Equestrian Vaulting - novice lesson

Footage from Alex & Maddy's 2nd and 3rd lessons at Pakefield Riding Stables, Lowestoft UK

Equestrian vaulting is most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback, and like these disciplines, it is more an art than a competitive sport. It is however one of ten competitive equestrian events recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, along with: dressage, combined driving, endurance riding, eventing, horseball, paraequestrian, reining, and show jumping, and tent pegging.

Children are taught moves by a second instructor on a static 'horse' - actually an oil barrel with legs and grab handles - before trying the move on horseback. So the group will be learning on barrels whilst one is on horseback.

As you will see from the video they work barefoot and in loose clothing - Jods are acceptable but by no means essential. If they are working in the outside school they will perhaps be wearing trainers as the ground is damp. In any case - bring a spare pair of socks as theirs will be filthy at the end!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• vaulting

[HunterJumperGal91]

How cute! I wish I'd started this early. Maybe then flexibility wouldn't be such an issue :P. What a brave kid!

[captainniven]

@HunterJumperGal91 it has improved their seat for normal riding too!

[therwea]

I know you dont wear helmets when vaulting but why not :-)

[captainniven]

@therwea its not necessary - Helmets could get caught up in the equipment, they're more dangerous when vaulting than being properly trained to dismount. Vaulting has a very good safety record. Horses are specially trained and selected for temperament and always in the control of an experienced lunger

[RAWRxD09]

Shouldn't they wear helmets or something during practicing?

[captainniven]

@RAWRxD09 it's vaulting - you don't wear helmets for vaulting - even in a safety obsessed country like the UK!

[captainniven]

@fraser1787 - your comment shows how much you know about vaulting lol!

[mrslolgirl48]

i love beatha



[HunterJumperGal91]

@therwea And truth be told, especially at the beginner levels where you start your training, there is very little you'll be doing where you couldn't catch yourself before you hit the ground. As far as when you're doing team work, it is the job of the base to ensure that the flier NEVER touches the ground. The base it allowed to fall but they are to protect the flier at all times.

[horserockandbreyer]

I wanna do that !!!!!!!!! Xx

[fishiz3434]

@captainniven soooo true

[therwea]

@captainniven Okay thankyou x