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FAQ
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If you love horses, dancing, having fun, competing, new friends, and a family sport then horse vaulting is for you!
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What is Vaulting?
Is vaulting like trick riding or the circus?
Who can vault?
Do your horses like vaulting?
What if I dont own a horse?
Is horse vaulting very safe?
Do I need to have a gymnastics or horse background to vault?
What are some skills that vaulting helps with?
How much does Vaulting usually cost?
What should I bring and wear to my first practice?
What is Vaulting?
Vaulting is a unique and growing sport which combines dance and gymnastics on a moving horse. It's a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse.
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Is vaulting like trick riding or the circus?
No. Vaulting is always done in a very controlled environment—in a fully enclosed arena in a consistent, large circle, in soft footing, with the horse attached to a "longe" line and controlled by a trainer (called a longeur). The horse, longeur and vaulter work as a team, with the longeur controlling the horse, the horse performing at a continuous gait (either walk, trot or canter, depending on the vaulter level). The vaulter performs a series of gymnastics and dance moves on the horse as it moves in its circle.
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Who can vault?
ANYONE!!!
We have vaulters ranging in ages from 3 to 55!
We also have a special disabilities program available!
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Do your horses like vaulting?
Our horses love to vault! Chosen specifically for their disposition, vaulting horses are also in excellent physical shape, and are given lots of love and attention by their trainers and their vaulters.
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What if I dont own a horse?
No problem! Since vaulting is a team sport as well as an individual one, most clubs own and train the horses. All vaulters have the opportunity to be involved with the care of the horse, without the responsibility or expense of owning one.
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Is horse vaulting very safe?
Yes. Many factors contribute to the safety of our sport including the fact that the horse is controlled at all times by an experienced, trained longeur. Vaulters are taught to condition their bodies with stretching and strengthening exercises, and are also taught safe mounts and dismounts at all levels. Also, most exercises are learned on a stationary apparatus, called a vaulting barrel, before they are performed on the horse.
The AVA's "Three Points of Vaulting Safety" is the basis for its superb safety record, and what differentiates it from other equestrian sports. It directly addresses what research cites as the major factors contributing to equestrian rider injury: 1) rider loss of control; 2) riding environment/suitability of the horse; 3) rider knowledge about safety.
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Do I need to have a gymnastics or horse background to vault?
Although a dance or gymnastics background can help to improve your vaulting, no you do not need to be able to ride to vault, but vaulting can greatly improve your riding skills.
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What are some skills that vaulting helps with?
* Coordination
* Balance
* Strength
* Creativity
In addition, vaulting teaches a whole set of "soft skills" that can't be overlooked—
* Teamwork: Vaulters learn to work together with both the horse and longeur; and in team competition, with each other as well.
* Responsibility: Vaulters are responsible for a variety of horse duties each lesson (depending on vaulter age and level). These duties might include brushing, feeding and watering the horse, putting the equipment on the horse, walking the horse to cool it down after a lesson, and cleaning out the horse's stall.
* Trust: Vaulters learn to trust their longeur, their horse, and, most importantly, each other. As vaulters mature in the sport, trust in their teammates also grows.
* Self confidence: How does one not have self confidence when you can stand on the back of a moving horse!
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How much does Vaulting usually cost?
Perspective vaulters may participate in one practice with the club for free, provided that vaulter and parents have completed the required releases and application.
As of May 2007 our current club membership fees vary and together with sponsorships cover the club's expenses associated with two practices per week. Competitiveclub members are also expected to join the American Vaulting Association [AVA] $40/year.
Our members are also expected to cover their own expenses associated with competitive vaulting. This includes competition entry fees, a share of the horses' show expenses (including entry, hauling and stabling fees), vaulter & parent travel / lodging expenses and required uniforms (shoes, unitard, warm-ups etc).
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What should I bring and wear to my first practice?
Most of our practices are in a covered arena so it may be hot or cold depending on the weather. Vaulters should dress in layers. As your levels of activities rise and fall you will want to shed your outer layers to keep from getting too hot and put them back on as you get cooler. Your outer layers need to be loose enough and the inner layers stretchy enough to allow a wide range of motion of all limbs. Sweatshirt and athletic warm-up pants over tee shirt and spandex tights work best in cool weather. Add a loose jacket, knit hat and gloves or mittens if it is cold outside. Vaulters should also bring a full water bottle, especially in warmer weather. If you have close fitting soft shoes with a rubbery sole, like aqua-socks, bring them too, otherwise bring a pair of thick socks that can get dirty. As the weather warms up and the outdoor arenas dry out, we may shift some of our activity outdoors, so also bring sunscreen if the forecast is for sunshine.
Parents, guardians and other observers are always welcome and should dress for an outdoor spectator activity. You might wish to bring a folding chair and if it is cold, a blanket. Spectators may also wish to bring a hot or cold drink depending on the weather.
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