OLDS — For the first time, Canada is sending a junior equestrian vaulting team to compete in the world championships in Flyinge, Sweden July 25-29.
In equestrian vaulting, athletes combine dance and gymnastics on top of a horse as it canters in a circle. The competition has two phases: the compulsory exercises and the freestyle, all done to music.
The team making this trip is not only Canadian, its members are entirely from Alberta, including many from Mountain View County region.
Local squad members are 14-year-old Katey van den Bosch of Olds; Lynda van Noordenburg, 16, of Didsbury and Jaydee Fluet, 16 of Sundre.
Also on the team are Emma Sparrow, 11, of Rocky Mountain House and two Cochrane residents: Daniel Klotz- Dedora, 16; and Emily Consaul, 17.
Three of the squad members have also qualified to compete as individual competitors at the world championships: Klotz-Dedora, van Noordenburg and Fluet.
Also competing in the world championships are Averill Saunders and Ryan Bracken. Both live north of Sundre.
It takes a special horse to do this sport, and Zorro is that horse.
A news release describes Zorro as “one in a million".
“His quiet demeanor, rhythmic gaits, work ethic and his strength to carry the squad makes him the most important squad member,” the release says.
Zorro is owned by Angelique Vick and Jeanine van der Sluijs, both from Olds, where they run the Meadow Creek Vaulting Club.
Zorro, along with van der Sluijs, will leave for Sweden a few days early so he can settle in, get over his jetlag and be ready to train and compete.
You’re invited to cheer on the team as it prepares for the big trip.
That celebration will be held July 8 from 3-5 p.m. at Old Gate Farm, four kilometres east of the Highway 27 overpass ast of Olds.
At that time, members of the public will have a chance to meet the athletes in person as well as sign flags and wish them well.
Because it’s being held relatively close to Canada Day, the theme of dress will be Canadian colours.
