Equestrian Vaulting is described as dance and gymnastics performed on the back of a moving horse.
west coast vaulters is home to athletes of all levels, from beginners to those placing in the top 10 in the world.
Dating back to Roman times, Equestrian Vaulting is one of the oldest equestrian disciplines, yet also one of the least popular in North America. In Canada, BC and Alberta form national epicenters of the sport; with over 20 years of history, West Coast Vaulters is proud to be a significant presence on the Canadian vaulting scene.
Vaulting is a great way to develop harmony with the horse, accentuate gymnastic or riding ability, work with a team, and simply have a great time! We have an extensive range of classes that offer the right fit for everyone. You do not need any prior experience with horses, nor do you need any dance or gymnastic background before trying vaulting! Any one over the age of 5 is able to participate in regular classes. For our younger vaulters, we offer seasonal Tiny Tot session. We have classes for Walk vaulters all the way through to our internationally competitive 3* athletes. We have several squad options of varying levels. We also offer an Introduction to Vaulting class for adults who may be looking to try vaulting for the first time, or who are wanting to come back to it after some time away from the sport or out of the saddle.
Our club offers both recreational and competitive options. Our focus is on creating an environment that builds positive and confident athletes and teammates of all ages, backgrounds, and motivations. Vaulting, at all levels, incorporates elements of music, dance, and gymnastics that combine to create a unique expression of partnership with the horse.
Locations
Coombs, Vancouver Island, BC
Langley, BC
For more information about the mainland branch of West Coast Vaulters, please contact us!
Class Schedule
Class schedule is subject to change with each school semester. New and inquiring vaulters, please contact us for availability. Each practice incorporates coaching and training in our gym, which is host to a weight room, four stationary barrels, and a Movie, and is followed by bringing out one or more horses.
OUR COACHES
Gabe Aniello
Originally from Oregon, Gabe has been vaulting since 2003. He has competed internationally as an Individual, as well as in both Pas De Deux and Squad. Notably, he represented the United States as an individual at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. He has trained with an incredible range of coaches and clubs across North America, as well as throughout Germany and France. Top results include a 10th place finish at the World Championships in Le Mans 2012, 6th at CVI Aachen in 2012, 12th at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, 2014, and 1st place at CVI Chilliwack 2015.
Over the last several years, Gabe has helped many of his own athletes to national and international success. He has represented Canada as a coach at multiple Senior and Junior World Championships, and was the Chef D’Equipe for the 2024 Senior World Championships.
JESSICA BENTZEN
Jessica has been vaulting since 1999, and in that time has competed provincially, nationally and internationally as an Individual as well as in Pas De Deux and Squad. She has trained with some of the top coaches from Alberta, California, Colorado, Texas, and most recently across Germany and France. She has a strong background in showjumping, having shown to the grand prix level. Jess is responsible for starting many and training all of the horses in the program, and is also experienced with helping facilitate the sales, purchases, and development of vaulting prospects. She has a background in natural horsemanship, having worked extensively with Jonathan Field. She is certified with both HCBC and EVABC and is a Certified Equine Sport Therapist.
Jessica has also taken the position of competition organizer for EC, and has supported Canada as Chef D’Equipe at numerous World Championships.
Abbey Sommerville
Abbey joined West Coast Vaulters in 2022 as a part of our virtual coaching program. In 2024, she moved to the island from Washington State to become a more permanent member of the team! In addition to vaulting in the program, Abbey coaches, lounges, rides, and is Jessica’s working student. She has competed Individually through 3*, and attended the 2025 Junior/YV World Championships as the Reserve Athlete for the United States. Recent results include a 2nd place finish in the 2*Y class at CVI Tryon, a 1st place finish in Young Gold at Oak Hills Classic, and winning 2025 US High Point for 2* Gold.
Katelyn Foss
Katie has been vaulting since 2017, and has been with West Coast since 2023. After competing at her first CVI in just September of 2024, she was able to qualify for the 2025 Junior/YV World Championships as the Reserve Athlete for Canada. Katie has multiple international wins in both the US and Canada in the 2* Senior division. In addition to her vaulting and coaching, Katie is an Education major, and hopes to incorporate teaching into her career. Katie attended the 2023 and 2024 BC Summer Games as the Assistant Coach for Vaulting.
