The Training of the Vaulting Horse

Basic qualities a horse should develop through its education:

1. Rhythm

2. Looseness

3. Contact

4. Impulsion

5. Straightness

6. Collection

Phase1. Combines 1, 2 & 3 These first three steps are so important in the young horse. A potential vaulting horse should at least reach some competency in this first phase before commencing vaulting. At this stage you can familiarise him with the vaulting scene.

1. Rhythm and regularity: Rhythm = beat of footfalls, Regularity = size of steps.

The horse must have even steps within all paces and through transitions. He should maintain the same rhythm through all transitions and turns and on straight lines. Lose it and it is a fault.

2. Looseness:

When horse is free from physical and mental tension and constraint. All joints should bend and straighten equally on each side and with each step and stride.

Signs: You have to train your eye.

Ears and eyes contented. Forward downward movement of the neck. Swinging back and tail. Wet mouth. Looseness has been achieved when horse is willing to stretch neck forward and down in all three basic gaits and on both reins. He should swing through his back and move with unspoilt paces.

He should not rush forward.

3. Contact: Acceptance of the bridle:

Should be gentle and steady. The horse should seek contact and the rider provide it.

Contact starts with the hind leg.. The contact should never be achieved thru’ a backward action of the hands. It should result from the correctly delivered forward thrust of the hind legs. Being ‘on the bit’ results from a correctly developed contact.

The horse’s mouth should be relaxed and he should accept the contact evenly .not twist his head to inside or out. Good sign is wet mouth. Bad sign is overproduction of foam.

Phase2: Combine 2,3,4 &5 They work together to increase thrust of the hind legs.

4. Impulsion:

Horse is said to have impulsion when energy created by hind leg is transferred in the direction of the Centre of Gravity. i.e. forward and upward. N.B. Impulsion is created by training. You teach the horse. The trainer makes use of the natural paces then adds to them , forward thrust, looseness and suppleness.

If the horse is pushed so hard that it quickens its steps, its movement is shortened. Speed does not equate to impulsion.

5. Straightness:

All horses are a little crooked. The right hind foot may be set down further to the right than the right fore. This can lead to loss of forward thrust then weight carrying capacity of the hind limbs will not develop.

If the horse is straight , the hind legs will push exactly in the direction of the C.of G. The restraining aids will also pass thru’ the horse correctly, thru’ mouth, poll, neck, back to the hind quarters and will act on both legs equally.

Phase 3: Combine 4, 5 & 6 They work together to develop the final aim of collection

6. Collection: To increase the weight carrying capacity of the hind legs and lighten the forehand.

BEV Ltd. Resource pack 2005