramento International is honored to host the local chapter of the MakeA-Wish Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada. This is one of 60 chapters nationwide that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1983, the chapter has granted more than 8500 wishes to children in the community. Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada covers 45 counties and grants more than 400 wishes every year, or one wish every 20 hours! Only 5.5% of funds received are used for administrative costs.

Make-A-Wish believes that a single wish transforms lives and can change the odds for children fighting a critical illness. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety, and entire communities experience joy.

Make-A-Wish is on a mission to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. Research from recent studies shows that many doctors are using wishes as part of their treatment plan, because wishes give patients and families hope and a belief that anything is possible.

For more information about the mission of Make-A-Wish and how to get involved, go to Necannv.wish.org or call 916.437.0206. Follow them on social media @makeawishcanv.

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OCTOBER 9 - 20, 2 019 | DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS | DEL MAR, CA

DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL

HORSE SHOW P H OTO : A S H L E Y N E U H O F

Thursday, October 17 5:30PM

Saturday, October 19 6:45PM

Friday, October 18 2:00PM

$100,000 LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUPTM DEL MAR

CAPTIVE ONE GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER 1.50M

$36,500 SUNSHINE 1.45M

W E S T PA L M S E V E N T S . C O M

LAND ROVER SAN DIEGO RIDE AND DRIVE

Presented by Intern EQ International Real Estate

TICKETMASTER.COM

VAULTING What You Need to Know

Sacramento International is thrilled to welcome XM Equestrian to the Grand Prix arena! This group is a registered club of the American Vaulting Association and their vision is to combine the sport of vaulting with the circus art of bareback riding.

They have participated in equestrian theater productions and have provided entertainment for various horse shows and other equestrian events, and they put a theatrical twist into their routines for an extra layer of entertainment.

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What is vaulting?

Vaulting is most commonly described as gymnastics on horseback. It is an FEI-recognized discipline and is one of the seven that are part the World Equestrian Games.

agility in calvary riders in Europe. It gained popularity as a sport in post-World War II Germany. California equestrian Elizabeth Searle saw vaulters in Europe and thought it would be a fun pony club activity and co-founded the American Vaulting Association in 1968.

How long has vaulting been around?

What skills do vaulters need?

Believe it or not, vaulting has been around for over 2,000

Like all gymnasts, vaulters must be strong and agile

years. Acrobats performed gymnastics on cantering

and must develop incredible balance and coordination.

horses in ancient Rome and ancient Greece. At that

Vaulters also need good teamwork skills and great

time, bulls were sometimes used instead of horses in a

horsemanship skills. But all expert vaulters were once

practice known as “bull leaping.” During the Renaissance,

novices, and many started vaulting with no previous horse

gymnastics on horseback became known as vaulting

experience. It is one of the few equestrian activities where

and was used as an exercise for increasing strength and

one does not need to own a horse to participate.

What type of horse makes a good vaulting horse?

Many breeds of horses make successful vaulting horses.

What does XM Equestrian want you to know about tonight’s performance?

The main requirements are a consistent, rhythmic canter

Tonight’s performance will feature internationally

and a calm disposition. They also need to have good vision

decorated vaulters who are passionate about what they

and be in excellent physical shape, as the horse generally

do. “We love competing and performing with our horses

canters for an entire equestrian performance, sometimes

and sharing our art with equine enthusiasts everywhere,”

with multiple human athletes on his or her back.

said vaulter Mary McCormick.

What about the person controlling the horse?

How can you get involved?

The person in the center with the horse on the line is

To find a vaulting club near you, check out the

called the longueur, and he or she is vital to the team. The

website of the American Vaulting Association at

longueur communicates with the horse and keeps him or

www.americanvaulting.org. With 141 vaulting clubs

her on a consistent pace, which is essential to allow the

across the country, there is most likely one near you!

vaulters to perform successfully.

Vaulting Photos Courtesy of XM Equestrian

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SACRAMENTO

MEMORIAL DAY CLASSIC MAY 21-24, 2020

SACRAMENTO

SPRING CLASSIC MAY 27-31, 2020

PHOTO: MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY

MURIETA EQUESTRIAN CENTER RANCHO MURIETA, CA

TM

W W W. W E S T PA L M S E V E N T S . C O M

Autographs

Autographs

Elegance is an attitude Mikaela Shiffrin

Conquest Classic