The Whitewater Therapeutic Recreation & Riding Association would like to express their appreciation to the Idaho Commission on the Arts for recognizing equine vaulting as a performing art. Their generous grant funded our model project for Youth At Risk in Salmon, Idaho. The door was opened for nine students to experience the grace and beauty of vaulting on horseback.
They began by walking the horse then running with the same rhythm and leg movement of the horse. Games were introduced to work with the horse at a walk, trot and canter. Besides aerobic exercise, they developed motor skills, body awareness, spatial orientation, rhythm and concentration. Trust and relaxation came with gentle exercises while on the horses’ back. They learned patience, social skills and teamwork while observing and assisting their team mates.
Growing can be a struggle whether you’re two or ninety two. What a thrill to watch and hear about the positive changes these young people experienced during their vaulting school. On the day of their performance, a woman sitting in the bleachers began to cry. She spoke to a person nearby. “I’ve never seen my son perform until today . . . he’s always been in trouble everywhere else.”
Another youth was at a stalemate with her counseling therapy. After the vaulting school, there was a breakthrough in her sessions. Both her psychiatrist and her parent contribute her progress to the vaulting program.
As children they learned to stand, walk and run. As young people, they’re learning to walk, trot and run in partnership with a horse and their teammates. In harmony, they gain confidence and the courage to reach out to others in positive ways. As a follow-up to their program, they will present their vaulting video to youth groups in Salmon.
A rainbow of tender, caring emotions arched over the arena the day of their vaulting performance. Whispers of pride and support caressed each performer.
“Great job!”
“Give me a high five!”
“You were wonderful!”
“I did it!”
You did it with flying colors and we salute your ballet on horseback!