Kiwi Vaulters Through to Final at Worlds

Kiwi Vaulters Through to Final at Worlds

New Zealand's vaulters are through to the final of the team's competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France.

The Kiwis are relative dark horses in the event, and it is the first time New Zealand has been represented by a team at the world champs.

They were on debut in the compulsory on Monday, where they finished ninth, but today really shone with their Lorde-inspired freestyle which saw them place 10th for an overall seventh placing from the 17 teams.

Teams from other more established vaulting countries struggled in the close atmosphere of the Zenith Arena in Caen, but the six strong team from the Kapiti Vaulting Cub exuded confidence, being rewarded for their brave moves.

The top 12 will compete on Friday evening to decide the medals.

New Zealand are aboard a borrowed horse – Ikarus (owned by Karin Kiontke and Antonia Schubert) comes from the Pegasus Muhlacker Club in Germany where the New Zealand has been preparing for the world champs.

The athletes range in age from 11 through to 21 years old, and the team comprises six vaulters, two reserves and two trainers.

The team is – Vaulters: Danielle Schwabe, Brooke Dunstan, Lily-Claire Palmer, Georgi Curran, Rhyanne Vasta, Evangeline Goldie, Grace Williamson, Jennifer Ponne. Coaches: Catarina Strom, Verena Fiess.

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