Bulle (SUI) 17 July - 20 July 1986

The history of Vaulting, one of the six disciplines governed by the FEI, dates back to Greek and Roman times when soldiers – without stirrups and saddles – practised gymnastics movements on horseback as part of their military training.

Many centuries later Vaulting made a fleeting appearance at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp (BEL) where it was described as artistic riding. The competition was open to non-commissioned officers and soldiers only and teams from France, Belgium and Sweden, comprising up to six vaulters each, took part in it.

The experience was not repeated at the 1924 Olympic Games and for many years no Vaulting competitions, outside of those practised in the national cavalry schools, were organised.

With the abolition of mounted troops after World War Two, the sport moved to the riding clubs and opened up to civilians.

Early days

Vaulting, as we know it today, began in the 1950s in Germany. It gradually spread to the neighbouring countries and all the way to the United States. In 1967 a Vaulting demonstration was held in the framework of CSIO New York at Madison Square Garden.

The first major international competition took place in 1978 in St. Moritz (SUI). Five nations, including Germany and the USA, participated but since there were strict age limits for the Germans – 18 for team vaulters and 21 for individuals – whereas there were no age limits for the Americans, comparisons were difficult to make.

Vaulting as an FEI discipline

In 1983 Vaulting became an FEI discipline. The following year the first FEI Vaulting European Championship was organised and was followed by another European edition in 1985. This second European edition was open to the rest of the world. A strong showing from the USA convinced the FEI time had come for a World Championship. The first FEI Vaulting World Championship took place in in the small Swiss town of Bulle from 18 to 20 July 1986.

Team vs squad

Since the start of the FEI Vaulting World Championship in 1986, the groups of vaulters competing together were referred as teams. In 2011, the FEI General Assembly approved a rule change according to which the former teams would be referred to as “squads”. At the World Championships, squads competed for the first time in Le Mans (FRA) in 2012. According to the FEI Vaulting Rules, a Vaulting squad is composed of a lunger, horse, and six vaulters.

An Official Team Competition, consisting of a free test, was introduced at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 and has been in use at FEI Vaulting World Championships and FEI Vaulting European Championships for Seniors ever since.