Article from Bits & Pieces, Winter 2009
Interactive vaulting is an activity in which the riders perform movements on or around the horse, such as sitting without a surcingle (leather with two handles strapped around horse) to more complex moves, such as kneeling or standing on the horse. The vaulting class provides an environment where the vaulter (person riding the horse) can progress at his/her own speed. The class is designed to encourage teamwork, to discover and practice new skills, and to have fun. It is an activity that provides an energetic atmosphere, whereby developing the students’ awareness of the horse and themselves.
Typically two to six vaulters make up a class that lasts 45 to 90 minutes. A vaulting class includes grooming, exercises on and around a barrel and the horse, and games. Lessons can have different focal points, like increasing balance and strength, reducing anxieties or working on creativity, all depending on the needs of the vaulters.
Besides the physical benefits of improving strength, balance, sensory-motor skills and coordination, vaulters will learn teamwork, consideration for their partners (horse and teammates), increase their attention span, and gain an increased self-esteem. Interactive vaulting serves more participants with one horse, requires few to no volunteers, and provides JHTRA another program opportunity for participants. It has proven to be a successful component of JHTRA’s therapy services.
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