Kateri Belisle
OUR HORSES
Darwin’s Theory
Darwin is a 2011 Hanoverian that joined West Coast Vaulters in 2020. He primarily carries our Junior individuals. He has an impressive dressage foundation and has recently started jumping! He is also a part of our lesson program.
Ebenezer
Ebe is a 2017 Clydesdale that came to us in 2021. Ebe was started shortly after coming to us, and has had all of his vaulting and riding training here! He currently carries Beginner Canters up through 2* individuals.
Edinburgh 23
Berger is a 2011 Friesian/Percheron that has been with us since 2015. Berger represented GBR at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, and was the backup horse for the Canadian Squad and an Australian Pas De Deux. He has carried vaulters from across the US and Canada at many selection trials and international events. At home, he carries our Beginner-Advanced Canters, as well as our Intermediate Canter Squad.
hennessy
Henry is a 2017 Percheron/Quarter Horse that joined the team in 2023. Henry carries our vaulters at all three gaits, from our Walk vaulters all the way to Advanced Canters. Henry also enjoys jumping, and is a part of our lesson program!
Hugo
Hugo is a 2003 Belgian Saddlebred that joined West Coast Vaulters in 2016. Hugo has taken a step back from regular classes after a very impressive vaulting career of carrying a range of vaulters from 1* Juniors all the way to the 3* Senior Squad. He attended the World Equestrian Games in 2018 where he represented Canada with Jess.
Leviosa
Levi is a 2017 Thoroughbred/Belgian that came to the club in 2024. He had his first vaulting start at Canadian Nationals in September of 2025. We are looking forward to the future with this one! Aside from vaulting, he also enjoys jumping!
Magnus Opus
Magnus is a 2013 Clydesdale that has been with us since 2021. Magnus had a bit of a later start, coming to us only halter broke, but has taken to vaulting incredibly well! He carries our 2* and 3* individuals, and has already carried vaulters from across the US and Canada at a number of national and international competitions.
Matisse
Affectionately known in the barn as Oliver, Matisse is a 2004 Shire/Paint. Oliver has had an extensive and impressive vaulting career. He joined our team in 2014 after Jess met him in California, where he had begun vaulting. Oliver has carried many vaulters within and beyond our club. He has helped several Juniors qualify for their first world championships.
Stilton
Stilton is a 2011 Percheron/Dutch Warmblood. He carries our 2* and 3* individuals, and has helped one of our 3* Seniors to qualify for his last several world championships!
Moose
Moose is a 2020 Clyde/Perch/Thoroughbred that
Ryder
Ryder is a 2011 Shire that has been with us since 2018. Ryder carries our smallest vaulters all the way through our 2* Junior Squad. He spent the 2024/25 seasons helping both our Junior Squad and Junior Pas De Deux qualify to represent Canada at the Junior World Championships.
Classes & Fees
schedule varies by season.
fall/Winter 2025 schedule:
Can be found on the West Coast Vaulters’ Facebook page for our vaulters! New and inquiring vaulters, please contact for availability.
What we offer
Walk and Trot Group Classes
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Canter Group Classes
1*-3* Individuals, PDD, Squad
Tiny Tots (Seasonal)
Adults (Intro to Vaulting)
class fees are Based on monthly or Annual commitments requiring 30 days notice to change. Prices do not include GSt.
Please contact for program-specific prices. Advanced canter and below require monthly commitments. 1* and above require annual commitments. Tiny Tots and Adult classes run in sessions.
Tiny Tots (Ages 3–7)
A great way to introduce horses and vaulting to younger kids! Includes a fun warm up, games, and activities on the horse and barrel, all supervised hands-on by our coaches!
