A strong team of eight made the trip across the Hay Plans to take on the best in the country.

Bowral High student Lee Briggs won the national male champion award, winning his A-grade individual class and qualified for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky, USA, next year.

He was also a member of the winning canter team that hopes to qualify for the trip to Kentucky next year.

In her first competition as an A-grade vaulter, Lani Maher, a Year 8 Frensham student, competed in individual, Pas de Deux and in the canter horse team.

The 14-year-old competed against seasoned vaulters such as 27-year-old Australian female national champion and international competitor Tristyn Lowe of Canberra. Maher finished third and also qualified for WEG.

Year 9 Chevalier student Reilly O’Byrne-Inglis achieved a very commendable score in B-grade, while O’Byrne-Inglis and her Pas de deux partner Maher wowed the audience with their performances and placed second in the PDD classes.

Sally and Lee Briggs, O’Byrne-Inglis and Maher recently returned from a trip to Germany with the national vaulting team, which trains at the National Equestrian Centre in Canberra.

Coach Michele O’Byrne said she was proud and delighted with all the performances.

“It was a huge commitment to travel with a horse to South Australia and so very encouraging to see so many personal bests achieved,” she said.

“All vaulters received a placing in at least one class. Of particular note was Emma Heath who placed first in her E Individual and Pas de Deux with her partner Phoebe Priestly.

“Congratulations also to Mikayla Manning on her second place individually, Phoebe a third and both Natalie Paragalli and Gabby Simpson with a fifth placing in their grades.”

O’Byrne said the team appreciated all the help it received.

“Lee, Lani and Reilly were fortunate to ride the beautiful horses, Sam and Louis, owned and trained by Lyn Lynch of Sydney Vaulting Group in Oakville.

“We want to acknowledge the enormous support for Lani from Frensham, Lee from Bowral High and Reilly from Chevalier College in allowing these talented young athletes to balance their studies with their intensive training schedules which involves training in Canberra, Oakville and the Highlands.

“They are committed to their sport and their team and have their personal goals set very high in planning to represent Australia at the WEG.

“We wish them luck and fun on their journey towards Kentucky.”

For more information on vaulting visit equestrianvaulting.com .