Valley View Vaulters

Wanted to share with all our past vaulting families

Dear Valley View Vaulters Community,

It is with both a heavy heart and immense gratitude that we gather here today to announce the closing of our beloved Valley View Vaulters. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we take this opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary coaching career of our co-founder, Rick Hawthorne and his late wife Virginia.

In 1980, Rick and Virginia Hawthorne embarked on an incredible journey, founding Valley View Vaulters with just seven passionate vaulters, one barrel, and one horse. Little did they know then, the immense impact their dedication and love for equestrian vaulting
would have on countless lives.

Over the years, Valley View Vaulters grew to a thriving community of up to 120 vaulters, becoming a place of learning, growth, and camaraderie for all who crossed its gates. Rick's unwavering commitment to the sport, coupled with his deep passion for adaptive vaulting, made the club a welcoming space for athletes of all backgrounds and abilities.

Beyond his role as a co-founder, Rick Hawthorne became a mentor to many of our current coaches, passing down his wisdom and knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of equestrian vaulting itself. His dedication to the craft and his students has been nothing short of inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact he has had on each of our lives.

As we come to this bittersweet moment, we invite all members of the Valley View Vaulters community to share their cherished memories and stories of how Rick has touched their lives. This is an opportunity for us to come together as a family and show him the profound influence he has had on shaping our journey as vaulters, coaches, and individuals.

Let us use this space to express our heartfelt appreciation, to share the lessons learned, and to reminisce about the joyful moments that have forever linked us to this remarkable man and the legacy he leaves behind.

Rick, thank you for your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts in making Valley View Vaulters a true home for equestrian vaulting enthusiasts. Your impact will continue to resonate within us, inspiring us to carry on your legacy as we explore new paths.

With profound gratitude and admiration... As we bid farewell to another sunset and look forward to the next Sunrise and everything Rick has taught all of us! Enjoy your retirement...

I have no words for the huge hole in my heart exactly 2 months after losing “Ben” We lost Hudson. Hudson came to Valley View Vaulters in 2019 from Half-moon Bay. Hudson was very accomplished. He competed at WEG 2010 with the Australian team. He won USEF horse of the year. He has carried individuals PDD and A-Team in his career. He knew his job very well even when he was semi retired. In the last couple of years Hudson got to just hang out with us in the vaulting arena and occasionally carried our handicapped riders and our tiny tots. On July 13th He laid down in his stall and died quietly.

Beyond excited! For an amazing hard work of an awesome team and the help of wonderful parents from helping get the vaulters on Doc to roundup the troops. And Felix who came out to support his teammates. Big thanks to all the people at EVX who helped put this competition on and for the judges who helped make us better. What a fantastic community we have in EVUSA Region 1. Thank you to all for making memories

Some VERY happy vaulters! National bound!

ISO of warmblood canter horse. Please message me with any links!