So you’ve stumbled upon those dreamy videos of athletes flipping, balancing, and performing acrobatics on the back of a moving horse and thought… wait, people actually do that? Yep—and it’s every bit as impressive and magical as it looks.

Horse vaulting combines gymnastics, dance, and horseback riding into one seriously unique sport that’s equal parts athletic and artistic.

Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a gymnastics lover, or just searching for a hobby that’s a little outside the box, vaulting might be your new obsession.

Let’s get into the wonderfully wild world of horse vaulting.

Horse vaulting—also known as equestrian vaulting—is a sport that combines gymnastics, dance, and horseback riding into one seriously stunning performance. Athletes perform balances, flips, poses, and choreographed movements on the back of a moving horse, blending strength, coordination, and creativity all at once.

Vaulters can compete solo, in pairs, or on teams, performing routines set to music while a specially trained horse moves in a smooth, controlled circle on a longe line. It’s graceful, athletic, artistic, and honestly so entertaining to watch.

And this isn’t just a niche internet sport, either. Equestrian vaulting is officially recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and has been part of international equestrian competition for decades, including the World Equestrian Games since 1978.

Horse vaulting is often considered one of the more accessible equestrian disciplines for newcomers—and here’s why:

• The horse is guided by an experienced longer (the person handling the longe line), so the vaulter doesn’t have to worry about steering or controlling the horse.

• Before ever getting on a horse, learners train on a stationary vaulting barrel (often called “the buck”), which helps build balance, strength, and confidence in a controlled environment.

• The horse moves in a steady, predictable canter in a circle—no sudden direction changes, no surprises, and no need for the vaulter to manage speed or steering.

• Skills are also introduced gradually, starting with basic mounts, simple positions, and safe dismounts before progressing to more advanced movements.

That said, it’s still a demanding athletic discipline. Proper instruction, a professional coach, and a well-trained vaulting horse are absolutely essential for safety and development.

Not just any horse can be a vaulting horse—these animals are carefully chosen and specifically trained for their calm nature, smooth gaits, and steady build. Here’s what makes an ideal vaulting partner:

• Breed: Warmbloods like Hanoverians or Dutch Warmbloods are commonly used, but draft crosses and other steady, level headed breeds can also excel in the role.

• Movement: A long, consistent, rhythmic canter is key. Smooth motion is essential, while choppy or uneven gaits make vaulting significantly more difficult.

• Temperament: Calm, patient, and unfazed by activity on their back—vaulting horses need to stay relaxed even with multiple people climbing, balancing, and moving on them.

• Tack: Instead of a traditional saddle, vaulting horses wear a surcingle—a padded band with built-in handles (called grips) that vaulters use for support during mounts and movements. They may also be fitted with side reins or similar training aids to help maintain steady motion and focus.

Before your first class, it helps to get familiar with a few key terms so you can follow along like a pro:

• Longer — the person who controls the horse on the longe line during vaulting

• Longe line — a long rope (usually 6 to 8 meters) attached to the horse’s bit or cavesson, used by the longer to guide the horse in a steady circle

• Surcingle — a padded roller the horse wears instead of a saddle, fitted with handles (grips) that vaulters use for support and balance

• Vaulting barrel (the barrel / “the buck”) — a practice apparatus used on the ground to learn and rehearse movements before getting on a horse

• Compulsory exercises — the standardized set of movements every vaulter learns as part of their foundation training

• Kür — a freestyle routine performed to music, where vaulters showcase creativity and technique

• Walk, trot, canter — the three basic horse gaits; most vaulting is performed at the canter for its smooth, consistent rhythm

Every vaulter—from beginner to world champion—learns the same seven foundational movements. These are judged in competition and build the skills needed for more advanced freestyle work.

1. The Basic Seat

Sitting upright on the horse with arms extended to the sides and legs relaxed. This is the core starting position and the foundation for everything that follows.

2. The Flag

From a kneeling position, one arm reaches forward while the opposite leg extends back—similar to a “flying” or Superman shape. It’s all about balance, control, and body alignment.

3. The Mill

A flowing sequence of leg swings that rotates you 360 degrees while seated, bringing you from facing forward to facing backward and back again. Think of it as a controlled spin on horseback.

4. The Scissors

A dynamic movement where you swing your legs up and over the horse’s back, transitioning smoothly from forward facing to backward facing in one continuous motion.

5. The Stand

Just as it sounds—standing upright on the horse’s back while it canters. Arms are extended for balance, making this both challenging and incredibly impressive.

