Learning to Vault: Integrating Horsemanship and Gymnastics

Horseback gymnastics, or vaulting, have gained popularity among riders of all ages. The fundamentals of the sport, safety advice, and programme considerations are covered in this article. Although it might appear such to the inexperienced, vaulting is not risky. Among the safest horse sports is this one. However, rapid and forceful leg movement and a strong core are necessary.

The mechanics

Gymnasts must be familiar with the principles of the obstacle they have chosen in order to vault well. This covers the exact movements required for approach runs, the positioning of springboards, skilled takeoffs, thrilling flights, and cautious landings. This calls for a powerful upper body, a well-balanced core, and strong, jumping-capable legs. The vaulter can achieve larger heights by obtaining a smooth inversion, which requires a long and controlled arc. However, because of inaccurate tracking, a lot of novices find it difficult to master this approach. Vaults and other tricks performed incorrectly can result in clumsy, careless motions and potentially hazardous accidents. A visually striking parkour move that gives every challenge an extra dash of flare is the reverse vault. This vault skill is a must-have for any vaulter, whether you're spinning gracefully over a projecting ledge or entering a tight spot. To begin, locate a wide, low ledge where you may practice rotating 180 degrees and placing your hands.

Adaptability

Vaulters require a great deal of flexibility in addition to gaining significant stability. To maintain their bodies in optimal shape, athletes practice a range of stretching techniques. But not all of them acquire the appropriate level of adaptability for this field. For example, a lot of novices rely too much on momentum when they flip. Dangling falls and careless form may result from this. To people who don't know, vaulting may appear risky, but it's among the safest horse activities. Vaulting trainers begin with nothing and work their way up, teaching students fundamental skills, safety, and horsemanship. Vaulting is then included in the mix. While some of these pupils have no prior experience riding or gymnastics, others do. Some even choose to do it for the first time after watching other competitors compete despite having no prior experience. Still, the majority have a background in fitness of some kind and practice similarly to gymnasts or acrobats. For instance, they frequently practice acroyoga, a style of training that blends acrobatics with yoga.

Power

To enable a quick approach to the vault box, vaulters need to have a strong upper body and powerful core. Their legs also need to be explosive and steady in order to soar over obstacles. Students can develop these skills by focusing on posture and body line instead of landing and by using stacked mats to safely replicate the height of the vault table. Owner of Oak Hills Valley in Salem, Utah, KyLynn James instructs students of various ages and skill levels, some of whom have never done gymnastics or worked with horses before. She takes great care to create safe training environments with stringent safety measures, as do her trainers. Obstacles no longer serve as barriers that prevent vaulters from moving as they gain experience. At the greatest vaulting levels, they become surmountable and even accelerate progress. This change is just amazing. Gaining the abilities necessary to succeed in vaulting takes a lot of strength, much like in most FEI disciplines. Frequent MovNat workouts can support this procedure.

Sync

To perform each vaulting technique perfectly, a great deal of coordination is needed in addition to the physical skills needed. For instance, to transfer momentum correctly in the tripod vault, one must maintain good balance between the hands and feet. It can be difficult for new riders to learn how to ride like this. Before trying the fundamental motions on a moving horse, vaulters will first hone their skills on fixed barrels. To free the vaulter's mind from having to worry about leading the horse, the horse is tethered to a long line that is managed by an expert. By making use of their entire range of motion, vaulters transform obstacles into possibilities. This improves harmony with the horse, retrains muscle groups that have been numb from frequent riding, and stimulates the development of a balanced seat and effective use of energy, all of which contribute to better riding. More significantly, it boosts the rider's self-assurance and independence.