Horse vaulting camp teaches acrobatic moves

Talia Anderson, 12, balances while performing a horse vaulting routine. Philippe Morin photo

The Cirque du Soleil's latest show, Cavalia, features performers on horses doing all sorts of acrobatics.
In Dalkeith, local children are learning to do the same. They are beginning to learn the art of vaulting, which involves balancing, standing, or even turning upside-down while in the saddle. Suzie Anderson, who owns the Glen Hollow Ranch in Dalkeith, is hosting a vaulting summer camp for the first time this year.
A dozen of her students were scheduled to perform on July 24 to show off their balancing skills while riding a large Percheron horse named Ace.
"He's very calm, which is important for this type of activity. He doesn't seem to mind at all," Anderson said.
The tradition of vaulting is well-known in Europe. Vaulting is an Olympic sport and there are competitions worldwide.
Like figure skating, competitors are judged on the technical difficulty and artistic merit of their routines, which are often set to music.
During a vaulting performance, the horse travels around in a circle at a slow pace while tethered to a guide.
Once the student climbs onboard, they are encouraged to sit sideways and backwards, and even to stand up on the saddle.
More experienced vaulters can even do flips and fancy dismounts.
At Anderson's camp, the girls also learn horse maintenance such as how to braid horses' hair for shows.
The girls, aged 8 to 14, do not wear helmets and the vaulting happens in a sandy area.
After the success of this year's first camp, Anderson said there might be more camps in the future. The main horse, Ace, is only five years old and is already 18-and-a-half hands tall.
It's likely the gentle giant has a long career ahead of him - though he won't be the one in the spotlight.

Juliann Wray, 10, struggles to hop aboard Ace, a large Percheron measuring 18-and-a-half hands.
Philippe Morin photo

That's showbiz! Members of the summer camp stretch in the manner of the Rockettes.
Philippe Morin photo

Suzie Anderson (left) is teaching young girls the art of horse gymnastics. Shown here are (from left) Abby MacDonald, 12, Olivia Anderson, 14, Talia Anderson, 14, Jessica Sarault, 11, Robyn Howes, 9, Juliann Wray, 10, Taylor MacGillivray, 10, Mandee Charron, 11, Cassey O'Connor, 12, Shanyn Millage and Sarah MacGillivray, 8. Philippe Morin photo

Students watch as a classmate makes a daring move. From left: Taylor macGillivray, Mandee Charron, Casey O'Connor,. Juliann Wray and Abby MacDonald. Philippe Morin photo