Equestrian vaulting exercises combine balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and control. They are performed on a horse or pony moving on a circle, generally at walk or canter, under the guidance of a lunger.
Certain movements form the technical foundations of the discipline, including the basic seat, flag, mill, scissors and stand. Others appear in freestyle routines and may be performed individually, in a pas-de-deux or as part of a squad.
These exercises do not all present the same level of difficulty. Training should begin on the ground or on a vaulting barrel before the movement is gradually transferred to a properly prepared horse.
What Is an Equestrian Vaulting Exercise?
A vaulting exercise is a position or movement performed on a moving horse. It can be static, with the vaulter holding a position for several strides, or dynamic, involving momentum, rotation or a change of support.
Exercises may be performed:
- facing forwards or backwards;
- towards the inside or outside of the circle;
- sitting, kneeling or standing;
- supported by the handles of the surcingle;
- individually, in pairs or in groups;
- at walk or canter, depending on the level and class.
In competition, the rules determine which exercises must be shown, their order and how they are judged. The programme varies according to the national or international category.
Positions, Transitions and Sequences
A vaulting exercise is not always limited to its final position. Judges and coaches also consider how the vaulter enters the movement, maintains it and transitions out of it.
A complete exercise may therefore include:
- a preparation phase;
- the main position or movement;
- a transition into the next exercise;
- a dismount from the horse.
Even a stable final position can lose quality if it follows an unbalanced movement or ends with a poorly controlled landing.
Compulsory Equestrian Vaulting Exercises
Compulsory exercises allow judges to assess the same fundamental abilities across several vaulters. They are established by the rules of the relevant class and are generally performed in a specific order.
At international level, the compulsory sequence may include:
- the vault-on;
- the basic seat;
- the flag;
- the mill;
- the scissors forward;
- the scissors backward;
- the stand;
- the first part of the flank and dismount.
This sequence should not be regarded as universal. It depends on the athlete’s level, age, competition class and applicable rules. National introductory classes may use different exercises or simplified versions performed at walk.
The Vault-On
The vault-on, also known as the mount, allows the vaulter to move from the ground onto the horse while it remains in motion. It is already a complete technical exercise.
The vaulter first moves alongside the horse, following its rhythm, before taking hold of the surcingle handles. A coordinated impulse is then used to raise the body and arrive on the horse in a controlled position.
What Abilities Does the Vault-On Require?
A controlled vault-on requires:
- an accurate perception of rhythm;
- sufficient momentum;
- strength in the arms and core;
- precise coordination;
- a light and controlled arrival.
The objective is not to pull the entire body up with the arms or land heavily on the horse. The mount should remain fluid and protect the animal’s comfort.
In certain introductory classes, assistance may be permitted. This allows beginners to discover the movement before they can generate the required impulse independently.
The Basic Seat
The basic seat is one of the fundamental positions in equestrian vaulting. The vaulter sits astride the horse behind the surcingle, with the upper body upright and the arms positioned according to the exercise requirements.
Although the position appears simple, it requires considerable body control. The vaulter must remain stable without gripping excessively with the legs or becoming rigid.
What Is the Purpose of the Basic Seat?
The basic seat develops:
- upper-body alignment;
- independence of the arms;
- pelvic stability;
- relaxation through the legs;
- the ability to follow the horse’s movement;
- awareness of the horse’s rhythm.
It also serves as the starting or finishing position for many other exercises.
Common Mistakes in the Basic Seat
Beginners may arch their back, tense their shoulders or grip with their legs in an attempt to remain stable. These compensations can create a temporary impression of security but make it more difficult to follow the horse’s movement.
Training therefore focuses on relaxation as well as muscular control.
The Flag
The flag is one of the most recognisable static exercises in equestrian vaulting. The vaulter supports the body on one knee and one hand while extending the opposite arm and leg.
The position creates a long line above the horse’s back and requires balance, core strength and cross-body coordination.
What Does the Flag Develop?
The flag helps improve:
- stability through the supporting limbs;
- cross-body coordination;
- control of the pelvis;
- extension through the body;
- shoulder and hip mobility;
- the ability to maintain a position over the horse’s strides.
