Intro to Vaulting

Followed by Wine Q&A

Test your riding, flexibility and gymnastics skills with this exciting introduction to Vaulting! 

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. Modern vaulting was developed in post-war Germany as a means to introduce children to equestrian sport, and it remains a popular training and competitive endeavor all across Europe. Modern vaulting competitors are judged on their ability to smoothly execute compulsory movements demonstrating strength, flexibility, and balance—making sure to face all four directions and cover all parts of the horse from neck to croup—during their routines. They are also evaluated on the technical difficulty and artistic expression associated with freestyle routines.

For our class, we'll have one instructor and one assistant (who is also our photographer) there to guide you along the ways of mounting, posing and dismounting. 

The class starts with an explanation of vaulting and a demo of the basic poses we'll be practicing. In addition to the riding seat, there are three poses we'll start with, and an optional fourth (standing) if people are comfortable and want to try.  We'll also go over several dismounts.

For the first session, riders will go individually.  Each turn will start with a leg up, and riders will have a chance to feel the bareback walk and trot just to get comfortable, then practice each of the poses at a halt and then a walk.  

If we have a full group, we may bring a second horse up so that people who are waiting for their turn can practice giving/receiving leg ups, as well as the dismounts.  If we do that, we'll also swap horses after 3 riders.

After the class we will gather around for a little wine tasting and chance to chat about vaulting. Bring snacks to enjoy with the wine, we suggest; cheese, fruit, charcuterie, make it a relaxed afternoon in the country. 

SCHEDULE
3:00pm ​​Riders arrive by the barn and meet each other and our vaulting horse(s), then walk up the hill to the arena together 
3:15pm Demonstrations
3:30pm Each rider takes a turn practicing the riding style and poses
4:30pm Class ends and wine begins! Ask questions and learn more about Vaulting!
5:30pm Party is over, sign up for next time

INCLUDED

• Experienced instructors to guide you along the way

• Vaulting horses for riders to practice on

• A wine tasting and chat to learn more 

HORSES
In North America, many vaulters use draft crosses, while in Europe, where vaulting is more popular and competitive, they more commonly use Warmbloods. Instead of a saddle, the horse wears a thick pad and a surcingle that has two small handles on either side of the withers. Horses wear a bridle and sometimes side reins and are lunged by a handler in a 15-meter circle.

SETTING
A serene private farm tucked away in Bedford. 

LEVEL
Level 2, 3, 4 and 5. Click here for level descriptions. 

*200lb weight limit

ATTIRE
Casual riding attire, helmets required.

TRANSPORTATION
Bedford, NY

By Car: 47 miles north of Midtown
Accessible by MetroNorth Train to Katonah