Diving into Disciplines: Vaulting

Dubbed "gymnastics on horseback," this equestrian sport is popular in many different countries across the world. While the origins of Vaulting are not clear, it can be traced back to at least 2,000 years ago. Vaulting may have started as a part of ancient Roman games with acrobats displaying their skills on cantering horses, while others believe it originated in ancient Crete with bull-leapers - acrobats that took part in non-violent bullfighting as they performed different leaps and jumps over the moving bull. (Remember Knossos from 2021's BreyerFest?)  There are numerous references to this style of riding that date back to the Middle Ages, but it appears to have acquired its name from French - la voltige - during the Renaissance. At that time, the activity was a training exercise for cavalry riders. Now it is a sport that can be enjoyed by all!

In Vaulting, athletes can compete as an individual, in pairs (pas-de-deux), or in teams. A lunger will direct the horse from the center of a minimum 15-meter circle. Routines can be done with the horse at a walk, trot, or canter depending on the skill level of the vaulter(s). They include a series of compulsory exercises and choreographed freestyle exercises done to music. Each exercise is scored on a scale of 1 to 10. Judges look at the vaulter’s technique, performance, form, difficulty, balance, security, and consideration of the horse. Horses are also scored on quality of movement and their behavior.

The exercises performed in a routine vary from level to level. A more novice vaulter will be seen demonstrating simple kneels and planks, while a more advanced competitor will demonstrate handstands, jumps, leaps, and tumbling skills. Teams will often include lifts and tosses of members into the air.

The horses used for Vaulting can be of any breed, but must be able to carry either an individual, pair, or team while maintaining a steady, rhythmical gait. Draft horse crosses are heavily favored, but bigger-bodied warmbloods are also seen at higher levels. These horses will wear a surcingle with special handles and leather loops for the vaulters to use in routines. In addition to the surcingle, the horse will wear a thick back pad to help absorb the impact from the vaulters above.

While competitive Vaulting has its reach across various countries and equestrian venues, people can also participate in non-competitive Vaulting as well. Many squads, while some are competitive, offer Vaulting lessons for fun. It is a great way to have fun with a horse a build balance and body control. Basic forms of Vaulting are helpful in therapeutic riding, as riders must focus on their trunk control. Basic movements will often be practiced with "spotters" on the ground. Some recreational vaulters display their skills in Vaulting demonstrations as an expression of equestrian art and entertainment.

Breyer has touched upon Vaulting throughout its history with a handful of horse breeds and color combinations made to represent Vaulting horses, but only one Vaulting horse has been immortalized as a Breyer portrait model. In 1997, Toby the Vaulting Horse was produced as a Limited Edition model on the Belgian mold (#92), sculpted by Chris Hess, which included a replica of the real horse's white tack set. Toby carried numerous Vaulting teams to championships during his career!

Who is your favorite Vaulting horse?