Equestrian vaulting or vaulting is a gymnastics and dance discipline done on horseback. This can be practiced competitively or non-competitively.
Equestrian vaulting can be done by both men and women; this is one of the ten equestrian events recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. In competitions, individuals, pairs, or teams can compete. The beginners compete at the walk or trot; the experienced ones compete at the canter.
The horse used in this sport will move in a 15-meter circle, and this horse is directed by the lunger who is at the center. Equestrian vaulting involves exercises and choreographed freestyle exercised with music. The seven compulsory exercises are mount, basic seat, flag, mill, scissors, stand, and flank.
An individual freestyle is usually around 1 minute, for teams, it’s around 4 minutes. They should be choreographed.
Some of the components of freestyle are mounts, dismounts, handstands, kneeling, standing, jumping, leaps, and tumbling skills. The participants are scored from 0-10. If two are tied, the horses will be judged as well.
Related Sports
- About Equestrian Sports
- Gymnastics — a range of sports combining tumbling and acrobatic feats, usually done with apparatus. Two main sports: Rhythmic Gymnastics and Artistic Gymnastics.
- Dressage
Related Pages
- Equestrian Vaulting (Figure Riding) was an event at the 1920 Olympic Games
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports