If we were to compile a list of the most insane sports, horse vaulting would take one of the top spots.
It sounds like one of those weird foreign mashup sports like underwater hockey or chess boxing, but it’s not.
It’s a real thing that combines two sports Albertans love. Horse vaulting is basically gymnastics done on horseback.
It is probably one of the most athletically challenging sports around.
It does not get the publicity it deserves, but one Albertan high schooler is at the absolute top of the horse vaulting game.
Daniel Klotz-Dedora, a student at St. Timothy High School in Cochrane, is gearing up to make Canada proud at the upcoming Horse Vaulting World Cup in Basel, Switzerland.
Vaulting to the Top
Klotz-Dedora went from being a 10-year-old who had never tried the sport to representing his country six years later at the age of sixteen.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to horses, Klotz-Dedora’s journey into vaulting began in a beginner class aimed at teaching proper falling techniques.
“I joined the beginner clinic just for a day, but then I kept going from there. I worked really hard, I really liked it, and I got a lot of opportunities from different teams,” he told the Cochrane Eagle.
After consistently placing in the top ten of tournaments, he was accepted as one of the youngest among the eight competitors participating in the Federation Equestre International Vaulting World Cup at the senior level.
“When we got an email that I potentially had a spot, I was thrilled.”
Entering the competition, Klotz-Dedora aims to showcase his skills and represent Canada with pride, but he’s most excited to compete among the vaulting athletes he’s long idolized.
“I really look up to them, so now I’m right next to them, and it’s just the best feeling ever.”
Inspiring Others
His family, friends, and coaches have been quintessential in helping him reach this point, and he couldn’t express enough gratitude for his community.
“Honestly, the support has been a dream,” he said. “I’m just really grateful for their support, and for my team as well, and preparing me physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
To inspire others his age, Klotz-Dedora encourages aspiring individuals to pursue their passions hard.
“Keep working because people see that work, and people will acknowledge it. That will get you places. I promise.”
If you’re interested in checking out the wild exploits Klotz-Dedora is capable of and following along with his journey, you can check out his YouTube channel, linked in the video below.
He consistently vlogs his competitions, and they’re definitely worth a watch!
