CLOVERDALE — Three Surrey sisters are competing against one another in equestrian vaulting at this weekend’s BC Summer Games in Abbotsford.
Cloverdale’s Old sisters, Emma, 16, Bella, 14, and Abigail, 12, say although there is a healthy rivalry among them, they push each other to succeed in their own rights.
Although Abigail is going into the competition ranked No. 1 in B.C. in Canter D, Bella is a a close second. Emma (pictured) edged both her sisters out for a first-place finish at the last competition in June.
Equestrian vaulting is the sport of gymnastics and acrobatics on a moving horse. The girls will be competing at canter and will be required to do one round of compulsory moves followed by a freestyle performance set to music.
They will be judged on their technique, harmony with the horse and performance. The horse will be judged on his obedience, turnout and quality of his gait.
The sisters have been training with the Triple M Vaulters in Surrey for the past eight years. All of the girls will compete on Buddy, the team's 16-year-old paint cross gelding.
All three girls take different approaches to the sport. Emma is the reflective one, who thinks things through and quietly goes about her training. Bella loves to attempt new and more difficult moves, whereas Abigail is the performer who loves an audience.
“I want to be on the podium,” Abigail said.
The sisters will be competing against 10 other athletes from across British Columbia.
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