LYMAN — For some, doing a handstand is challenging enough, but Katharine Wick took gymnastics to another level Saturday.

Wick did a handstand, and other gymnastic moves on a horse as it cantered around an arena at Carisle Academy.

Wick made it look easy, but she’s had lots of practice. The 20-year-old from California is an international equestrian vaulting champion, and was teaching a vaulting clinic for students who came from as far away as Connecticut.

“It’s really gymnastics on the horse,” said Carlisle Academy Head of School Sarah Armentrout.

She said vaulting is popular in California, but isn’t as common on the East Coast. The equestrian school has a vaulting program, and said she wants to spur more interest in the sport and was hoping Wick’s visit would inspire students.

Cynthia Andrews, a student at St. Joseph’s College, was with the Vaulters of Mount Desert Island. She said she’s been vaulting for seven years ”“ since she was 12. She said she enjoys gymnastics and horses and likes vaulting because “I like being creative.”

Carlisle Academy instructor May Dee said vaulting takes a lot of balance, flexibility and strength, as well as a lot of trust in the horse, to make it look effortless.

“It’s a total body workout,” said Dee.

Wick said she’s taking some time off from training to go to school at Bates College, but when in full swing, she trains six days a week. She said it takes a lot of dedication, as well as love for the sport and horses.

Wick said vaulting is a good test of athletic ability, using all muscles, strength and flexibility. Vaulters also need to be able to run and to mount the horse as it is cantering.

“You kind of have to be ready for anything,” she said. “It’s not all about you. It’s about you and the horse.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].