Equestrian vaulting
Equestrian vaulting is a sport in which athletes perform gymnastic and dance movements on a horse moving in a circle under a handler’s control.
Vaulting horse: A horse trained to move steadily on a circle while athletes perform exercises on its back. Its rhythm and balance provide the moving surface vaulters must adapt to.
Gymnastics: A sport and physical discipline involving controlled strength, flexibility, balance, and acrobatic movement. Vaulting draws on gymnastic skills while adding a moving equine partner.
Compulsory exercises: A prescribed sequence of movements that competitors perform according to set requirements. These exercises let judges compare foundational vaulting technique across competitors.
Equestrianism: The broad field of sports and practices involving horses and human riders or handlers. Vaulting belongs to equestrian sport but does not use conventional riding as its performance form.
Longeing: The practice of directing a horse from the ground on a long line, usually around a circle. A longeur controls the horse’s circular path and pace during vaulting.
Dance: An expressive art and physical practice using planned bodily movement, often with music. Dance contributes phrasing, expression, and transitions to vaulting routines.
Freestyle vaulting: A vaulting performance in which athletes compose a routine from permitted movements, typically set to music. Freestyle showcases individual composition, expression, and advanced movement.
Dressage: An equestrian sport in which horse and rider perform prescribed movements with precision and control. Dressage evaluates a ridden partnership; vaulting places athletes directly on the horse.
Vaulting surcingle: A padded strap fitted around a horse, with handles used by vaulters for support. Its handles give athletes stable grips for mounts, balances, and transitions.
Equitation: The practice and skill of riding and handling horses with balance and control. Horse knowledge helps vaulters work safely with the animal beneath them.