Vaulting on Horseback

Vaulting combines gymnastics and dance on a moving horse.  It’s a great way to develop coordination, balance, strength and creativity while working in harmony with a horse. “Safety first” provides the guideline for vaulting. Vaulters are taught to condition their bodies with stretching and strengthening exercises prior to vaulting. Most movements performed on the horse are first learned and practiced on a stationary “barrel”. The horse is on a lunge line controlled by a trainer from the ground. These practices help to make vaulting the safest equine sport, and safer than other activities such as playing on playground equipment or soccer.  Vaulting was brought to the United States from Germany in the late 1960s (vaulting is considered a prerequisite for serious riders in Germany). The American Vaulting Association (founded in 1966) provides oversight of the sport in the United States. For more information or to see pictures of vaulting go to www.americanvaulting.org.