Steel City Vaulters plan exhibition to benefit Crumpet, the team mare

For most people, it’s challenging enough to perform a dance step or gymnastics move. The Steel City Vaulters do it all on the back of a moving horse.

The vaulting troupe will show their stuff during a fundraising exhibition from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Keystone Equestrian Center, off Route 22 east of New Alexandria.

The team comprises 11 vaulters, ranging in age from 4 to 19, coached by Alex DeRusha and sisters Essie and Emily Talarico.

Although all current members are female, membership is open to anyone, says team manager Beth Talarico of Gilpin.

During the exhibition, vaulters will perform 60-second routines both on horseback and on a stationary barrel, just as they do during competitions.

Courtesy of Beth Talarico

Steel City Vaulters coach Alex DeRusha competes at the 2019 American Vaulting Association National Championships in St. Louis, Mo., with team member Colleen Mauro lunging.

For the horseback routines, members will be atop the team horse, Crumpet, a 15-year-old registered American Shire mare. The $3 entrance fee will go to Crumpet’s boarding and veterinary care, Talarico says.

Crumpet weighs 2,200 pounds and stands 18.1 hands high — about 69 inches — at the shoulder.

The horse’s size and calm demeanor make her a good partner for vaulters, Talarico says.

“It takes many years to train a vaulting horse. They have to have the right temperament and can’t be easily distracted,” Talarico says. “Crumpet is very well-known; she’s a rock star. Everyone in the vaulting world knows her.”

“She loves her people,” says team manager Kelly DeRusha of Apollo. “Not every horse will let you crawl all over its back and neck.”

The Steel City Vaulters is the only vaulting team in Southwestern Pennsylvania, DeRusha says.

There are 406 such clubs across the country, divided into nine regions, Talarico says. The SVC is part of Region 9, which covers the east coast.

Walk, trot, canter

Vaulters perform in three categories according to the speed of the horse’s gait — walk, trot or canter — and determined by their own experience and ability. They also perform their routines on a stationary barrel.

In competition, there are standard compulsory routines that all participants must complete, to assess such factors as strength, flexibility and balance. There also are freestyle routines choreographed to a piece of music.

While most routines are performed solo, some feature pairs or teams of three. Both compulsory and freestyle routines are performed on horseback and on the barrel.

Courtesy of Beth Talarico

Steel City Vaulters Madelyn Vigna and Addison Long perform on the barrel during a competition at Frying Pan Park, Herndon, Va.

It takes both courage and skill to compete, DeRusha says.

“We once sold a T-shirt saying, ‘I’m a vault mom. I can hold my breath for 60 seconds,’” she says.

For vaulter safety, the horse is tethered to a lunge line held by a person called a lunger, allowing it to move in a circle. Less-experienced vaulters also can have a spotter nearby, DeRusha says.

The Steel City Vaulters practice twice a week. Their practices generally start each year in January or February for a competition season beginning in April or May, DeRusha says.

Competitions were canceled this year due to covid-19 restrictions, she adds.

In a normal year, the team travels to regional competitions in places like Kentucky and Tennessee and sometimes even to nationals.

And Crumpet goes along.

“Last year, we took her 12 hours to St. Louis,” Talarico says.

The Oct. 3 exhibition is planned for an outside arena, but will be moved inside if it rains. Visitors should bring chairs. Social distancing practices will be in place.

Baked goods, beverages and other fun items will be sold. Admission is free to children ages 2 and younger.

For information, visit the Steel City Vaulters Facebook page.