What is Equestrian Vaulting?
Vaulting enjoys an ancient heritage and can probably be described as one of the oldest known forms of equestrian sport. Often described as gymnastics performed on horseback, vaulting’s origins can be traced back to Roman games which included acrobatic displays performed on cantering horses. Tracing history through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, many references to vaulting are made, and it was during this time that the practice of “La Voltige” (drill riding and agility exercises performed on horseback by knights and noblemen)
gave the sport its present name. Modern vaulting was developed in postwar Germany as a means to introduce children to equestrian sport, and it remains a popular training and competitive endeavor all across Europe. Conversely, modern competitive vaulting is relatively new to the United States. Vaulting did not make its way to the U.S. until the late 1950s and the first official competition did not take place until 1969. Since that time, vaulting has experienced significant growth and expansion and is enjoyed by equestrian enthusiasts of all ages.
In the U.S., more than 141 EVUSA clubs operate nationwide, serving over 1,200 members. EVUSA provides training materials, judges’ education, medal testing standards, and international competition support.
What will your lesson entail?
You will have 4 hours of instruction from a US Vaulting Association Instructor and her team. You do not need to be a rider or a gymnast- no experience required! They will start everyone off slowly on the ground and on the vaulting barrel. Then we will all proceed to their very well trained, professional vaulting horses where they will guide us in vaulting on horseback!
Please wear tennis shoes or water shoes and tight fitting clothing.
Benefits of equestrian vaulting
Physical fitness: Develops core strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination through gymnastics-style conditioning and movement on a horse. Build a better riding seat.
Mental and emotional growth: Builds confidence, creativity, and responsibility as vaulters learn to trust themselves, their teammates, and the horse.
Teamwork: Fosters collaboration and trust between the vaulter, the longeur (the person controlling the horse), and the horse, with team competitions requiring close-knit coordination.
Unique equestrian experience: Provides an alternative to traditional riding that builds deep harmony with the horse, as vaulters learn to work with the horse's movement.
Accessibility: Is open to participants of all ages and abilities, making it an inspiring introduction to equestrian sports for beginners and a rewarding discipline for experienced riders.
About Wild Spirit Vaulters
We founded Wild Spirit Vaulters (WSV) in 2021 after our daughter’s longtime vaulting coach left for graduate school, leaving the nearest club three hours away. Our daughter, Kendra, had vaulted for five years and wanted to keep the team together, so we created a local program to continue the sport we love. Coach Kenny has now been vaulting for over 8 years and has competed at the Equestrian Vaulting USA National Finals in Tryon, NC at the 1* Copper level and coaches vaulters from the tiny tot level through Copper level.
I bring over 30 years of equestrian experience in dressage, hunter/jumper, and eventing, along with many years teaching young riders with a focus on strong horsemanship and safety. Since forming WSV, our club has competed at state and regional levels in Texas, North Carolina, and Colorado.
WSV offers recreational, therapeutic, riding-enhancement, and competitive vaulting programs. We operate at Summerhill Farm in Belton, Texas, where we also breed Irish Draught and Connemara sport horses. I am a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner with CPR/First Aid certifications, and our club is registered with the American Vaulting Association and U.S. Equestrian Federation.
