Framlinghamian 2023-2024 Single page - web 144dpi - Flipbook - Page 137
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
and nerve. Solo performers, teams or
if you like being active outdoors but may
pairs (known as pas de deux) showcase
not be interested in 昀椀eld sports like rugby
routines similar to gymnastics but on
or football. I hope my new ambassador
horseback as the horse travels in a circle
role will inspire and encourage more
on a lunge line. Originating from nearly
young people to get outside and have a
2000 years ago, vaulting dates back to
go at a new sport.”
the Roman Games. Today it is recognised
all over the world, with 10 British
Recently returning from a successful
Equestrian Vaulting clubs in England.
competition at Moreton Morrell College
in Warwickshire, Ollie took home second
Currently the only boy in the Su昀昀olk Club,
place in the individual class and a brilliant
which is based at Poplar Park Equestrian
昀椀rst place win in the pas de deux. Looking
Centre in Hollesley, Ollie trains twice a
ahead, he has 昀椀ve more competitions
week with coaches Anne Hardwick and
lined up this year, ending the season with
Annika Seivert.
a return to the English Championships this
October (at which, last year, Ollie was
Talking to ‘Boys Ride Too’ magazine,
placed 17th out of 100 in the UK for his
Ollie said: “My favourite is being part of
solo performance, and third place out of
a pas de deux and my partner is called
seven pairs in the pas de deux).
Sienna. Over the summer we practised a
routine together and in September went
Ollie’s proud mum, Joanna, said: “Being
to the English Championships where we
an ambassador is a brilliant accolade
took part in our 昀椀rst ever competition and
and we are so proud of Ollie that he
came third. This felt exhilarating and I
is an inspiring representation for boys
was so happy.”
in the equestrian world. Vaulting has
been a fantastic new experience for
Paired with Barney, a 17hh Irish Sports
Ollie. It’s such a shame that boys are not
Horse, Ollie is determined to stamp out
represented more in this age group with
gender stereotypes in the equestrian
equestrian disciplines.
world and show that there is plenty of
acceptance and opportunity for young
“Alongside improving 昀椀tness and strength,
boys in the novice and amateur arena.
we have noticed that vaulting has taught
Ollie about the importance of teamwork
“I think there’s a lack of boys my age in
and responsibility, and has helped him to
equestrian sports because many don’t
develop respect, trust and courage. He is
know what else you can do,” Ollie
a brilliant role model for young boys and
explains. “Most think it’s just showjumping
we hope this will encourage others to try
– but there’s so much more you can do,
something new and for more boys to take
and vaulting is great for those at both
up equestrian sport.”
beginner and advance riding levels, or
135
