Q&A: Jenna Presley Junior Jenna Presley competes in equestrian vaulting, aerial silks What is the most difficult aspect of equestrian vaulting?
Have you ever been injured doing aerial silks?
The most difficult thing about vaulting is different for everyone. For me, strength is something I really have to work on. Vaulting takes a ton of strength that I need to work hard to build.
I’ve never been injured from aerial silks, but things like silk burn and bruises are a weekly thing. Sometimes the fabric is cinched really tight, usually around my stomach or thigh, and I’ll get bruises from that.
What is your favorite part about equestrian vaulting?
What is the hardest aspect of aerial silks?
I love the community. Competitions are never ever hostile. We are all best friends and cheer each other on everytime we go in the ring. I love how much it tests my strength and I love getting to compete.
The hardest part is trusting that the fabric will catch you no matter what; this is mostly for backwards drops.
Have you ever been hurt or injured equestrian vaulting? I fell off about four years ago while I was standing on the horse. It hurt my back and I still have pain today.
What do you plan to do in the future with these skills? In the future, I’d love to join a circus, like Cirque du Soleil, or at least contribute to both as long as I can. I’d like to get up to the highest level in (equestrian) vaulting. I’d also love to teach both at some point.
PHOTO || RAY MO
Junior Jenna Presley practices freestyle equestrian vaulting on her vaulting horse, Tiffany. During freestyle exercises, the vaulter typically performs choreographed movements such as mounts, dismounts, standing and various aerial moves.
