Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube , Zimpapers Sports Hub
ASHLEY Lupondo slipped quietly out of Zimbabwe two weeks ago and into uncharted territory. Her destination: Austria.
Her mission: to represent her country in a sport few at home have even heard of — vaulting, a form of gymnastics performed on horseback.
In Zimbabwe, equestrian sport is largely associated with show jumping and dressage — the latter often described as ballet on horseback. Vaulting, with its unique blend of strength, agility, and artistry, remains a novelty. Yet for Lupondo, it became the perfect fusion of her two lifelong passions: horses and gymnastics.
“I was introduced to vaulting through a suggestion by my dad’s colleagues, who noticed my aptitude in gymnastics and my love for horses,” she said. “They suggested vaulting, and it was the perfect mix of both.”
Last month, she made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean to compete in the FEI Vaulting World Championship for Young Vaulters & Juniors.
She did so against a backdrop of challenges — from organising travel and training out of her South African base to securing the documentation that allowed her to wear Zimbabwe’s colours on the world stage.
“I had to travel to Zimbabwe specifically for my passport. It was crucial if I wanted to represent my country,” she told the International Federation for Equestrian Sport (FEI).
Her journey was supported by FEI Solidarity, which arranged training stints in the Netherlands.
By the time she arrived in Austria, she wasn’t just chasing personal achievement — she was carrying a message for young Zimbabwean girls: that they, too, could break new ground in unfamiliar sporting arenas.
“It’s a huge honour,” she said before the competition. “I just really want to represent Zimbabwe well and make a positive impression. And hopefully, inspire others back home to try vaulting too.”
She didn’t make the podium, but her performance resonated far beyond the scoreboard. Gayle Hansen, secretary-general of the African Federation of Equestrian Sport, praised Lupondo’s breakthrough.
“She has done well to put our sport and country on the map,” Hansen said.
“We hope her participation may inspire other youngsters to consider equestrian sport.
“She has been a remarkable ambassador, and there’s interest in her moving overseas to train for the future.”
For Lupondo, Austria may have been her first step onto the global stage, but it was also a powerful statement: Zimbabwe’s flag can fly in even the most unfamiliar sporting arenas — if someone is brave enough to carry it there.
