Vaulting

[Sol]

Anyone tried it before? Anyone got any tips?!

I've wanted to have a go for a while, but never considered it actually possible, didn't have a clue how to get into it, didn't have transport etc etc etc.

After spending most of last year sleeping (or so it seemed) thanks to mysteriously developing something along the lines of CFS, meaning I felt tired/drained constantly, I didn't do much riding at all. I started schooling a little Sec B, sold my saddle due to money woes, and just pottered about as & when I could.

So, this year, I want to try something new! I'm still tired more than your average person, and after a year of doing so little I feel weaker & less fit than ever I've contacted my local vaulting organisation, which is 45mins away, and hoping the weather is kind so I can go along soon!

Feeling a bit like I will be completely out of my depth though. I get the impression most people there will be a lot younger than me (20 now, seems old to *me* anyway!) and no doubt much fitter & more flexible. The concept of attempting a handstand on a horse makes me want to call A&E already, I think just sitting there will be my forte (after someone hoists me on board!)! o.o

But hey, why not?! I've been doing pilates for a few weeks, 2nd course just began & I'm off shopping in the sales soon for a mat & such to use at home (and a wobble board, as advised by my pilates instructor who also rides!). I'm hopefully getting a new saddle for Dante in a week or so so I can get back in the saddle again, and I still have Tom pony to ride too. I'm really hoping that this could help my dressage too, give me a great incentive to improve my balance & fitness, and get rid of all those niggly tense bits!

Still going to make sure I take my medical details with me though... I can't see this ending well

 

[GLW]

Why not indeed! I'd be far too nervous to do something like that (I am almost 27 so much more ancient than you) but it sounds amazing. I hope it helps you get your fitness and energy levels up or at least is good fun and gives you something to look forward to.
Also, I hope you will post lots of reports and updates (and photos!) so we can all see what you're up to as it's good to see something unusual. Great to try something new for the new year!

 

[hnmisty]

Like gymnastics, vaulting is something I love watching.

The fact that the very limit of what I can vault onto is 13.1 somewhat spoils my chances of making it in that area though

Go along and have fun!

 

[Kallibear]

Vaulting is great fun but yes, you'll be surrounded by gymnasts. Most people who do vaulting aren't horse riders, they're gymnasts. That's said, there's no reason you can't give it a go and they're usually really nice.

I taught RDA vaulting, which might be another option? A local RDA might do vaulting, where you could help, and have a go?

You'll feel far safer than you expected as the horse and it's pad is just like a huge table top. And the roller has big secure handles.

 

[Sol]

Like gymnastics, vaulting is something I love watching.

The fact that the very limit of what I can vault onto is 13.1 somewhat spoils my chances of making it in that area though

Go along and have fun!

Apparently I used to love watching ice skating when I was little, but ice skating terrifies me - I have tried twice, and both times did less than 1 full circuit I've always liked the idea of gymnastics/dancing/skating & similar, but trying in an all-people scenario scares me too. Anything with horses chills me out a bit though! (I never learned to vault *on*, even when I did games.... I'm hoping I might finally learn! )

Vaulting is great fun but yes, you'll be surrounded by gymnasts. Most people who do vaulting aren't horse riders, they're gymnasts. That's said, there's no reason you can't give it a go and they're usually really nice.

I taught RDA vaulting, which might be another option? A local RDA might do vaulting, where you could help, and have a go?

You'll feel far safer than you expected as the horse and it's pad is just like a huge table top. And the roller has big secure handles.

It's actually a RDA place that I'm going to, they do driving too but as far as I'm aware they're set up as a normal vaulting group too - initially I thought they were two separate groups, but the location is the same so I'm presuming they are the same - so I think there may be a mix of people? I guess I'll find out when I go.
My only past experience of 'vaulting' was on my friends Fell, she had the kit for him as he'd been used for a bit previously, so she let a few of us have a go & I did eventually manage to kneel & then stand up... I guess it will just be the actual gymnastics-y bit that will get to me!

Why not indeed! I'd be far too nervous to do something like that (I am almost 27 so much more ancient than you) but it sounds amazing. I hope it helps you get your fitness and energy levels up or at least is good fun and gives you something to look forward to.
Also, I hope you will post lots of reports and updates (and photos!) so we can all see what you're up to as it's good to see something unusual. Great to try something new for the new year!

