Jessica Looks to Vault onto the World Stage

 

Dedicating herself to the sport means plenty of sacrifices.

More than the moves themselves, and beyond the obvious strength and skill involved, it is the grace and determination etched on her face with each and every pass of the horse that stands out most.

Amidst the dust in the middle of the ring on a hot summer day up at Arbutus Meadows, The News caught up with local vaulter Jessica Bentzen, who, come July 20, is bound for Kentucky and her first international assignment, hoping to earn a spot on Team Canada for the upcoming world championships.

Jess, 18, a veteran member of the Mt. Arrowsmith Vaulters and part of the graduating class at Ballenas Secondary, is part of a team of five Canadian riders who will be competing in Lexington at the Kentucky Horse Show Park July 27 to Aug. 3 as part of the prestigious CVI International Vaulting Competition. Worth noting is Lexington is also the site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games — the first time in the history of the event it’s been held outside Europe…

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Date: 7-16-2009
By: www.bclocalnews.com