Equestrian vaulting
Equestrian vaulting is gymnastics and dance performed on the back of a moving horse, which circles at the end of a lunge line held by a lunger.
At a glance
| Governing body | Federation Equestrian International (FEI) internationally. |
|---|---|
| The horse | Works on a large circle on the lunge, usually in canter, while vaulters perform. |
| Team | Contested as individuals, pairs (pas de deux) and teams of up to a lunger and six vaulters. |
| Scoring | Judged on the vaulters' moves and on the horse's steady, even canter. |
Vaulting is often described as gymnastics on horseback. The horse canters a steady circle on the lunge while vaulters perform compulsory and freestyle moves on its back and around its body, in time to music for the freestyle.
It is widely used as an introduction to equestrian sport for children because the lunger controls the horse, letting beginners build balance and confidence before they ever hold a rein themselves.
Sources: Federation Equestrian International (FEI) ยท British Equestrian