6. The Flank

A side vault movement where you swing your body up and over the horse, briefly landing in a side-sitting position before continuing the motion or dismounting to the opposite side.

7. The Free Dismount

A controlled jump off the horse from a standing or kneeling position. Proper landing technique is essential, with soft knees and a balanced finish taught from the very beginning.

Walking into your first vaulting class? Here’s what the typical session looks like from start to finish:

Warm-Up on the Ground

You’ll begin with a proper athletic warm-up—stretching, core activation, and conditioning work. Vaulting takes strength, flexibility, and serious body awareness, so coaches don’t skip this step.

Time on the Barrel

Before you ever get near a horse, you’ll practice movements on a stationary vaulting barrel. This is where you learn how to mount, dismount, and safely perform the basic compulsory exercises with proper form.

Learning the Mount

The classic vaulting mount involves running alongside the horse, gripping the surcingle handles, and swinging up smoothly as the horse moves. When it’s done well, it looks effortless—and with practice, it starts to feel that way too.

First Time on the Horse

Once your coach feels you’re ready (often within your second or third lesson), you’ll try mounting the moving horse. The longeur may slow the pace slightly to help you get comfortable with the rhythm and timing.

Cool-Down and Debrief

Every good session wraps up with a cool-down and a quick chat about what you worked on, what went well, and what you’ll focus on next time.

Vaulting has a pretty simple, beginner-friendly dress code, which makes getting started super easy:

• Tight-fitting athletic wear: Fitted clothing is best—loose pieces can get in the way or make it harder for your coach to see your body alignment and technique.

• Grip leggings or riding tights: Leggings with suede or silicone grip panels help you stay secure on the surcingle and maintain stability during movements.

• Soft-soled shoes or vaulting boots: Soft, flexible soles are important to protect the horse’s back. Many vaulters wear gymnastics slippers or specialized vaulting footwear.

• No jewelry: For safety, all jewelry like rings, necklaces, and dangling earrings should be removed before training.

• Hair up: Buns, braids, or ponytails keep hair secure and out of your face while you move.

As you progress, you’ll eventually wear a formal vaulting uniform for competitions, but for lessons, comfortable athletic wear is all you need to get started.

Not convinced yet? Here’s what vaulting does for your body:

Core Strength

Almost every movement in vaulting engages your core, so you’re constantly building deep stability and control.

Balance & Proprioception

You develop a strong sense of where your body is in space—one of the most important skills in any athletic discipline.

Upper Body Strength

From mounting to holding positions and supporting your own weight, vaulting builds real functional strength.

Flexibility

Movements like the flag, scissors, and freestyle elements reward and improve overall flexibility over time.

Cardiovascular Fitness

Especially in team vaulting, where fast transitions and repeated movements keep your heart rate up.

Mental Focus

Matching your timing to a moving horse takes real concentration, coordination, and presence.

Many gymnasts, dancers, and athletes use vaulting as cross-training—and plenty of vaulters say it’s one of the most well-rounded full body workouts they’ve ever tried.

Horse vaulting clubs exist across the United States, Europe, Australia, and beyond. Here’s how to find one:

• American Vaulting Association (AVA) — the US governing body for the sport; their website has a club finder at americanvaulting.org
• Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) — for international clubs and competition info
• Local equestrian centers — many riding schools offer vaulting as part of their programming
• Social media and YouTube — search “equestrian vaulting near me” or look for local vaulting groups on Facebook and Instagram

When evaluating a club, look for experienced professional coaches, a well-trained vaulting horse, and a vaulting barrel for ground work—and don’t be shy about watching a practice session before you sign up!

Horse vaulting is a wonderful fit if you:

✔ Love horses but want something more physically dynamic than traditional riding
✔ Have a gymnastics or dance background and are looking for a fresh challenge
✔ Want a team sport with a supportive, tight-knit community
✔ Prefer a full-body workout that feels more like play than exercise
✔ Are drawn to artistic, expressive sports with a creative edge

It may be a tougher fit if you have a strong fear of heights or falling, significant mobility limitations, or if you’re looking for a quiet, solo hobby—since vaulting is naturally social, energetic, and physically demanding.

Horse vaulting is one of those rare sports that’s equal parts breathtaking, athletic, and surprisingly welcoming for newcomers. The equestrian vaulting community is known for being warm, supportive, and genuinely excited to share the sport with anyone curious enough to give it a try.

So go ahead—find a local club, book a trial lesson, and get ready to discover your next favorite obsession. The horse is already cantering in circles… all that’s missing is you.