1. Gymnastics on Horseback
Equestrian vaulting is a recognized equestrian sport by the International Federation of Equestrian Sport. This activity focuses on the rider or riders performing gymnastic movements while riding a specially trained horse. The horse moves in a 15m circle attached to a lunge line. The lunge line is a training tool attached to the horses bridle by a long rope, controlled by a trainer in the center of the circle. Vaulting is not only a competitive sport; is also physical therapy for people with balance, attention, motor skill or other physical limitations.
2. Vaulting Competition
Vaulters compete individually, in pairs and in teams. There are different levels of completion, with the beginner rider moving at a walk and the more advanced riders moving at a canter. In competition, vaulters complete a program of movements to music. There are six movements that all riders must complete: the mount, riding seat, flag, mill, stand, scissors, flank and dismount. Each movement receives a score out of 10. The horse receives marks for smoothness of gait and focus during the performance. Freestyle is also an option; more advanced movements are required at this level.
3. History of Equestrian Vaulting
Equestrian vaulting dates back to the Romans and Greeks. Vaulting trains cavalry troops to increase their agility, skill and comfort on horseback. The beginner soldiers trained using the gymnastic vaulting horse as the base apparatus to help soldiers become skilled at the movement before adding a real, live horse to the mix. The sport demonstrated in the Olympics in the 1920 games in Antwerp, called Artistic Riding. Vaulting joined the FEI in 1966, and the first world championship valuating in 1986 introduced the sport to the world.
4. Vaulting Equipment and Clothing
In vaulting, the horse does not have a saddle, but a surcingle and a thick back pad. The surcingle has the same style as a saddle, but is float and equipment with multiple handles to support the rider during the completion of various movements. Instead of stirrups, the rider has leather loops called cossack stirrups. These loops move freely and provide additional flexibility to the rider. The horse wears a bridle and side rein.
5. Vaulting in the USA
In 1956, Elizabeth Serle first saw vaulting when on a trip to Europe. She brought back film for her local pony club to see and started training from there. The American Vaulting Association, created by Searle and J. Ashton Moore in 1969, became famous. AVA riders completed a demonstration of vaulting in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and at the games in Atlanta in 1996. Although relatively small compared with other equestrian styles, vaulting is wonderful to watch and captivates the hearts and minds of young and old alike.
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