Anna Kivistö will compete at the FEI World Vaulting Female Championships for Finland. Get to know her in our mini interview!
1. Please describe yourself in three words.
> Outgoing
> Driven
> Caring
2. Who are your team members?
The horse I will compete on is Atterupgaards Marlene II and my lunger is Oona Pekkala.
3. How did you experience the qualification process? What were your challenges on the way to the Championships?
Honestly I was a bit surprised I qualified. I always had it as a goal for this season, but in the beginning of the season I wasn’t even qualified to compete in 3* since last year (my first senior year) I didn’t compete internationally at all and because of Covid cancelling the whole 2020 season I couldn’t get the score needed from juniors either. However I got my qualifications and got the score for Herning already in my first 3* competition! So definitely grateful to have this chance and get to represent Finland at a Championship as a senior now aswell!
4. What was your best (or funniest) vaulting moment?
I have so many good memories from vaulting, but I have to say one of the best moments was this year at CVI Finland. After my freestyle I was so nervous waiting for my score because after comps and tech test it was looking good. The moment I got my final result and got over that 6,5 final score I jumped to hug my horse and lunger, because Herning was starting to look like a plan and not a dream anymore. It felt just like the first time I ever qualified for a Championship as a junior in 2018, which was something really special.
5. What do you expect from the World Championships 2022? What are your goals?
It looks like it is going to be a huge competition, so definitely excited to experience the atmosphere and meet even more new people. Also looking forward to finally taking part in a Championship with the horse I train on all year, since usually I have had to borrow horses from Central Europe. Competitions are usually very far away from Finland and it is just too expensive and complicated to take our own horses, but this year and next year in Sweden we definitely have the chance of a lifetime!
6. What’s your freestyle theme 2022 and why?
My freestyle is inspired by my music, which is the song You & Me by Disclosure. The freestyle and my catsuit are both rather flowy and pretty, with a lot of rhinestones to top it all off!