Preparatory variations include the half flag, in which the number of unsupported limbs or their position is adapted to the vaulter’s experience.
Why Is the Flag Difficult?
The vaulter must remain balanced while their weight is distributed between separate points of support. They must follow the horse’s movement without allowing the pelvis to rotate or the back to arch excessively.
The flag is normally prepared on the ground and on a vaulting barrel before being attempted on a horse.
The Mill
The mill is an exercise in which the vaulter completes a full turn on the horse’s back by passing each leg successively over the neck and hindquarters.
The movement passes through several orientations:
- sitting forwards;
- sitting sideways;
- sitting backwards;
- sitting sideways on the opposite side;
- returning to the forward seat.
Each leg must move with control without striking the horse or disturbing the vaulter’s posture.
What Does the Mill Assess?
The mill requires:
- flexibility through the hips;
- controlled leg movement;
- balance in a sideways position;
- a regular rhythm;
- independence between the upper and lower body;
- the ability to change orientation.
Certain classes require only a half mill, in which the vaulter completes part of the rotation instead of a full turn.
The Importance of Leg Control
The quality of the mill does not depend solely on how high the leg is lifted. The movement must remain fluid, controlled and coordinated with the horse’s’s strides.
A rushed movement can unbalance the vaulter or cause the leg to make abrupt contact with the horse’s neck or hindquarters.
The Scissors Forward
The scissors forward is a dynamic exercise that changes the vaulter’s orientation from sitting forwards to sitting backwards.
It involves an upward movement and a crossing action of the legs resembling a pair of scissors. The pelvis rises above the horse while the legs change sides.
What Does the Scissors Forward Require?
This exercise demands:
- strong coordination;
- mobility through the hips;
- stable support on the surcingle handles;
- momentum synchronised with the horse;
- precise control of the descent;
- sufficient strength in the arms and core.
Height should not be pursued at the expense of alignment or control.
The Scissors Backward
The scissors backward returns the vaulter from a backward-facing position to a forward-facing seat.
It is not simply an exact reversal of the scissors forward. Body orientation, perception of the horse’s movement and the action of the legs create their own technical difficulties.
Why Are the Two Phases Assessed Separately?
The scissors forward and backward are judged separately because they do not require exactly the same coordination. A vaulter may find one direction easier than the other.
Both movements require physical preparation and extensive practice on a barrel before they are performed on the horse.
The Stand
The stand requires the vaulter to rise onto both feet on the horse’s back and maintain an upright position. It is one of the most immediately recognisable vaulting exercises.
The vaulter generally begins in a low position before rising progressively. Depending on the level and requirements, the final position is maintained without holding the surcingle handles.
How Does the Vaulter Maintain Balance?
Stability depends on:
- balanced weight distribution;
- knees and ankles that can absorb the movement;
- a stable pelvis;
- correct direction of the eyes;
- active core muscles;
- arms used to support balance.
The vaulter should not completely lock the legs. The joints must remain flexible enough to follow the horse’s movement.
Standing at Walk and Canter
The first stages can be practised on a barrel and then on a horse at walk, with a spotter when necessary. Standing at canter requires considerably greater control because of the amplitude of the horse’s strides.
It should never be attempted independently on an untrained horse.
The Flank
The flank is a dynamic exercise involving a powerful leg swing, support through the arms and movement of the body above or away from the horse.
Depending on the required phase, it may return the vaulter to a position on the horse or lead into a dismount.
A Transitional Movement and Dismount
The flank requires:
- strength through the arms;
- momentum from the legs;
- coordinated movement of the pelvis;
- spatial awareness;
- control of the landing.
The precise form depends on the class and applicable rules. The term should therefore not be used indiscriminately for every dynamic dismount.
Vaulting Dismounts
A dismount describes how the vaulter leaves the horse at the end of an exercise or routine. It forms an integral part of the performance.
A simple dismount may involve passing a leg over the horse and descending in a controlled manner. Advanced levels include dynamic dismounts requiring greater momentum and aerial control.
Landing on the Ground
The quality of a dismount also depends on the landing. The vaulter must reach the ground in a balanced position, move in the correct direction and avoid landing dangerously close to the horse’s legs.
