Cader Vaulters |
BRITISH
CHAMPIONSHIPS - ABERYSTWYTH WITH PICTURES! |
Gymnastics on Horseback
Vaulting is a marvellous team competition sport which introduces children
to horses, enabling them to have complete confidence before learning to
control the horse.
 One horse you don't need to lead to water |
Vaulting is equivalent to gymnastics but is on a moving horse. Vaulting
develops balance and a sense of rhythm. You may have seen it at a circus.
Teams compete against each other, nationally and internationally. We also
perform in fun competitions throughout Britain such as barrel competitions
using a tin horse.
Vaulting is an international equestrian competition sport recognised by
the Fédération Equestre Internationale - FEI. As with other
forms of athletic competition, entrants are judged on a set of compulsory
moves and in freestyle competition called a Kür, performed
to music on the moving horse. Vaulters may compete as individuals, in
pairs or as a team.
Vaulting requires the teamwork of the vaulter, horse and longeur, who
controls the horse in walk or canter around a circle on a lunge line.
Vaulters may compete as individuals, in pairs, or as a team.
History
The Cader Vaulting Group was established in 1977 by Ann Sagar-Gittins (1940-97) and became the first vaulting team in Britain.Vaulting began around 2000 B.C. in Minos with the art of jumping over charging bulls. The Romans used it as part of their basic riding instruction, without saddles and stirrups, and mounting was a challenge. In medieval Europe vaulting was used to train knights in the art of horsemanship. Modern cavalries use vaulting as a foundation for riding. Gradually the exercises became styled, and were practiced in the gymnasium instead of on horses.
 Develop Your Riding and Gymnastic Skills by Ann Sagar |
Vaulting Today
This is the modern sport of vaulting on a horse in gymnastics. Vaulting
is probably mostly recognised now in the circus ring as bareback riding,
where it is a popular attraction. In the 1920's vaulting became a sport
in Germany, with competition by the 1950's. Vaulting is a rapidly growing sport which can be best described as gymnastics on a moving horse. The concept of vaulting is to mount a moving horse, perform a delicate gymnastics rountine and then gracefully dismount.
The horse wears a bridle with a lunge line usually attached direct to the inside bit ring and is controlled by a lunger who stands in the centre of the circle controlling the horse which moves in a 12-14 metre circle. The horse wears a specially designed roller with two large handles attached either side; the roller is used to keep a large pad in position, and enables the vaulters to mount and carry out exercises on the horse with a great feeling of security, and providing needed protection to the horses back.
Vaulting helps teach and improve communication, leadership, teamwork, self esteem, confidence, balance, coordination, concentration, focus and is a fun way of getting exercise to keep fit. Being part of a group is also a great way of having fun. You do not need to be able to ride in order to start vaulting, but vaulting can greatly improve your riding skills, such as confidence, balance and a deep seat in canter. All vaulters have the opportunity to be involved with the care of the horse, from basic brushing the horse.
This page is best viewed whilst listening to great music!