I'm not sure about photos! (although, the potential income from You've Been Framed is something I can't rule out!) but if I don't disgrace myself too much, or get scared off on my first visit, I will definitely do some posts on it I do hope I enjoy it, I want to enjoy it!

 

[Penumbra]

Sounds like it will be awesome fun! I'm a bit jealous as it's something I'd like to try but don't think I have time to atm, and there's probably nothing local to me. I'm sure you won't be expected to try anything too dangerous on your first go.

I'd love to read a report if you do manage to go!

 

[Jenni_]

A friend of mine is the brother of the Vaulting World and European champions- they are STRONG!

You will probasbly find some clubs have adult classes.

Your first time you might not really be on a horse for much... they will probably start you on the barrell on the mats to install the basics.

I've never had a go myself, but it looks like fun!

 

[hnmisty]

Haha I'm the same with ice skating. Love watching it (from behind a cushion...those falls in the pairs ) but cannot ice skate to save my life (well, maybe with a few lessons I could!).

Two friends dragged me a couple of years ago, I was just starting to be mildly less terrified when one friend fell over and broke her ankle. Cue a night in a&e, and a marriage proposal from a guy who'd tried to kill himself and was going back home to finish the job.

I've felt no desire to go again since

I hope you'd vaulting is more successful!

 

[Tayto]

ooo I love watching vaulting! I am always watching videos of it on you tube!

Unfortunately there is no vaulting classes/teams anywhere near where I live however I did do a one day course with the nearest vaulting team to me (based in Pitlochry, 2.5 hrs away). The course was a confidence building course and I loved it.

I was cantering with no reins, stirrups or saddle (which is not scary for some people but was terrifying for me), they also had me doing some tricks on the horse. It was such a boost after having my confidence shattered. They also taught me how to fall "properly" etc and were a really nice bunch of girls.

 

[BBP]

Good on you, you'll have a great time! I started some serious trick riding training at 29 so you aren't too old! I was doing head stands off the side of the horse and I'm no gymnast (pretty strong as I'm a pole dancer but also had a prolapsed disc which is why my trick riding career didn't take off!) it was tough though, the hardest thing I've ever tried. But brilliant fun. Let us know how you get on. I'm a lot older than you but I'm planning something similar this year. (And I also suffer fatigue issues)

 

[gillianfleming]

I'm going to disagree with Kallibear, sorry, my friend got into vaulting because she couldn't vault onto her 12.2 for Prince Philip cup. This was about 20 years ago and she still competes nationally sometimes, trains and judges. Yes some vaulters are gymnasts but from the vaulters i know there is a higher percentage are horsey.
I had a shot years ago but i spent most of the time terrified, i had hoped to organise i another shot but friends vaulting horse is injured.
I hope you have a great time, looking forward to your report

 

[Cortez]

Oh do let us know how you get on (pics optional). I've always wanted to have a go, and would have loved to try Roman riding too, but alas I am now far too old and banged up for it to be possible (can't even get on from the floor any more). Best of luck with it!

 

[Sol]

Sounds like it will be awesome fun! I'm a bit jealous as it's something I'd like to try but don't think I have time to atm, and there's probably nothing local to me. I'm sure you won't be expected to try anything too dangerous on your first go.

I'd love to read a report if you do manage to go!

Will try to remember to do a report! The place I've found isn't as close as I'd like - about 45mins away which really is going to be pushing what I'd like to spend on fuel, but I'm hoping I can maybe arrange to go once a week or a bit less... I know they do 2 sessions a week. I doubt I could afford that as would be about £30 fuel/week :/
I'm looking forwards just to trying the exercises, I'm not worried about starting slow... I'd rather start slow than painfully I think!

A friend of mine is the brother of the Vaulting World and European champions- they are STRONG!

You will probasbly find some clubs have adult classes.

Your first time you might not really be on a horse for much... they will probably start you on the barrell on the mats to install the basics.

I've never had a go myself, but it looks like fun!

