What is Vaulting?
Vaulting is a performance sport and originates from Roman times. It is best described as "gymnastics and dance on horseback".
Vaulters perform compulsory and freestyle moves to music on a moving horse at either walk or canter. This is done individually, in pairs or in a squad. This fun sport for all ages promotes co-ordination, balance, physical health, self esteem, the ability to work as a team member, lifelong friendship all linked by the overwhelming love and trust of a horse. It enhances ones balance and riding seat so horse riders benefit also. A truly amazing world wide sport with teams and clubs operating in a vast variety of countries.
Vaulting is an Equestrian Australia and FEI discipline. Competitions are held locally, state wide, nationally and internationally and taken to the World Equestrian Games.
Who can Vault?
Vaulting is a sport for all ages, just as a fun activity or as a world accepted sport. People with disabilities also practise vaulting and integrated teams are encouraged.
Competitive Vaulting
Competitions cater for all levels of ability and are held at regular intervals. Vaulting offers great opportunity for international youth exchange. Several vaulters have already represented Australia at an international level in Europe and America.
How do you start?
At first exercises are practised on a barrel, then on a horse at walk, and as you get better at the canter. In Australia there are vaulting groups and clubs associated with the ENSW, RDA and PCA. That means that you don't have to have your own horse, which makes vaulting a relatively inexpensive horse sport. For vaulting you need gymnastic outfits and soft shoes with non-slip soles. Beginners may wear a helmet.
