Vaulters set to represent our state with pride at nationals next month

Thirteen of our state's premier vaulters will represent WA with pride at at the 24th Australian Vaulting Championships in Sydney next month. 

Eight of our team are from the Ripplebrook Equestrian Vaulting Academy, with three from RDA Carine and two from Dryandra Pony Club. 

The full list of our WA stars is below:

• Matilda Yates (REVA)
• Rachel Ryan (REVA)
• Yindi Falconbridge (REVA)
• Skyelah De Vries (REVA)
• Elise Cox (REVA)
• Olivia Barry (REVA)
• Grace Joyce (REVA)
• Zane Jakse (REVA)
• Emmi Kneale (RDA Carine)
• Imogen Capelli (RDA Carine)
• Tia Kaiser (RDA Carine)
• Annalyce Page (Dryandra PC)
• Jenaveve Page (Dryandra PC)

Each week in the lead up to the championships, we'll be taking a closer look at some of our stars who are set to shine in Sydney. 

This week we're featuring REVA's Matilda Yates and Elsie Cox!

Matilda Yates

Age: 23

Years Vaulting: Nine

Level: Advanced

Favourite Horse: Mack

Favourite Move: Handstand

Move I Want to Learn: Back Handspring

Favourite Thing About Vaulting:

The feeling of being in harmony with the horse.

Elsie Cox

Age: 12

Years Vaulting: Two and a half years

Level: Pre Novice

Favourite Horse: Mac who is 10 years my senior at the age of 22 and is an Off the Track Thoroughbred who’s race name was Homme (Kimmy thinks!)

Favourite Move: My favourite move is a chest hang cartwheel which is if you are on the neck of the horse or back pad, you have to lean down and put your chest onto the pad so you are facing the floor and then you have to pull your legs up into the air as if your are doing a cartwheel but your hands are holding onto the handle or pad and you can use this as a transition move to go onto the neck or back.

Move I Want to Learn: I would love to be able to do a handstand on the handles while on the horse as I am quite good at them on the ground.

Favourite Thing About Vaulting: I love all the horses and the people involved as we spend a lot of time training together they are like my family. They have taught me not to give up and keep persevering even if the moves are really hard. We are always learning all the new skills and it is a fun way to do exercise.