Vaulting on Horseback
Vaulting is the sport of gymnastics and dance in harmony with a moving horse. It’s a great way to develop coordination, balance, strength and creativity while also learning great horsemanship skills. “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.
Vaulters that enroll in Butler’s equestrian vaulting class on Monday afternoons have the opportunity to compete at local competitions and at the AVA Region IX Championships each summer. Vaulting competitions are known for their fun and welcoming atmospheres. Vaulters of all ages and abilities (tiny tots through international competitors) compete during the same weekend, giving vaulters the opportunity to see upper level vaulters in action as well as make friends with vaulters from other teams up and down the east coast.
