Aberdeen University Psychology student Katie Henderson is an ex-international level vaulter. Last year, she started her own vaulting club. This week, the Gaudie talked to her about the sport of vaulting, coaching, and how the first year of her club has been.
Gaudie: Can you tell me a bit about vaulting?
Katie: I think vaulting is best described as gymnastics on horses. It started with cavalry officers; they would train by vaulting over the horse to develop a bond with the horse, as well as their balance and strength. It developed through the circus, and now it’s an international FEI recognised sport.
G: Could you tell us a bit about your career?
K: I started vaulting when I was six years old. I saw a display of it at the Drymen Show and I was obsessed with it until my parents got me a lesson for my birthday. Since then, I have been hooked. I vaulted competitively for twelve years, I was a team GBR athlete, and I came fourth at the European Championships.
G: What does it take to compete at a high level of sport?
K: I think love of the sport, mostly. You can’t spend your life doing something that you don’t love fully, vaulting has always been the thing I love most in the world. I loved it so much I was happy to commit to whatever I needed to. Having a good support network is important too, I had supportive people and great friends at my club.
G: How has the club been going so far?
K: It’s been good, but it’s definitely been difficult. I’ve never run a club this big before. I really love teaching and seeing how excited and passionate the kids are. There’s definitely been teething issues and it’s a big commitment.
G: How have the kids taken to it?
K: They love it. We do a lot of taster days, and they get so many great kids coming to give it a go. Some of them have never touched a horse before, some of them are very keen horse riders and gymnasts – which is also how I started. They love what they do, and I really love seeing that.
G: How has returning to the sport been?
K: I’ve loved it. Leaving vaulting wasn’t my choice, I’ve really missed it so much. I don’t think there’s been a day in my life since I first saw vaulting that I haven’t thought about it. I’m not even exaggerating! So it feels like this is a culmination of a lot of hard work, it’s something I’ve wanted since I was fourteen. It’s like being back where I’m meant to be.
G: What is it you love so much about coaching?
K: I love working with kids, they’re so funny. I see how they feel about vaulting, and it’s how I felt about it at their age. Everything is so exciting, I get on the horse, and they go, “Wow, I want to try that!” It’s so nice seeing passion from the kids, all they want to do is vault. I remember being that kid.
