PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 105 Hanna has difficulty describing the close bond she shares with her pas de deux partner Aria Deshpande. “I can’t describe the friendship I have with her,” she says at last. “We learned how to literally breathe together, move together, anticipate each other’s actions.” The two competed together in the Junior World Championships in Flyinge, Sweden, last year, twisting fluidly over and under each other as their horse cantered around the stadium. Their horse is also a partner, Hanna points out. “As much as I had to learn to breathe with Aria, I’ve really had to learn how to breathe with my horse Calandra. Horses are so sensitive and they can tell when you’re breathing calmly. We did a lot of breath work last year.” Their hard work paid off, and Hanna, Aria and Calandra came in fourth at the championships. “We were .013 away from the bronze medal,” Hanna sighs, “which was a little bit frustrating—but I did get a very killer college essay out of it.” Does she ever get nervous in the arena? At competitions, sure—but from being on horseback, never. “I do have to work through fears and nerves, but it’s not about being on the horse. That is comfortable to me,” Hanna says. “I could take a nap on a horse any day.” She explains that the club has taught her horsemanship as much as vaulting. All students are instructed in horse handling as well as grooming, feeding and safety. “If you swim, you don’t hop out of the pool and then go horse play woodsidevaulters.org give it a hug,” Hanna jokes. But horses require care—and a showering of kisses. “I never just leave after practice.” Right before Hanna steps into the arena, she makes a confession. “I don’t ride,” she divulges. Sure, she can stand on a horse’s back or swivel her legs about with acrobatic ease—but only going in circles. “If you told me I needed to ride a horse from point A to point B, I could probably manage it,” she laughs. “I’m hoping I can start to learn.” PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF WOODSIDE VAULTERS
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