|
14-Year-Old
Champion Vaults to World Equestrian Games in Germany
|
|
|
It
is rare to find a sport that delicately combines fitness and
strength with beauty and elegance, yet that seems to be
the case when it comes to equestrian vaulting. A relatively new sport in Canada, equestrian vaulting is a combination of gymnastics and dance on the back of a moving horse. The athlete rides on the back of his or her four-legged partner while performing various feats of agility, power, strength, co-ordination and flexibility. This sport requires the consistent teamwork of the vaulter, horse and lungeur, the person who is responsible for keeping the horse at a collective canter – a 3-beat step resembling a gallop, but smoother and slower– by standing at the centre of a 15m vaulting circle and utilizing the lunge line to maintain the horse’s pace. Equestrian vaulting can be performed either as an individual or as a team, and is composed of two sections – compulsory and freestyle. Without dismounting from the horse, the vaulter must perform seven compulsory exercises: the basic seat, flag, mill, ground jump, scissors, stand, and flank (or dismount). Athletes are judged on their accuracy, presentation and harmony with their mounts. The second portion of the competition is the freestyle event. Vaulters are given one minute to show off their creativity and skill, and are evaluated on their static and dynamic movements, and their choice of both music and routine. This remarkable and demanding sport represents a considerable portion of the World Equestrian Games, which, this year, is being held in Aachen, Germany at the end of August. A representative of team Canada at the WEG, 14-year-old junior champion vaulter Hannah Marland says that her achievement “hardly feels real.” Hannah, the youngest of six children, began vaulting at the tender age of five in Chilliwack, British Columbia, when she refused to be bested by the equestrian practices of her older siblings. She moved to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, with her family in 2003 and faithfully persisted with her beloved sport. With the move came the loss of her coach, but Hannah’s mother, Becky Marland, took on that essential role, along with serving as Hannah’s longer, and continues with both to this day. Like any athlete, Hannah is faced with hours of practice every week; due to the impending competition in Germany, the young athlete is managing her life around intense practices: vaulting practice and horse training, vaulting practice and horse training each occupy five nights of her week. To allow for such a demanding schedule, Hannah is in a home-school program, which she enjoys because of its flexibility and convenience, and because it permits her to pursue her sport devotedly. One of the reasons she enjoys being an equestrian vaulter is that she loves a challenge; vaulting continually tests her abilities. Through competitions, Hannah is also given the opportunity to travel; she has competed in California and New Mexico, and is excited about going to her first European competition. Despite her considerable equestrian accomplishments, Hannah is still a typical 14-year-old girl. Like many teenagers, she loves the Lord of the Rings films – though she prefers the rugged Viggo Mortenson to heartthrob Orlando Bloom – and is a fan of the much-loved Johnny Depp. Social studies reigns as a favourite subject, since Hannah believes that “It’s better than math!” She is close to her family and considers them as principal role models in her life; they support and encourage her, which is important during her moments of frustration. However, Hannah has vast amounts of confidence and determination – just like her five-year-old self, Hannah refuses to admit defeat. This talented young girl has been given the chance of a lifetime – a chance to pursue a favourite sport in an international competition. Regrettably, she must leave her faithful mount, a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross named Diego, behind. The travelling and lodging costs in Germany are too great for Hannah to enjoy the World Equestrian Games with her own horse. Consequently, she must employ an equestrian partner from a German source. Due to this complication, Hannah and her mother must travel to Germany twice this year – once so Hannah can familiarize herself with her new horse and once for the competition. Airfare, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of the competition – for Hannah and her mother, only four days – are approximately $4000 per person. The expenses surrounding Hannah and Becky’s first trip to Germany are still unknown; nevertheless, it can be expected to be a costly trip. It would be regrettable if Hannah’s future with equestrian vaulting were hindered due to financial complications caused by such an elaborate event as the WEG. Since the costs are high, Hannah must fundraise in order to gain the necessary funds; a sponsor would be beneficial for this superb athlete, but even without one Hannah will do what she needs to do to get to Germany. It is this sort of perseverance that may gain Hannah more than a trip to the Worlds – it may earn her a world-class medal. Young Hannah Marland is a hardworking and determined athlete who is diligently pursuing the sport of equestrian vaulting despite the demanding schedule and challenging practices. She deserves the honour of representing Canada, as well as Alberta, as a junior athlete in the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Her accomplishments are inspiring and she should be congratulated and supported by all. Hannah, congratulations on all your achievements, and we wish you all the best of luck in Germany. By Tamara Aschenbrenner |
|
| Copyright: Alberta Equestrian Federation | |
| 5/13/2008 : 10:53:16 PM | |