About
Free Artists Creative Equestrians was founded in 2000 by Devon Maitozo as a hub for training and a competitive powerhouse for equestrian vaulting. Fueled by the love of horses, the arts, and expressed through collaborative projects in and out of the sport, F.A.C.E. students learn to expect and see the best within themselves and each other. As athletes in equestrian sport and performers of this truly special Equestrian art-form, F.A.C.E. puts horse welfare, artistic exploration, and competitive excellence as the driving forces for all we do. F.A.C.E. is the flagship of Equestrian Vaulting in the USA and the only US team to have won the World Championships. Our focus on craft and artistry has made us the best, and we want to share this with our community and beyond.
We love working with athletes and artists to share this majestic sport. It is so inspiring to work with some of the most beautiful horses one could ever imagine in one of the most beautiful equestrian facilities in the world to explore what is possible on a horse. Working with youth, or helping people find their youth, and pushing beyond all of our limits in what we believe we can do is a great job indeed!
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Teresa W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We welcome students to feel safe and comfortable moving with freedom on the horse regardless of their horse experience. After a warm up, students are taught some of our basic exercises and movements on a stationary horse substitute called a "vaulting barrel". Depending on ability and interest, we will incorporate gymnastics skills into class that can be directly applicable to horse vaulting. We then get a horse tacked up and proceed to train some of the basic skills learned on the barrel on the horse. Class can include walk, trot, or canter depending on the student's needs and ability.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Our coaches are some of the most skilled and experiences in the Nation. Head coach Devon Maitozo and two time world champions has been in the sport for 35 years and teaching for 25. All coaches have national titles for their vaulting and have had domestic and international experience in multiple facets of the sport. This includes FEI coaches training, extensive USEF High-Performance Vaulting training, CPR Certifications, not to mention a performing arts degree from the University of California. As the flagship American Vaulting Club for more than 15 years, F.A.C.E. prides itself on setting the gold standard in USA vaulting. Our record of safety and quality results is unmatched.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First Vaulting Class Deal: $15
Beginners - Intermediate:
Classic by class:
-$60
Monthly rates:
-1x/week: $200
-2x/week: $320
Intermediate - Advanced:
Class by class:
-$80
Monthly Rates:
-1x/week: $280
-2x/week: $440
-3x/week: $600
How did you get started teaching?
Devon began teaching to help pay for my international competition expenses while traveling in Europe as a teenager. This evolved into an extensive international clinicing career. All other FACE coaches began teaching as a way to help fund their personal vaulting careers. We all aim to inspiring others as we have been inspired as athletes ourselves.
What types of students have you worked with?
We work with students of all ages and abilities. We train students from the age of 4-60, and students ranging from special needs to world champions. All we ask is for students to be interested in learning, health, and eager to explore beyond their normal physical boundaries.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We recently welcomed members of the show "Cavalia" to our facility to share with them some of our skills and craft. Thier enthusiasm about what we do was a nice reminder of how wonderful our sport is. We love to share this amazing equestrian activity with other creative and artisticly minded people.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Book lessons with and of the coaches at F.A.C.E. Vaulting Club (www.facevaulting.com) if you want to experience the very best that equestrian sport has to offer and are interested in experienceing freedom on a horse in the safest and most inspiring possible environment.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you have an interest in horses?
Are you comfortable with getting a little out of your comfort zone?
Is health and fitness someting you value?