Equestrian Vaulting

Equestrian vaulting is a combination of dance and gymnastics on the back of a moving horse. Horse vaulting was brought to the US more than 35 years ago from Europe. Depending on the level, vaulters perform while the horse is being lounged at the walk, trot, or canter. Vaulters perform as individuals, pairs, and teams. 

Horse vaulting is a unique sport which helps vaulters to develop 

• Coordination
• Balance
• Strength
• Confidence 
• Coordination 
• Flexibility 

while working in harmony with the horse. 

Equestrian Vaulting also stands for 

• Happiness 
• Teamwork

Here at Pony Gang Camp, we offer Interactive horse vaulting to our campers 

No previous experience is required to try vaulting or to experience this fun sport during camp!

Vaulting is one of the safest equestrian sports. In addition to being a fun way to work with horses. Students also learn

•  New skills
•  Creativity
•  Trust
•  Cooperation
•  Communication
•  Camaraderie

with their classmates and the horse. Learn responsible horse care and safety. 

Our Equestrian Vaulting lessons on the horse are conducted in a very controlled environment - a consistent, large circle - in our enclosed riding arena. For newcomers to vaulting the first lessons on the horse it is lead by one of our handlers and when vaulters have more experience horse will be on a lunge line controlled by one of our instructors.  Careful attention is given to the safety of each vaulter at all times. 

More Benefits of Vaulting are 

• Independence 
• Team building skills

Warm up training

The warm-up training has a high priority within each vaulting lesson. This activates the cardiovascular system, improves the function of the joints and prepares campers for the gymnastics on the horse. 

This is followed by various strength exercises such as a jumping training for the mounting jump. Coordination should also be improved during warm-up training, for example balancing on a barrel. 

The campers mobility during vaulting is particularly important, which can be improved with various stretching exercises. 

Wooden Horse Training 

The moves are first practiced on the wooden horse. Training on the wooden horse enriches every session enormously.

This is where beginners in particular can get a first feel for the vaulting exercises without being disturbed by the horses movement while also protecting the sensitive back of a horse in the event that an exercise should not be successful.t.

Returning campers and advanced vaulters can here secure movements or try new ones. 

Training session on the horse

The best thing about the vaulting lessons for each camper is, of course gymnastics on horseback.

- New campers will do the movements first on the standing horse and if they are secure we will start in a walk

- Returning campers will learn on the lunge line how to do the basic seat in a trot and follow the horses movement in a relaxed seat. When they have this part down they will learn the movements they have learned before on a moving lunge line in a walk. 

- Returning campers that return after learning the balanced seat in a trot and their movements in a walk will move forward with learning these moves in a trot.