It is difficult for Lisa Varmbo and her husband Erik Martonovich to explain to Norwegians what they do.
They hold a spectacular show in the USA, where they have 20 horses and 15 acrobats who tour on top of the galloping horses. When they show video clips of the sport, the Norwegians are shocked.
Traveled to the World Cup – came home with a girlfriend
Lisa Varmbo is a seven-time Norwegian vaulting champion. In addition, she has participated in the EC and WC nine times.
– During the WC in 2002, I met Erik – an American vaulting rider. Then we were a bit of a “flirter”, but nothing more than that, says Varmbo.
It took eight years before they fell in love and became lovers. Lisa had qualified for the WC in Kentucky, but had neither the opportunity nor the money to bring her own horse. She knew that Erik had several horses in the USA and thus they got in touch again.
– He was a bit sneaky, because if I were to borrow a horse to use during the WC, I would have to take part in a show that he was part of in those weeks, says Varmbo.
It was here that the vaulting riders fell in love. When Lisa went home from the WC, she suddenly also had a boyfriend in the USA.
Compared to “Cirque du Soleil”
The shows Varmbo took part in before the WC in 2010 were her first taste of show life. This should please the vaulter.
Now the married couple hold a spectacular horse show that tours around North America, based in Las Vegas.
Watch the married couple impress in the video below:
Erik says that the show is like a mix of Cirque du Soleil, Mad Max and Roman Gladiators. They ride giant horses. They have acrobats who fly in the air and land on top of the horses. They have flame shows and artists who fence with swords.
– Another thing that is unique about our show is that we build all the devices ourselves, adds Varmbo.
Martonovich says that everything you can see on their show is completely unique. You cannot buy something similar yourself, or have others make the devices.
– Everything comes from our own imagination, he says.
Their show features 20 horses and 15 acrobats performing. Several of the acrobats are also part of Cirque du Soleil.
– The only difference between us and Cirque du Soleil is that we don’t have millions of kroner to spend. That’s why everything you see with us comes straight from the heart and from a lot of hard work, says the Norwegian champion.
The main goal of the show is for them to get a place on “The strip” in the center of Las Vegas.
Takes animal welfare seriously
For Varmbo and Martonovich, it is important that the horses are well. They spend a lot of time making sure they feel comfortable, and explain that horses are herd animals. When the horses accept that the married couple is part of the herd, they cooperate well.
– Several of the horses have been relocated, and we buy others at auctions, says Martonovitch.
FEELS AT HOME ON THE RANCH: They also have four Norwegian Fjordlings. Photo: Private
The American explains that they often bid on the horses that no one else wants. The horses that seem a little more dangerous than others. They do this because those horses are often more willing to train a lot, and they are happy to be part of the show.
The couple train together with the horses between five and eight hours a day. In addition, they are at the fitness center several times a week to maintain the strength, flexibility and balance they need to do the sport.
