Horse Racing Fantasy Community

There are eight events that comprise the World Equestrian Games, the Summer Olympics, as well. And the most popular of these events may well be vaulting. There is a good reason why this is true. Vaulting is a unique competition that combines gymnastics and dance elements that are then performed to music by a cantering horse.

Unique is indeed the appropriate word to describe a competition in which a “horse dances.” Fans of equestrian sports love this particular competition. It is always well-attended wherever “meets” occur … simply because it is so different from other sports and other equestrian competitions.

Success in this “discipline” or test as it is commonly referred to require a harmonious and synergistic relationship between rider and horse … plus superb physical conditioning for both. Judging is based on technique … form … difficulty … balance … and a few additional factors. The pressure to perform is always great.

However, the variety of events that make up this competition is breathtaking. These include: artistic mounts and dismounts … shoulder stands and handstands atop the horse … carrying or lifting another competitor … kneeling and standing exercises … and more. It is almost like a display of circus skills, but this is, of course, sports competition at the very highest level.

A staple of equestrian games since 1983, vaulting, more than any of the other “disciplines,” requires superb physical conditioning in both rider and horse in order to display the strength, coordination, rhythm and balance that are necessary for success.

Competition occurs every four years in the Summer Olympics and in the World Equestrian Games, and more frequently in regional, national and worldwide “meets.” Each vaulting event includes individual contestants, pairs (called pas-de-deux) and teams. There are always two rounds of tests or challenges for competitors – the Compulsory Round and the Freestyle Round.

In the Compulsory Round, each contestant (rider and horse) must complete seven designated exercises that are reviewed by a panel of judges and scored on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten is the highest score). The Freestyle Round enables the rider to showcase his/her creativity with the help of the horse and accompanying music. Scoring is similar to that in the Compulsory Round.

The winner of the competition – and the Gold Medal – is the rider (and horse) that achieves the highest combined score. It’s as simple as that … if you discount all the hard work that goes into achieving the highest score.