Erin Ryan embracing every part of the vaulting journey

Having started vaulting at just six years old, Erin Ryan has spent more than a decade growing with the sport. What began as a passion for competing has evolved into roles as an EA Level 1 Vaulting Coach and accredited lunger, with the relationships and skills she has developed along the way becoming just as important as her time in the ring.

“The biggest thing that has kept me in vaulting for so long is the community, both within Australia and overseas,” Ryan said.

“Being able to be hosted by and collaborate with clubs across the world is such a unique experience, and I’ve made some of my closest friendships through the sport.

“It’s such a supportive and welcoming sport, and I think that’s something people don’t necessarily see from the outside.

“You’re relying on your horse, lunger, coach and support team. It really is a sport where everyone plays an important role.”

Ryan’s own role within that team has continued to evolve. Alongside competing, she has embraced coaching and lunging, allowing her to contribute to the sport in new ways.

“It’s become much more than just a sport that I participate in. It’s something I’m now able to contribute to and give back to as well,” she said.

Ryan’s approach was shaped in part by her experience overseas, including the 2017 German Vaulting Exchange, where she was impressed by the strong team environment and the responsibility young vaulters took for their horses and training.

“I really loved the way everyone worked together and took responsibility for their team,” Ryan said.

“Those are things that have stayed with me and influenced how I approach vaulting and coaching today.”

Now, Ryan is preparing to represent Australia at the World Championships in Aachen, determined to embrace the opportunity and enjoy the experience rather than get caught up in the pressure of competition.

“I want to stay present and really embrace the opportunity rather than getting too caught up in the pressure of the competition,” she said.

“I really want to take a moment to enjoy being there and experience it all.

“I’ve grown up watching the World Championships and following the vaulters who compete at the highest level, so to now have the opportunity to be amongst it all myself is pretty surreal.

“To be able to wear the Australian colours and compete on a world stage is an unforgettable experience, and something I’ll be grateful for for the rest of my life.”

Ryan’s road to Aachen has already delivered several proud moments, from helping secure the squad qualifying score for the World Championships to her achievements as a lunger, including the highest Horse and Lunger Combination at the NSW State Championships and the highest horse score at the 2026 Great Southern CVI with Rapid Fire.

She also lunged Bronagh Miskelly in her winning CVI 3* round, helping qualify Miskelly for the 2026 Aachen World Championships as an individual. For Ryan, these moments reflect how her role in vaulting has grown beyond competing.

Her performance experience at the Sydney Royal Easter Show has provided another opportunity to share her passion with new audiences.

“It was really special to be able to perform something I love and hopefully give people a glimpse into what makes the sport so exciting,” Ryan said.

Now, as she heads to Aachen, Ryan will take with her the years of experience, relationships and passion that have shaped her journey from a six-year-old vaulter to an Australian representative on the world stage.