HOW TO VAULT

W and E

D and C

A and B

TrainingDance Gymnastics Strength Stretching

How to Vault - Compulsories

The Compulsories are a series of seven exercises required of all vaulters. Their purpose is to lay a broad foundation for gymnastic work on a horse. As such, they can be used to enhance riding skills and as a foundation for a higher level of vaulting skills. (Copyright Compulsories/Kur by Emma Drinker and Isabell Bibbler).

These exercises are performed in harmony with the horse.

W and E Compulsories

In competitive vaulting in Australia, initially the E compulsories are performed at the walk and when the vaulter is ready to progress to the next level they are performed at canter. The moves are held for four canter strides. When performed at walk it is called W Grade and when performed at the canter then it is called E grade. In both grades the 1 minute freestyle to music is performed at walk.

The E compulsory exercises are:

Mount
E Basic Seat	Vault onto seat astride with both elbows bent and in line with the body, the little finger resting in the crook of hip
Flag	Outside leg extended, both hands stay on the grips
Mill	4 phases in 4 beat commencing with the outside leg over the neck to inside seat, then back to seat astride
Swing	Swinging up of the legs with the intention to achieve a handstand position and return to seat astride
Kneel	With lower legs and feet lying flat and parallel on the horse, arms extended to the side, at shoulder height
Vault Off	To the inside

Detail on each grade and its compulsories can be found on the Equestrian Australia (EA) Rules for Vaulting.

D Compulsories

Compulsories are performed at canter and 1 minute freestyle at walk.

Mount
E Basic Seat	Vault onto seat astride with arms extended to the outside
Flag	Inside arm maybe extended after the outside leg has been extended.
Mill	Whole Mill in 4 beat. 4 phases in 4 beat commencing with the outside leg over the neck to inside seat, then back to seat astride,
Swing	First phase forward scissors; from backwards seat swinging up of the legs into straddle angle support. * ½ Mill forward to seat astride, through outside seat. (does not receive a score)
Stand	Free stand with arms remaining close to the side of the body.
Vault Off	First phase of Flank to inside seat, * ½ Mill over the neck to seat astride, then Vault Off to the outside.

A, B, C Compulsories

Performed at canter and 1 minute freestyle performed at canter

Mount
E Basic Seat	Vault onto seat astride with arms extended to the outside
Flag	Inside arm maybe extended after the outside leg has been extended.
Mill	Whole Mill in 4 beat. 4 phases in 4 beat commencing with the outside leg over the neck to inside seat, then back to seat astride,
Swing	First phase forward scissors; from backwards seat swinging up of the legs into straddle angle support. * ½ Mill forward to seat astride, through outside seat. (does not receive a score)
Stand	Free stand with arms extended to the either side of the body.
Vault Off	First phase of Flank to inside seat, * ½ Mill over the neck to seat astride, then Vault Off to the outside.

Recreation Vaulting

These exercises do not need to be used and taught just for competing. They provide an excellent basis for learning "How to Vault" and will improve any riders seat and enjoyment of horses.

Vaulting should firstly be safe and fun. When the basics are established and the vaulting 'bug' has well and truly bitten, then vaulters may consider competition. It provides an excellent opportunity for contact with horses without actually needing to own one.

"While it can be a thrilling spectator sport, vaulting is not only the safest of the equestrian disciplines, but it is documented safer than riding bicycles, playing on playground equipment, participating in baseballand softball, skating, soccer, and trampolines, among others. "

Copyright AVA Region4

"She explained why it’s such a great activity for all of us, not just for kids or the more horsey among us. At a time when we all need to get inspired about our health, vaulting ticks all the boxes – aerobic activity, strength, balance, posture, and that’s just the physical side of things. Sam told me how brilliant it is watching shy kids join, and within their first few sessions, make friends and grow in confidence."