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Abingdon RDA
Fund raising - we need help! Vaulting GroupVaulting is a disciplined sport comprising exercises, conditioning, gymnastics all in a fun environment. The ultimate aim is to perform gymnastic moves on the horse which is moving in circles on a lunge rein. None of our riders has yet achieved standing on the horse at a canter but we are making great strides. We own "Metal Mickey" which is a raised barrel with support handles and we practise all our moves on Micky so that we don't put our faithful vaulting pony under any stress.
The vaulting group has been active since 1994. My daughter was a gymnast and a rider and she involved herself with the exciting sport of vaulting just before she went off to university. This got me enthused and I saw the benefits for the more active members of our group. A couple of us went to train as instructors with the Windrush Group under the expert supervision of Catherine Townsend. I had been heavily involved with coaching gymnastics for many years and also kept horses for most of my life. Thus the groundwork was set for Abingdon RDA Vaulting Group.
We have found that vaulting benefits everyone, able bodied and our riders who have all kinds of disabilities. We have lots of helpers including physiotherapists, teenage helpers, instructors, lungers etc. We are indebted to them all - without them we wouldn't have such a successful group.
A typical session consists of a warm up (running, games, follow my leader, exercises etc), conditioning exercises (rolling, balance, sequencing, fun stuff with lots of work with the left and right sides of the body), Metal Mickey work and then finally, performing on Piglet (William in the picture has retired from vaulting). Unfortunately Piglet has decided that he has had enough and we are looking to replace him (please help!). Some horses thrive on vaulting but it is not really Piglet's thing. We have had great success with children with a variety of disabilities hope to continue to learn more ways to improve their life, giving them fun and exercise in a therapeutic and safe environment.
We have a new horse called Paddy and we are hoping that he will make the ideal vaulting horse! Training commences - watch this space. Send an email to Abingdon RDA if you are interested in vaulting. Benefits of vaulting - article by physiotherapistVaulting – It’s like swimming with the dolphins, only cheaperSo said one of my physio colleagues when she “sold” the vaulting experience to one of the children with coordination problems who is now a regular vaulter. People usually have only a vague idea of what we mean by vaulting, possibly associating it with dim memories of unpleasant school experiences in the gym! It is more accurately described as gymnastics on horseback, but how could that be a suitable activity for children with problems with coordination? As a physio, I am only too aware of the difficulties experienced by children such as these, not just in regard to their physical skills, but also relating to the vital areas of self-confidence and self-esteem. Children who are referred to the Vaulting group have usually had very little success with such activities as school PE lessons, team games, time in the playground etc, and so have little confidence with which to attempt new tasks and explore new areas. This usually leaves them reluctant to try new activities for fear of failure, especially when they compare themselves with other children their age. It becomes a vicious circle, because not trying new things limits the ability to learn, to socialise with friends, to achieve at school and to have fun. Children with coordination problems have usually, at some stage, seen a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to help them with their particular areas of difficulty. They often do exercises to help them develop the particular skills ( with areas such as ball skills, hip, shoulder and core stability, crossing midline and sequencing) so what’s so special about Vaulting? I have lots of ideas myself, but I decided to ask the children and their parents what they thought, and came up with some interesting and sometimes surprising answers: “It depends how it affects me after school, if I’ve had a bad day it kind of helps me with my mood. It helps me with my coordination, I can throw and catch a ball much better.” Kate Gills (“Fizzy” Kate) Children’s Physiotherapist 20.06.07
(A Group Member of the Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving, Registered Company No.5010395, Registered Charity No. 244108)
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