Wow! I've already done a bit of reading up on it (not that there seems to be much to read!) & I know a lot of the work is done off-horse, but that's fine by me. Beats normal gymnastics classes, I'm sure I did ask my boyfriend if he'd fancy coming & trying it too (well, why not?!) but he wasn't too keen on the idea... can't think why

Haha I'm the same with ice skating. Love watching it (from behind a cushion...those falls in the pairs ) but cannot ice skate to save my life (well, maybe with a few lessons I could!).

Two friends dragged me a couple of years ago, I was just starting to be mildly less terrified when one friend fell over and broke her ankle. Cue a night in a&e, and a marriage proposal from a guy who'd tried to kill himself and was going back home to finish the job.

I've felt no desire to go again since

I hope you'd vaulting is more successful!

Ooooh, ouch! Hope your friend was ok! My dad used to skate a lot apparently, but even he couldn't persuade me that it was safe. Nope, will stick to falling off horses I think, at least the landing is usually a bit softer than ice!
Thanks, I hope it's a bit more successful too!

ooo I love watching vaulting! I am always watching videos of it on you tube!

Unfortunately there is no vaulting classes/teams anywhere near where I live however I did do a one day course with the nearest vaulting team to me (based in Pitlochry, 2.5 hrs away). The course was a confidence building course and I loved it.

I was cantering with no reins, stirrups or saddle (which is not scary for some people but was terrifying for me), they also had me doing some tricks on the horse. It was such a boost after having my confidence shattered. They also taught me how to fall "properly" etc and were a really nice bunch of girls.

That sounds great fun! I love watching the videos too, I figure I want to try lots of things but realistically, vaulting is different, going to be (hopefully) beneficial in lots of ways & a hell of a lot cheaper - and possibly safer too - than the likes of sidesaddle or hunting (I can't imagine Dan tolerating a SS or not killing me out hunting!) but it also looks so cool xD I just hope the people are nice & I don't make too much of a fool of myself

Good on you, you'll have a great time! I started some serious trick riding training at 29 so you aren't too old! I was doing head stands off the side of the horse and I'm no gymnast (pretty strong as I'm a pole dancer but also had a prolapsed disc which is why my trick riding career didn't take off!) it was tough though, the hardest thing I've ever tried. But brilliant fun. Let us know how you get on. I'm a lot older than you but I'm planning something similar this year. (And I also suffer fatigue issues)

Ooooh, trick training! Another thing on my 'to do list' but I'm guessing probably best done after I develop some degree of strength & flexibility o.o Where did you go for that?
Would love to hear how you get on, I'm hoping my fatigue problems aren't too much of an issue (I'm trying to limit all forms of training to short sessions now, or I just start to snooze - walking around Chester zoo today was bad enough!), but it's hard to know until I try. I started to feel better towards the end of last year, so I'm hoping maybe there's some improvement? I'm worried about being optimistic though!

I'm going to disagree with Kallibear, sorry, my friend got into vaulting because she couldn't vault onto her 12.2 for Prince Philip cup. This was about 20 years ago and she still competes nationally sometimes, trains and judges. Yes some vaulters are gymnasts but from the vaulters i know there is a higher percentage are horsey.
I had a shot years ago but i spent most of the time terrified, i had hoped to organise i another shot but friends vaulting horse is injured.
I hope you have a great time, looking forward to your report

Thanks! I can 'vault' onto my 11.1, but given I can also slide onto him I don't think it counts! I can't imagine there will be many non-horsey people because it's also a RDA yard, but we'll see. I don't mind non-horsey anyway, as long as they're nice!

Oh do let us know how you get on (pics optional). I've always wanted to have a go, and would have loved to try Roman riding too, but alas I am now far too old and banged up for it to be possible (can't even get on from the floor any more). Best of luck with it!

Thank you Roman riding? Going to have to look this up next!

 

[Pie's mum]

I used to vault back in the dim misty past when I was young! It's so much fun and so good for your seat.

 

[JustKickOn]

Oh vaulting is so much fun!!!

When I was in Germany, I did a bit. The stuff on the barrel I found quite easy, but I have a gymnastic history. Doing some of the movement is actually easier on the horse, as the movement provides you with the momentum you need to swing etc.

Enjoy it!