Vaulting is the art of gymnastics on the back of the moving horse.  Vaulting is not the same as trick riding.  There are six compulsory exercises as well as several free-style movements that can involve one or as many as three vaulters on the horse at the same time.

The ancient Minoans of Crete "invented" vaulting approximately 6,000 years ago.  Later, soldiers were trained to vault on their mounts in order to fight their opponents more effectively in battle.

Vaulting became an official International Olympic event in 1924.  There are many vaulting competitions throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.'
Aside from the competitive aspect, many riding instructors use the art of vaulting as a tool to enhance their student's riding abilities.  Therapeutic riding programs use vaulting principles to aid their riders as well.  Camp and group riding programs also incorporate vaulting as a cost effective, safe, and fun addition to their curriculum.

SAFETY is the first and most important application of vaulting.  By enhancing confidence, and balance, it decreases the probability of falls.  By learning to fall and land safely from many positions, the risk of injury  is decreased as well.

RIDER TRAINING is enhanced with the improvement of balance, confidence, rhythm, and flexibility.  Vaulting can actually reduce the time it takes for a student to ride safely.

SMALL CHILDREN who would normally be unable to ride can actively participate in a vaulting program.

VAULTING provides an alternative to the more traditional styles of riding such as English or Western seats.  If a person loves to ride, but for whatever reason prefers someone else to be at the "controls", vaulting provides the answer!

PHYSICAL FITNESS programs have discovered that vaulting combines the benefits of exercise with the outdoors, as well as adding a very unique and special part to a n otherwise ordinary curriculum.