Adults (Intro to Vaulting, 18+)
Our Adult class runs in 8 week sessions, and is open to ages 18+. No prior vaulting or horse experience is required. It is the perfect way to introduce a new kind of fitness, improve confidence and balance in the saddle, return to vaulting after some time away, or simply spend some time around horses! Our Adult class introduces and covers the basics of vaulting and horsemanship, but also accommodates those with prior competitive vaulting experience.
Walk and Trot
Our walk and trot classes run three days a week. Vaulters may attend as few as one, or as many as all three days, depending on available space.
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced canter classes run three days a week. Vaulters are required to attend at least two classes a week, and may increase to three depending on available space.
1*-3*
For competitive vaulters 1* and above, we run multiple classes across four days of the week, divided by general age, level, and horses best suited for the class. Vaulters in this program may vault up to four days a week, space allowing. An annual commitment is required to have a spot in this program. Inquire for prices and specific details.
PDD and Squad
Pas De Deux and Squad options are available for vaulters in our program.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available upon request. Barrel and Movie options will always be available, Horse options can only be accommodated as horses are available outside of our normally scheduled classes.
Drop In Lessons
Drop ins are available dependent on class space. Traveling vaulters are welcome to inquire, and we will do our best to accommodate you!
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available with any of our coaches upon request. Barrel and Movie privates can be offered dependent on the club schedule and the schedules of the coaches. Private lessons on the horse can only be accommodated if our schedule allows for horses to be used outside of their regular classes.
No prior experience required!
Please bring soft-soled tennis shoes or an alternative (water shoes, ballet shoes, etc.), full length pants, and a comfortable top that you can move in safely. Remember to pull long hair back and to remove all jewelry that would pose a risk of getting caught.
Camps, Clinics, and Birthday Parties
CAmps
We regularly offer camps at our facility in Coombs. We host multiple summer camps each year, and additional camps are dependent on seasonal availability and interest. Our vaulting camps are open to all levels, and are a great way for new vaulters to learn about and try out the sport, and for returning vaulters to spend more time doing what they love! Camps incorporate horsemanship, gymnastics, dance, team-building, strength training, and much more. Camp dates are announced and advertised on our Facebook page. You can also check back here under Upcoming Events!
clinics
Jess and Gabe are available to clinic worldwide. With the combined experience of competing at the highest levels across all three divisions, starting and producing many successful vaulting horses, and representing both Canada and the United States as coaches and loungers, they are able to tailor clinics to every club's levels and desires.
birthday parties
A birthday party at WCV gives the birthday boy or girl the chance to share some horsey fun with their friends. After a fun warm up in our barrel room, where party-goers will enjoy mini trampolines, thick mats, and practice barrels to learn basic moves, they'll move to one of highly-trained walk horses, and after getting to know their mount, will try out some of the moves they learned. Finally, it's time for food (not included) and presents! Let us help you customize the perfect event for your group!
Sponsorship
West Coast Vaulters would love your support! Our club frequently sends athletes in all three divisions to the World Championships. The club supports many fundraising opportunities for our athletes, and has many beneficial sponsorship options. Refer to the information packets below to see if you may be interested in being a sponsor, and helping to support our athletes with their international travels and expenses as they hope to represent the United States and Canada on the world stage!
Recent Achievements
WC STadl Paura 2025
West Coast Vaulters’ Junior Pas De Deux of Autumn Southorn and Bellaku Caleb competed alongisde Gozer at the World Championships for Juniors, only the second Junior pair to ever represent Canada at a championships!
WC Stadl Paura 2025
The West Coast Vaulters’ Junior Squad had the chance to represent Canada at the World Championships for Juniors in Austria this summer, paired with Christina Ender’s Gozer, where they earned their highest freestyle score to date with a 7.579!
Squad Members: Alyssa Gaudet, Annika Webb, Autumn Southorn, Bellaku Caleb, Emma Ahnert, and Selina Armenta
Aachen 2025
West Coast vaulter Talmage Conrad vaults to a top 10 finish in Aachen, partnered with Christina Ender’s San Felice Z.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is equestrian vaulting?
Vaulting is a unique and growing sport which combines dance and gymnastics on a moving horse. It's a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse.
Who can vault?
