1. By Kelsey Smith

2. Vaulting is a performance sport in which I participate. It originatesfrom Roman times and is best described as gymnastics and danceon horseback. Vaulters perform a routine to music on a movinghorse at either walk, trot or canter. This is a fun sport for all agesand skill levels which promotes co-ordination, balance, physicalhealth, self esteem and the ability to work within a teamenvironment. http://equestrianvaulting.com.au/home 3. There are two main categories of performance: Compulsories are a set of moves that all vaulters must complete atcompetitions before continuing with their individual, partner or teamfreestyle routines. There are many different levels to suit different skilllevels, the main ones include A, B, C, D, and E. (A being a very skilledcompetition vaulter, through to E being a beginner) Freestyle is a sequence of creative dynamic dance/gymnastics moves thatvaulters put together themselves to present as a routine. Here is a photo of me and my team practising some vaulting. 4. Training and exercising, not only on the horse but also on thefloor is an essential part in keeping fit for this intense andphysically demanding sport.Fitness exercises may include physical activities such as:Building stamina (running, exercise circuits)Building muscle strength (sit ups, push ups, squats etc.)Stretching to be more flexible Horse Heaven (RDA) Strength and balance training 5. Improving skills in vaulting can be achieved using equipmentsuch as a barrel. This piece of equipment enables vaulters topractise routines before performing new moves on the horse.It is a safe way to train and it allows for more creative andcomplicated ideas to be executed safely before moving on tothe horse.Vaulting Barrel 6. Vaulting horses are a key aspect of the sport. They have tohave a good nature, are keen to learn, are calm and dontmind everything thats happening around them. This includesdesensitising them to loud crowds, vaulters constantlymoving (gently) over their backs and other distractions. Ittakes years of training to get a horse fully prepared forcompetition level vaulting.Horses must keep an even pace when cantering on the lungeso that vaulters can stay balanced and safe. The horse, lungerand vaulters must all be in harmony with one another so thatroutines can be performed smoothly. 7. We use special equipment for vaulting. A soft pad is placed over the horsesback so that when we stand and do other moves, its gentle on the horse.We also use a Vaulting Roller to hold on to and execute particular moves . Vaulting roller Pad Bridle Lunge RopeHere is a picture of what a fully equipped vaulting horse will look like 8. Presentation is essential in impressing the judges, especially inhigh level competition. Vaulters wear custom made unitards andmust be well presented on competition day. Horses are alsogroomed and braided up (tail and mane) as part of teamrepresentation.Vaulters must wear specially designed vaulting shoes, that havesoft soles which provide grip and are gentle on the horses back.My team taking a bow in front of thejudges before performing our routine 9. In competitive vaulting everyone must be graded and judged intheir skill level category. Top level vaulters compete as a teamand then as individuals representing their team (and country). Individuals, pairs and teams are judged on degree of difficulty,teamwork, rhythm with the horse, music and leotards(presentation). Most of the high level competition vaulting takes place over inthe Eastern states of Australia where there are more clubs andfacilities.Click on the link below to watch the Australian Vaulting Team (FACE) training for competionhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzdhSjFcPWg 10. Vaulting in Western Australia is mainly performed throughRDA centres (Riding for the Disabled Association). RDAprovides the opportunity for children with disabilities to takepart in a therapeutic sport where they will improve on hand-eye coordination as well as learning from the horses andsharing a common interest with their vaulting peers.There are integrated teams that include abled and disabledbodied vaulters competing together. These teams are usuallyat lower skill levels of vaulting and are mostly just for fun. http://www.rdawa.org.au/