Vaulting has just added a technical test, a “short program” that combines compulsory with freestyle. This WEG is the first World Championship with this change—similar to the short freestyle seen in ice skating. German “O” vaulting judge Ulrike Rieder explained, “One compulsory test is eliminated. The freestyle is reduced from five to four minutes.”

The U.S. Chef d'Equipe, Suzanne Detol, said, “The technical test started after Jerez. This takes the place of the second round compulsories. The FEI vaulting committee gives us five freestyle compulsory exercises to include, and every two years those exercises will change.” Also, the age limit for team vaulters is gone—vaulters will no longer “age off.” So a balding vaulter shouldn't be a surprise (and was seen today). Adult vaulters require a bigger horse, also influencing the sport's presentation.

Vaulters (team and individual) pick their own music for their tests. Music with vocals is now allowed. And now six judges at locations, indicated by letters A through F. Three do horse scores, and three scores for exercises. Horse scores still one-eighth of the total, but posted on the scoreboard. And horse scores are announced first.

Vaulters Lift Off Day 1

Megan Benjamin launched U.S. vaulters on a high this morning, placing first in the compulsory test of the first round. Detol noted, “At the CVI Munich, she was second place. There she served notice that she was going to be tough.”

The F.A.M.E. Team didn't fare so well, ending up fifth in their compulsories. F.A.M.E. Represents Free Artists Mount Eden, a combination of 2 teams.) USEF Vaulting Coach Emma Drinker-Seely rated the team's showing as “medium well. We'll continue forth and do our best with our freestyle. Maybe we'll warm up the horse a little longer.” Detol stated her optimism: “I think our chances are really good, if they go out there and put on a really strong performance. I am Pollyanna. I have high hopes that 2 days from now things will be better.”

In the men's compulsory test, Kenny Geisler earned the highest score of the Americans. Aachen is his third WEG—he vaulted at both Rome and Jerez. Unlike previous WEGs, now the vaulters enjoy full support from USEF. For example, the F.A.M.E. Coach Devon Maitozo received funding for a German horse-finding trip in January. Adrienne Stang, “He tried two dozen horses, so he found team horses and most of the individual horses.” Compare that to the U.S. vaulters' first WEG in Stockholm 1990, where Californians had to support themselves on a trip far from home.

Vaulters do enjoy a special perk of their own “Vaulters' Village” lodgings. The downside is that the Village is part of an army base.