Gymnastics on Horseback

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Horseback Gymnastics
Horseback gymnastics is a sport that requires years of training for both horse and riders. This event is known in the horse world as vaulting. This is a fun, yet dangerous sport, as falls are common and to be expected while training. Often these acrobats are seen in circuses and carnivals, but competitions are held all over the country for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.

A vaulting horse is trained to canter around a 15 meter circle. It is critical to have a specially trained horse because timing is critical and in order to complete many jumps and routines you must know exactly what your horse is doing, where he will be and how he will shift his weight. A special harness is used to allow the vaulters to preform. This harness has many places to allow the performers to wedge their hands and feet and well as support themselves and even others. In team vaulting there are several riders on the horse at once.

In individual vaulting competitions, there are six skills that must be preformed and scored. These skills are the basic seat, flag, mill, scissors, stand and flank.