An 11-year-old who has taken half within the nationwide vaulting championships hopes to encourage different younger boys into horse sport.
Ollie Rowles, who competes with 17hh Irish sport horse Barney, stated he’s decided to indicate others that equestrianism is for them, having began vaulting virtually a 12 months in the past.
Ollie has featured in Boys Trip Too journal, and has now been named the publication’s official vaulting ambassador.
“I used to be speechless at first and really completely satisfied to be recognised,” he stated. “I started vaulting final Easter; there was a category on the yard and I actually needed to offer it a go, however the class was all women. I used to be somewhat disheartened that I might be the one boy within the membership and was not sure if it was for me, however I made a decision to offer it a go and I’m so completely satisfied I did.”
Ollie, the one boy in Suffolk Vaulting Membership, trains twice every week with coaches Anne Hardwick and Annika Seivert. He stated his favorite a part of the game is being a part of a pas de deux crew; he and his associate Sienna got here third on this class on the English championships final September.
A spokesman for Framlingham Faculty, at which Ollie is a pupil, stated he was “decided to stamp out gender stereotypes within the equestrian world and present that there’s loads of acceptance and alternative for younger boys in novice and beginner areas”.
Ollie added: “I believe there’s a scarcity of boys my age in equestrian sports activities as a result of many don’t know what else you are able to do. Most assume it’s simply showjumping – however there’s a lot extra you are able to do, and vaulting is nice for these at each newbie and superior driving ranges, or in case you like being lively outdoor however is probably not eager about area sports activities like rugby or soccer.
“I hope my new ambassador position will encourage and encourage extra younger folks to get exterior and have a go at a brand new sport.”
Ollie’s latest competitors outcomes embody second place within the particular person class at Moreton Morrell Faculty, and a win within the pas de deux. He has 5 extra occasions deliberate this 12 months, together with the British championships in October, at which he completed seventeenth in 2023.
Ollie’s mum Joanna, stated: “Being an envoy is an excellent accolade and we’re so happy with Ollie; he’s an inspiring illustration for boys within the equestrian world.
“Vaulting has been a implausible new expertise for Ollie. It’s such a disgrace that boys should not represented extra on this age group with equestrian disciplines.
“Alongside enhancing health and power, we’ve got observed that vaulting has taught Ollie concerning the significance of teamwork and accountability, and has helped to develop respect, belief and braveness.
“Ollie is an excellent position mannequin for younger boys and we hope it will encourage others to strive one thing new and for extra boys to take up equestrian sport.”
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