FAQs about Vaulting

Girl shows vaulting routine on a standing vaulting horse

1. When can a child start vaulting?

Generally, children start vaulting at the age of 6, although some organisations also offer vaulting for very young children from the age of 4. In any case, the child should be tall enough to reach the handle with the left hand from the ground.

2. What safety precautions can I take for vaulting?

While you can equip yourself with suitable protective equipment when riding, this is not possible when vaulting. Nevertheless, there are some safety precautions that can be taken in advance. These include:

– Tie up long hair with a simple hair tie

– Take off piercings, jewellery and watches

– Avoid clothing with buckles, ribbons and hoods

– No loose clothing

The safety of the horse is also important. When preparing and caring for the horse, sturdy footwear, such as a pair of riding boots, should be worn to reduce the risk of injury. The general guidelines for handling the horse (safe leading and tying up, calm behaviour, not standing behind the horse, etc.) should also be followed accordingly.

3. Can I take my child to vaulting lessons in normal sportswear?

Yes and no. For the first vaulting lesson, it is perfectly acceptable for the child to wear normal leggings and gymnastic shoes from gym class. If the child stays with vaulting, special vaulting clothing should be purchased.

4. Why not wear a riding hat when vaulting?

Riding hats, just like body or back protectors are not suitable for vaulting. When vaulting, orientation and body control are of great importance. A riding hat not only impairs the field of vision during vaulting, but also the mobility on the horse. In addition, getting caught on the vaulting partner or the horse’s girth is also a safety risk. In the event of a fall, vaulters have the advantage that they cannot get caught in the reins or stirrups, making it easier to get away from the horse. Also, it is easier to roll on the ground to absorb the impact without a helmet.

5. Is there a difference between vaulting shoes from the equestrian shop and conventional gymnastic shoes?

At first glance, a layperson gets the impression that there is no distinct difference between gymnastic shoes and vaulting shoes. They are both light, elastic and fit snugly on the foot. The secret of vaulting shoes actually lies in the sole. With standard gymnastic shoes from the shoe shop, the tread does not point in a certain direction. Since it is especially important in vaulting to have a good grip on the horse’s back, the soles are usually profiled lengthwise or have a special grip sole that promises good grip in all directions.

6. What are the advantages of a vaulting shoe with a two-piece sole?

In ballet, as in vaulting, there are shoes with a full-length sole or with a split sole. With a full-length sole, the foot has more support, which gives beginners in particular a sense of security. Advanced vaulters, on the other hand, usually prefer a split sole because the footwork can be performed better and is more effective.

7. I get cold in winter when I vault. What can I do?

As vaulting clothing is relatively thin, it can quickly become uncomfortable in an unheated indoor arena in winter. Most vaulters put a warm jogging suit over their vaulting outfit to warm up and to look after the horse, but on the horse you should avoid loose jogging trousers and jackets with hoods. Special thermal clothing helps with this. From tops to leggings to vaulting shoes, winter versions are available that provide an extra layer of warmth.

8. What are the requirements for a good vaulting horse?

The requirements for a vaulting horse are manifold. As a basic requirement, it should have a stable character and be good-natured, balanced and patient. In addition, good endurance and a steady and calm canter must be taken into account during training. Since the main action in vaulting takes place on the horse’s back, the horse should have a broad and healthy back that can withstand the strain especially in vaulting groups. In order to have the largest possible surface for the exercises, the croup should also be rather broad and not have a large slope.

9. Which reins are suitable for vaulting?

Side reins.

10. Is a vaulting pad absolutely necessary or is a saddle pad sufficient for vaulting?

In order to cushion the movements and the weight on the horse’s back, a special vaulting pad should always be used in performance vaulting together with a vaulting roller pad, which is particularly gentle on the horse’s back due to its thick foam padding. For children’s first vaulting attempts, a well-padded saddle pad can also be sufficient if the child is light and the training is only at a walk.

11. Can the horse also be lunged with a cavesson?

According to the FEI, it is also possible to lunge the horse with a cavesson at a competition.

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