Introduction
Vaulting is a competitive discipline where both dynamic and static gymnastic elements are combined and performed on a cantering horse. It requires outstanding physical condition from the vaulter and a harmonious relationship with the horse is imperative if a display of strength, coordination, rythm, suppleness and balance is to be achieved. Vaulting was recognised as an FEI discipline in 1983.
Long before its unveiling as Artistic Riding by cavalry officers at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, vaulting was practised by a myriad of cultures ranging across the continents - testimony to its diversely rich heritage. While the discipline has suffered somewhat in the past decades, having been dismissed as purely a display of gymnastics, the introduction of the Horse Score in 2005, as 20% of the overall score, has very definitely restored vaulting’s image. Today it has a rightful place among equestrian sports with a dynamic and vitality that sets it apart from all others.
Modern Competition
Nowadays, Vaulting exercises include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter, kneeling and standing exercises. Judging is based on technique, form, difficulty, balance, security and consideration of the horse. Today, horse, lunger and vaulter are considered a competitive unit and the performance of each is reflected in the final score.
The horse is guided on a long rein by a longeur standing on the ground who ensures that a steady canter is maintained on a circle with a minimum diameter of 15m. All vaulting competitions are held over two rounds composed of either one or two tests. During Compulsory Tests vaulters must perform a number of specific exercises. Freestyle tests, performed to music, allow vaulters the artistic freedom of building both dynamic and static exercises around the Compulsory exercises.
Vaulters compete as individuals, pairs – called pas-de-deux – and teams.
- Individual events: Individual competitions are made up of two rounds. Vaulters perform the Compulsary and Free Tests in the first round in order to qualify for the final/second round. In CVI1* competitions these two tests are repeated in the second round. In CVI 2* the second round is made up of a Technical Test and a Freestyle Test. Individual vaulters have only one minute for their Freestyle performances. At Championships, men and women compete separately.
- Pairs (pas-de-deux): Two vaulters, a male and a female, perform a freestyle programme held over one or two rounds.
- Team events: A vaulting team consists of a lunger, horse, six vaulters (male and female) plus one alternate vaulter (optional) who must enter and line up with the team. Team competitions are made up of two rounds. During the first round, teams perform a six-minute Compulsory and a four-minute Freestyle Test in an attempt to qualify for the second round where they perform a single Free Test. An exercise will only be scored if two vaulters are in contact with the horse as it is carried out. No more than three vaulters may be on the horse at any one time.
It takes a very special kind of horse to become a vaulting horse; good character and temperament being essential.
The athletic prowess and skills required of the vaulters can only be exhibited to their full potential if their exists a true complicity between vaulter, horse and lunger as the full expression of the vaulter’s talent can only be achieved through the harmonious inter-action between all three.
International competitions (CVIs) were held this year in Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Slovakia. There was also a new European Championship for Junior Teams in Munich – all events leading up to the 2006 World Championships in Aachen, Germany, in August.
For more information on Vaulting, please consult our Factsheet
The Premier Vaulting Competitions are...
World Equestrian Games
The FEI World Equestrian Games are held every four years - the latest edition was held in Aachen, whilst the next FEI World Equestrian Games will be crossing the Atlantic for the very first time to be held in Kentucky (USA) in 2010.
World Championships
The Vaulting World Championships are held every four years in the same year as the Olympics. Thus the latest Vaulting World Championships were held from 4-8 August 2004 in Stadl Paura. The next edition will be held in 2008, in a location yet to be decided.
Continental Championships
The European Vaulting Championships are held every two years, the latest edition to have been held was from 4-7 August 2005 in Brescia (ITA), while the next European Championships are to be held in Kaposvar (HUN) in 2007.