CVI is the French acronym (Concours de Voltige International) meaning International Vaulting Competition.

The event included national and international competitors. Vaulters practice a variety of moves on horseback that incorporate gymnastic and dance ability.

A surcingle, also known as a roller, is secured around the horse to help provide stability and support while performing the routine to a musical, themed background for the viewer to interpret.

Highlands competitors Bella Napthali, Anna Schindler, Abbey Hunt and Morgan Spary competed in Individual, Pas de Deux and Squad Events.

Bella received a squad second place in our team Rainbow Freestyle, as well as a third in Pas de Deux with Morgan with a fun Mamma Mia routine which had the entire audience rocking.

Anna received an individual fifth place, as well as the preliminary squad second place. Morgan won the gold medal in the senior female individual CVI2* with a qualifying score vaulting to a fun and exciting "Grease" routine. Morgan is now qualified for senior CVI 3*. Abbey Hunt was thrilled to be part of the rainbow squad and also a great score in her PreNovice individual.

Other team members who competed travelled from Sydney, Bathurst, Canberra and Hawkesbury to be part of the club.

This included competitors Jamie Haste, Rachael Mackey, Orlagh Fitzgerald, Isabelle Brandy, Ella Finn, Claire Stevens, and Trista Mitchell. Lungers include Sally Paragalli and Mike Winwood and Karen Mitchell.

Sally smilingly took the coveted first place of the Lungers Canter Category with horse EP Morgan.

Isabelle Brandy took a first in individual preliminary and second in the squad. Rachael received a fifth in individual junior CVI*.

Ella Fin earned a second in the individual pre-novice and second in the squad.

Orlagh and Rachael shared a fourth with the "Grease Squad" in the Barrel Squad Class.

Jamie was also part of the second place winning preliminary squad, as well as taking home a gold medal in the Junior Male CVI* vaulting on the very popular Macquarie View Jamal. Claire Stevens put her personal best performance, also on Jamal, in the CVI1* Junior.

Rachael Mackey was thrilled with her individual in the CVI1* Junior on Edrom Park Morgan (also her personal best) lunged by Sally Paragalli. CVI1*, CVI2*, and CVI3* refer to an international qualification of rating.

Each star level represents further intensity and challenge of each of the moves demonstrated on the horse, and is recognised across the world wherever CVI qualifications are held. Overall the five days of competition were educational, entertaining as well as competitive. Vaulters and lungers from across Australia share a fantastic camraderie understanding all the efforts put forward by all, to be part of a fun yet demanding event. The Highlands vaulting team meets each Saturday in Alpine. Email Kerri Wilson at docwilli@hotmail.com if you would like to know more about equestrian vaulting in the Highlands. - Southern Highlands Vaulting Team member Angela Schindler