Cowboy movie star John Wayne was legendary in vaulting into the saddle to escape pursuers. Whilst the SLTC Apprentice School students might not be in need of a quick exit, the art of mounting without use of stirrups or a “leg-up”, is an important tool for any rider.

At the SLTC Equestrian Centre last week, students were taken through the steps and practice of vaulting onto a horse from the ground by visiting jockey, Brazilian Jose De Souza. After doing some barre ballet exercises, each apprentice had the task of ‘leaping onto’ three horses of varying heights – including whilst on the move. The task was made harder as one of the school horses assisting, was more than 17 hand high.

As a finale to the training session – the class was split into groups with a knockout competition reducing the field of 20 to three finalist. The finalist had to vault onto each horse in perfect fashion. Pre-Apprentice A Ariff from MW Teh stables, R Nuqman from B T Lim stables and A Najib from Frank Maynard stables competed in the final and Jose de Souza declared that R Nuqman possess the best style and technique.

SLTC Equestrian Centre Manager, Ms Wan Ming was presented with a memento by the Apprentices for allowing the use of the facilities and lending horses Fox Treasure, Peanuts and the giant Great White to facilitate the session.