1) What is equestrian vaulting?

Vaulting is the performance of gymnastic and dance like movements to music on a moving horse. Vaulters learn to have the agility and athleticism of gymnasts, the grace and expression of dancers, and the balance and feel of equestrians.

Vaulting gives our participants the opportunity to enjoy a unique sport that promotes balance, confidence and a oneness with the horse.

2) Do I need my own horse?

No, a trained vaulting horse will be provided for your lesson.

3) Do I need horse or gymnastics/dance experience to participate?

No, you do not need any horse experience to participate in vaulting, nor do you need any prior dance or gymnastics experience.

4) Do I have to be competitive?

No, if you are happy to remain recreational you are welcome to do so.

5) How much does it cost?

-See, Programs and Pricing to view monthly fees. In addition, all vaulters, once registered to a program must be members of Horse Council of British Columbia and add a membership to the Equestrian Vaulting Association of BC, totaling approx. $89 yearly.

Competitions

-If you decide to be competitive, competition fees start at $175 and up, depending on your level. Competition fees cover transportation of the horses, extra feed costs, horse usage fee and Vault Canada class fees. There are typically 5-6 competitions per year, you do not have to attend all of them unless you are part of a team/squad- your coach will decide which shows the teams will participate in.

-To Participate in Equestrian Canada sanctioned competitions, you must obtain an EC Sport Licence, entry level is a Bronze Licence at $32 yearly.

Costumes

-Individual costumes -you get to decide your theme and music for your individual freestyle routine with some guidance from your coach. Your costume can be homemade, something you already have at home or professionally made by a seamstress if you choose. All parts of costumes must be sewn in place as to avoid getting caught in the vaulting tack. (No hanging pieces, if it’s a dress, it should not be too long.)

-For team/squad freestyle you will often decide the theme as a group, your coach will choose music. Team costumes can range in price from $150-$350 each if made by our local seamstress. These are high quality costumes and can oftentimes be used again the following season for an individual routine or resold.

-First year competitive students can wear all black (leggings and leotard or black top) for their compulsory round, after that a red and white club compulsory suit made by our seamstress is required, approx. $280.

6) Speaking of competitions, what is involved for a show?

Every vaulting competition is entirely run by volunteers, from the show organizers and first aid attendant to the poop scoopers. Competition judges receive a small honorarium but is not a wage. It is expected that one adult family member per vaulter volunteer for a position at a show. Positions include, music player, announcer, whipper in, first aid, data entry, poop scooping, no experience is required. Sign up details will be emailed prior to the show.

One day competitions typically run from 8am until 4-5pm with compulsories taking place in the morning and freestyle routines done in the afternoon. Three day shows go from Friday - Sunday with Saturdays being the longest day, generally they are in the Langley or Chilliwack area. Occasionally there may be opportunities to travel to Alberta or even internationally for larger competitions, these will be discussed with vaulters and families on a case-by-case basis. As long as the horses are taken care of first it is permissible for younger vaulters to leave and come back for your afternoon go if time permits between performances (sometimes it doesn’t), your coach must be informed if you are leaving the show grounds and you must return minimum one hour before your next go time. The majority of our competitors plan to settle in at shows bringing packed lunches, snacks and drinks, all costumes, shoes and hair supplies. Makeup is not required for competitions but can be a worn if you choose. It is expected that every vaulter competing attend awards at the end of the show to receive their ribbon, vaulters must wear either all black or Freedom Acrobatics club wear. Participants must also help pack up the trailers at the end of the day and meet back at our home barn to unload - many hands make light work.

7) Is Vaulting safe?

Yes! Infact, Vaulting is the safest of the equestrian sports and is documented safer than riding bicycles, playing on playground equipment or trampolines, skating and even playing baseball, softball and soccer. Vaulting is done in a controlled environment in a fully enclosed arena on a consistent, large circle in soft footing. One of the first things a new vaulter will learn is how to “vault off” or fall safely. A lunger always controls the horse. Provincial Vaulting Organization member clubs are coached by certified coaches.

8) Why don’t vaulters wear helmets?

Helmets should not be used for vaulting. The straps of a helmet are designed and tested to not stretch or break which makes them a hanging hazard in a vaulting environment for all but the most basic positions, or any time multiple people are on the horse. Helmets with break-away straps (if such a thing even existed) would still not be safe for vaulting as a dislodged helmet could turn an otherwise minor fall into a severe neck injury. No helmet manufacturer today makes a helmet that is designed or certified for vaulting. However, all persons riding a horse, instead of vaulting, must wear a helmet since riding occurs near walls and other hard objects, and not on a consistent circle.

9) At what age can my child start vaulting?

Our regular programs start at age 5. If there is sufficient demand, we will sometimes offer a Tiny Trotters class for ages 2-4 with parent participation.

10) Why Vault?

Vaulting is an affordable way to become involved with horses. Vaulting develops rhythm, co-ordination, flexibility, strength, poise, grace, balance, creativity, and harmony with the horse. Vaulting teaches teamwork, responsibility, trust and self-confidence. Vaulting is an excellent introduction to the horse in a safe, structured environment. Vaulting is one of the best ways to introduce people to and prepare them for horseback riding. Vaulting enhances and helps develop the skills of dance, acrobatics and gymnastics. Vaulting has a long tradition of friendly teamwork and camaraderie, which crosses the boundaries of clubs, countries and even continents.

11) Where did vaulting come from?

People have been performing acrobatic and dance-like movements on the backs of moving horses for more than 2,000 years. Stone paintings, which date back to the Pre-Romanic Ice Period, depict horses with persons standing on them. In the Classical Olympics in Greece “Artistic Riding” was part of the competitions. Modern vaulting was developed in postwar Germany as a way to introduce children to equestrian sports. In 1983 vaulting became one of the seven equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale).

12) I’d love to get involved; how can I help?

Our club is largely run by volunteers, from coaches, lungers to the chore crew, we are all giving of our time for the love of the sport and the horses. If you are familiar with lunging horses or would like to train to lunge, if you find feeding/watering friendly horses and cleaning paddocks enjoyable, we welcome extra hands to help, please speak with our head coach Alisa if you’d like to get involved 604-316-5013. (Horse Council insurance required $49-$67 yearly).