Main image: Ginger Kennett and Goldjunge, by FEI/Martin Dokoupil.
The FEI Vaulting World Championship 2024 opened in Bern, Switzerland on Wednesday, with Ginger Kennett flying the flag for Australia.
Competing in the Individual Senior Female division, Ginger contested the first class – the Compulsory test – with horse Goldjunger and lunger Jacqueline Schönteich to finish 23rd on a score of 6.785 from the eight judges.
Ginger says the venue and its facilities in Bern are simply incredible at the Post Finance arena. “I felt I made lots of improvements overall with my Compulsories on Goldjunge [Wednesday] and I’m looking forward to bringing my skills in the Technical test [Thursday]. I’m hoping for a clean round with a solid execution of each technical move… I’m feeling confident that I can come out a little less nervous and give it my best!”
Ginger Kennett and Goldjunge complete the Compulsory test. Image: Andreas Danner.
Ginger explains that her technical test theme is a journey of the complexity of the human heart. It is a raw expression of finding solace in one’s own discomfort. It is about the uncomfortable feeling becoming comfortable, and it expresses the harsh reality that there is a twisted sense of comfort in the familiar sense of pain and internal conflict.
Ginger will compete in the Technical test on Thursday at 5.45pm CEST, 1.45am Friday AEST. View the start list here.
This year’s FEI Vaulting World Championship in Bern is the second senior championship competition Ginger has contested. The 21-year-old from Picton, NSW represented Australia at the 2022 FEI World Championship in Herning, Denmark, and a few weeks ago also competed at the prestigious CHIO Aachen.
Wins for Switzerland & France
Switzerland’s Nadja Buttiker claimed the top spot in the women’s competition in Bern aboard Rayo de la Luz expertly lunged by Monika Winkler-Bishofberger. The level in the men’s division was exceptional. Hundredths of a point separate the top three, but it was France’s Quentin Jabet who took the lead despite a slightly unsettled Ronaldo 200.
Full results from the 2024 FEI Vaulting World Championships can be found here.
