Vaulting is gymnastics on a moving horse. The aim of vaulting is to improve the vaulter’s balance, co-ordination and confidence.
The horses wear specialised roller and a thick back pad instead of a saddle. The roller has special handles which aid the vaulter in performing certain moves as well as leather loops. Vaulting isn’t all about being on the horse there is a lot of groundwork and work on the barrel, 80% of vaulting is done off of the horse. Vaulting can be an individual and/ or a team sport and as such promotes co-operation and team spirit. .
Calon Vaulting Sessions
We currently have two vaulting horses (Ringo & Ruaridh) with two more in training.
We usually set up a session like the drawing above. We have different stations to keep our vaulters doing something most of the time. We usually split the group and rotate stations/ zones. This is partly why vaulting is great for school groups,
Horse Care Station – working on the RDA Proficiency Test for Horse Care, a great area for learning about horses and how to care for them.
Barrel Zone – working on vaulting moves on barrels rather than the horse a great place to start learning harder moves without putting the horse’s back at risk.
Waiting Zone – it is important to learn to stop and wait your turn this zone is for vaulters waiting to go on the horse.
Vaulting Circle – this is where are horse and lunger (person in charge of the horse) are and where vaulters get to go on the horse.
Benefits of Vaulting
Vaulting can help to develop and build a wide range of skills – which can be transferable throughout all areas of their lives; including learning to work as part of a team to achieve a goal, helping to boost their self-confidence and build on their interpersonal skills.There are physical benefits too, such as helping with general fitness, balance, motor skills, flexibility, co-ordination and core strength.
It is a hugely rewarding activity.
Vaulting from a Vaulter’s Perspective
Robert has been part of RDA for almost two decades and has competed at RDA National Championships as a Vaulter. More recently he has also started riding as part of Calon. Robert also helps assist coaching our vaulting sessions and has a UKCC Level 1.