Vaulting is the art of gymnastics on horse back and is an extremely popular sport with young riders in Europe and is now growing in stature here in Australia.

A competitor vaults on a horse, performs a series of exercises, then vaults off. There are two sections, with a regular routine and a freestyle routine, Both performed to music and lasting approximately one minute.

It is an integral part of the equestrian system on the continent, as it fosters excellent co-ordination and balance on the horse. As balance and rhythm are the cornerstone of establishing a strong seat and position, which is necessary in all three Equine Olympic disciplines, it is therefore a sport closely associated with the Equine Federation at national and state levels.

Coach: A knowledgeable person in charge of the club vaulting activities who has either competitive vaulting experience or has studied and worked up through to the levels s/he is trying to teach. Is usually responsible for the well-being of the vaulters and the horse during practices and competition.

Compulsories: Seven exercises consisting of the Mount, Basic Riding Seat, Flag, Mill, Scissors, Stand, and Flank (a dismount). These exercises demonstrate to the observer different aspects of the vaulter's skill. Everyone does the same compulsory exercises in the same order. The only difference is between Individuals and Team. An individual mounts and does the remaining six in the above order with no particular time limit though judges discourage wasting time because the horse, of course, is still trotting or cantering. A team (which goes in order of height) does the first four, each going on the horse in turn, then they start all over again with the tallest vaulter and do the last three. The team compulsories are finished when the last vaulter (the smallest) dismounts. The Team Compulsories are timed and must be completed within eight minutes.

Ku"r: This is the freestyle part of the competition. Vaulters choreograph exciting moves to match their music and personalities as they showcase their dance with the horse. There are different levels of scoring for different kinds of moves and the vaulter has one minute to get it all together. In the team Ku"r, up to three vaulters can be on the horse at the same time. This can include special mounts, swings up to flying, arabesques, whatever they can do and still be in harmony with the horse and secure in the move's execution. All team members must get on the horse and perform at least once. The team Ku"r is five minutes.

Longe Line: a long lead rope used for controlling the horse in a 45 - 50 foot circle.

Longe Whip: a horse whip with a long lash that is used as an aid for the longeur to exactly control the speed, gait and size of the circle the horse is traveling.

Longeur: The person who is in charge of controlling the horse, and managing the team as it performs. S/he can stop the motion if there is a problem with the equipment or the horse, or if the music is incorrect. Is also in charge of responding to the judge if that should become necessary.

Surcingle (vaulting): Unlike a plain longeing surcingle, the vaulting surcingle has a tree just like a saddle does, grips that the vaulters use to base their moves and hold onto when necessary, as well as "D" rings for attaching the side reins. There are two "Cossack loops," one on each side, for the vaulter to stand on when performing mounted exercises from the side of the horse.