The Flying Stars team performs compulsory acrobatic routines things like standing, spinning and other dance moves on a horse and then freestyle on a barrel.
BEAVERTON, Ore. — A Beaverton equestrian vaulting team recently won the national championship.
The four members of the Flying Stars team — Haley and Sidney Haberger, Greta Lee, and Aili Varner — call what they do gymnastics on a horse.
Their coach has another description of equestrian or horse vaulting, imagine something you might have seen a long time ago.
“Think more along the lines of circus. That’s all I can compare it to,” said Marci Siegal-Kitrell.
The team trains at Forward Stride in Beaverton a nonprofit that offers a variety of equine therapies. The Flying Stars are categorized as a Trot Two Phase Team.
They perform compulsory acrobatic routines things like standing, spinning and other dance moves on a horse and then freestyle on a barrel.
The horse is on a rein and guided in a circle by someone called a lunger. Instead of a saddle, the horse wears a strap with handles.
The girls say it’s all about the teamwork.
“I like that it’s really engaging both mentally and physically — we all learn to trust each other, the horse and the lunger. It’s a lot of bonding,” said Greta, one of the team members.
At the last national championships, the Flying Stars finished first in their division. They earned a trophy that will stay at Forward Stride until the next national champion is crowned.
For the parents, it was an event they will always remember. Haley and Sidney’s mom is a former vaulter and one of the volunteers at the national event.
“I was the person who told them they won! That was a really special moment,” said Anja Harberger.
Vaulting is not an Olympic event, but there are World Cup competitions. The Flying Stars will continue to compete both as a team and individuals, and they say the connection they have will last with them forever.