Anyone! Vaulting programs are not only for competitive teams, but include recreational groups, Pony Clubs, 4-H Clubs, and therapeutic vaulting programs.
What kinds of horses are used?
A wide variety of horses may be used! Check out Our Horses page to learn more about who is in our barn. When selecting vaulting horses, we look for size, temperament, and gait quality.
Do the horses like to vault?
Our horses love to vault! They all have different strengths and skills and are put in the classes that best suit them.
Do I have to compete?
Vaulting can be done strictly for recreation, to compliment a regular riding program or other sport, or with a competitive focus. You are not require to compete to join our team!
What if I don't own a horse?
Vaulting is a uniquely accessible equestrian sport, because the club is responsible for the ownership and maintenance of the horse(s) and facility.
could you Tell us more about your club?
We have been an established vaulting club since 1999. We have grown to be the largest club in Canada, and we have combined coaching, lounging, vaulting, competition management, and riding experience to offer!
Is vaulting safe?
Yes. Many factors contribute to the safety of the sport. The horse, which is chosen for its calm personality, is controlled by a trainer standing on the ground. Vaulters are taught strength-building and stretching exercises. At all levels they learn safe mounts and dismounts. Exercises are practiced on a stationary vaulting barrel before they are performed on the horse.
At what age can you start vaulting?
As young as three, and there is no end to when you can start to learn to vault!
Do I have to know how to ride a horse to begin vaulting?
No. However, if you are a rider that is interested in our program, it can be a great way to improve your strength, balance, and confidence in the saddle.
What are the skills that vaulting helps develop?
Coordination
Flexibility
Balance
Strength
Creativity
Trust
Teamwork
Responsibility
Confidence
Where can i see more of WCV?
Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram @westcoastvaulters!
Jess: 250.228.8880 // westcoastvaulters [at] gmail.com
Questions? Want to sign up? Looking to book a clinic or party? Please get in touch below, thanks!
In Loving Memory
When we think of those companions who traveled by our side down life's road, let us not say with sadness that they left us behind, but rather say with gentle gratitude that they once were with us. (Unknown)
TINY BUBBLES
Tiny came to us after a career in eventing and immediately took to the job of vaulting horse. Over the course of 12 years of vaulting, he changed so many lives and is fondly remembered by dozens of vaulters who learned so much both on and around him. For many years Tiny was the stalwart horse in our stable, and intimately connected with the Mt. Arrowsmith (WCV) name. After his passing, the entire Canadian vaulting community honoured him with a statuette in his name at Canada's first major vaulting competition of the year. There were few dry eyes and many fond memories at the ceremony! Affectionately nicknamed for his distinctive eyebrows, Tiny was an incredible character and his memory reminds us every day of how much of an impact these horses can be have our lives.
Prinz Pilot
Prinz came to us with a rich history in the sport, having carried many vaulters of all levels across North America. He made such an impact on our club by allowing the vaulters to gain confidence and skills over the short period he was with us. He stepped up when we needed him most after the loss of our Tiny and was happy and loved beyond belief.
Bruce
Ferdinand 194
Ferdinand was imported by WCV in 2015 after starting his career as a showjumper in Austria. He began vaulting with RVC Gilching, where we met him! In 2014, Ferdinand carried Gabe at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. After coming to us, Ferdinand continued vaulting until he got to settle down and live out his days enjoying retirement.
Kingston
Wordsworth
Known to his friends as Winston, Wordsworth was introduced to WCV in 2015. At 17 years old, he had a much later start to vaulting, but was very talented and loved the job. After starting vaulting with West Coast, Winston was able to help support many individuals and clubs across North America. He spent a bit of time in Alberta vaulting for a junior individual, and then spent a few years in Washington where he was the canter horse for the JS Equestrian Vaulting Club. With a strong dressage background, he also helped several riders earn their USDF first level scores. After coming back home to West Coast, Winston loved to come out for the occasional practice, was able to teach riding of all levels, and most recently took a step back from work to enjoy summers out on the field with his friends. Winston reached many places and touched many hearts, and he is remembered fondly by all who got the chance to meet, learn from, and work with him.