Vaulting is the art of gymnastics on a moving horse and dates to ancient times.Modern vaulting developed in Germany in the 1930s and involves compulsory and freestyle events in a number of formats.

History

Early riders needing to mount fast used techniques that are the nexus of modern-day vaulting movements. Ancient drawings from Scandinavia, Africa, and Greece show figures jumping onto horses from the ground or using lances similar to today’s vaulting poles. Later depictions from classical Greece and Rome portray equestrian acrobat exhibitions and races in which the jockeys stand upright on horseback while onlookers cheer. Roman cavalrymen used vaulting to retrieve objects from the ground while riding and to mount quickly in danger. Native Americans practiced moves such as hanging on the side of the horse to escape enemy fire battles.Vaulting performance gained popularity as entertainment in the 18^th century when Jacob Bates, a French riding master, began to entertain crowds at fairs with horsemanship exhibitions. He, in turn, inspired Philip Astley, an ex-cavalry sergeant who developed the modern-day circus, to feature equestrian vaulting demonstrations—often called “trick riding”—in his events.

Modern vaulting began in 1930s Germany, where it was used to improve riders’ technique. As word of vaulting’s benefit spread, the sport gathered international interest. In the late 1960s, the American Vaulting Association (AVA) was founded, and vaulting became a competitive sport in the United States. By 1985 the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA), the U.S. national equestrian organization, had assumed regulation of the sport and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) had officially recognized vaulting as an international discipline. The world championships have taken place every two years since 1986.

Rules and Play

Modern competitions are judged by the smooth and correct execution of compulsory exercises and freestyle programs by the vaulter’s sympathy and harmony with the horse during the event. The four event categories are: team, individual women’s, individual men’s, and pairs, or pas de deux.

Equines used must be at least six years old and sound. Any breed is acceptable, but successful mounts are those that allow for free gymnastic motion as well as mounting and dismounting at different gaits.Horses with a heavy, draft horse–like build are excellent choices. In vaulting events, the horse is outfitted with a surcingle, a wide strap with two handles called grips, in place of a saddle, with thick pads for protection and to prevent the vaulters from sliding. A longeur stands at the center of the circle and controls the horse’s path and gaits using a whip and the longe line attached to the horse’s snaffle bit.

Like competitive gymnasts, vaulters tend to be in their teens and early twenties due to the sport’s physical flexibility demands. They need no formal training in equitation. Also like gymnasts, they wear colorful leotards and nonskid slippers.

Vaulting competitions are either team or individual events, with compulsory and freestyle, or Kur, classes, both performed at a canter to the left. The six required compulsories stress balance, rhythm, and stability.

· Basic Riding Seat: The vaulter sits on the surcingle with his or her legs wrapped around the horse and arms outstretched to the sides.

· Flag: The vaulter kneels on the surcingle, then extends the right leg behind and the left arm in front of his or her body, absorbing the motion of the horse so as to maintain limb stillness.

· Mill: The vaulter sits forward in the surcingle, then lifts the right leg over the front of the horse to assume sidesaddle position. After holding the sidesaddle position, the vaulter then lifts the left leg over the back of the horse to face backwards. The motion is repeated until the vaulter reassumes the forward position.

· Scissors: The vaulter performs the swinging movement like gymnasts on the stationary horse.

· Stand: The vaulter assume a completely upright position, standing forward on the horse’s back and absorbing motion with the knees.

· Flank: The vaulter performs a handstand, then folds the body in half,with both legs together. The legs are swung to the left or right of the horse to assume a side seat position.The vaulter then must swing the legs in an arc over the horse and land firmly on the opposite side ground.

The team Kur competition is a five-minute freestyle routine set to instrumental music. All eight team members compete, but no more than three vaulters may be on the horse at one time. Pas de Deux is a pairs event with two separate freestyle sections, Kur I and Kur II.

Agility is the primary focus in vaulting. In the compulsories, the exhibitors are scored only on performance, which incorporates mechanics, form, security, balance, and consideration of the horse. For the Kur, judges evaluate degree of difficulty: height achieved above the horse, complexity of movements, changes in direction, and demands of suppleness and strength. The composition score considers use of space, variety, artistic merit, pace, and creativity.Time allotments and falls are noted, and a general impression score based upon presentation of the horse and the salute, exit, and turnout of the team, is given for the combined freestyle and compulsory.

Vaulting is perhaps more widely practiced in Europe but is fast gaining popularity in the United States. Vaulting gained additional recognition as a demonstration sport at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and enthusiasts of the sport hope to see it named an Olympic discipline in the future.