Advanced dismounts require coaching, spotting and an appropriate training environment. They should not be learned by attempting to reproduce a video.
Static and Dynamic Vaulting Exercises
Vaulting movements can be grouped according to the type of physical effort and control required.
Static Exercises
A static exercise is held for a defined number of strides or counts. It allows judges to evaluate balance, alignment and stability.
Examples include:
- the basic seat;
- the flag;
- the stand;
- certain kneeling positions;
- plank positions;
- held pair or squad formations.
The term “static” does not mean the vaulter remains completely motionless. The body must constantly adapt to the horse’s movement.
Dynamic Exercises
A dynamic exercise involves significant movement, momentum, rotation or a change of orientation.
This category includes:
- the vault-on;
- the scissors;
- certain leg swings;
- rapid transitions;
- jumps and rotations;
- dynamic dismounts.
Dynamic exercises must retain a controlled trajectory. Speed or amplitude alone does not make a movement technically correct.
Individual Freestyle Exercises
In an individual freestyle routine, the vaulter creates a sequence suited to their abilities and those of the horse. Static positions, dynamic elements and personal transitions can be combined.
The composition aims to balance:
- difficulty;
- quality of execution;
- fluidity;
- originality;
- musical interpretation;
- harmony with the horse.
A successful routine does not simply contain as many difficult movements as possible. The exercises should create a coherent performance without disturbing the horse’s balance or rhythm.
Pas-de-Deux Exercises
A pas-de-deux features two vaulters performing on the same horse. The partners may complete simultaneous or complementary movements, or create formations involving a base and an elevated vaulter.
Pas-de-deux exercises can include:
- side-by-side positions;
- opposing balances;
- shared points of support;
- lifts;
- coordinated mounts and dismounts;
- transitions involving changes of role.
The Base and the Elevated Vaulter
In some formations, one vaulter serves as the base while the other performs a position above or around them. The base must remain stable and distribute the weight appropriately.
The elevated vaulter must control every movement to avoid unbalancing their partner or placing excessive pressure on the horse.
The roles may change during the routine according to the choreography and abilities of the two athletes.
Squad Vaulting Formations
Squad freestyle routines include exercises involving several vaulters. Depending on the applicable rules, more than one person may be in contact with the horse at the same time.
Squad formations generally involve:
- a base vaulter;
- one or more elevated vaulters;
- partners providing support or assisting transitions;
- coordination with team members remaining on the ground.
What Makes a Squad Formation Difficult?
The difficulty does not depend only on the number of participants. It can also be influenced by:
- the height of the formation;
- the number and type of contact points;
- the direction each vaulter faces;
- the transitions used to enter and leave the movement;
- how long the position is held;
- changes of role;
- the movement of the horse.
The combined weight and its distribution must remain compatible with the horse’s abilities. A spectacular formation is not acceptable if it restricts the animal’s movement or compromises its balance.
How Are Vaulting Exercises Judged?
The criteria vary according to the type of competition, but judging is never based solely on apparent difficulty.
Judges may consider:
- technical quality;
- balance;
- stability;
- amplitude;
- body alignment;
- fluidity of transitions;
- control of landings;
- harmony with the horse;
- the artistic quality of a freestyle routine.
The horse is also assessed during competitions. The regularity of its gait, balance and behaviour therefore influence the overall quality of the performance.
Difficulty and Execution
A complex movement performed with several errors is not necessarily rewarded more highly than a simpler exercise completed with excellent control.
Coaches should select movements suited to the genuine abilities of the participants. Safety, quality of execution and respect for the horse remain the priorities.
How Is a New Vaulting Exercise Learned?
Training generally follows several stages designed to protect both the vaulter and the horse.
Understanding the Position on the Ground
The exercise is first explained and divided into its different phases. The vaulter learns the body orientation, contact points and sequence of movements on a stable surface.
Practising on a Vaulting Barrel
The vaulting barrel allows the movement to be repeated and corrected without requiring the horse to carry out every attempt.
It is particularly valuable for dynamic exercises, pair and squad formations, and complex transitions.
Introducing Spotters
A coach or training partner may act as a spotter during the learning process. This assistance can prevent a fall and help the vaulter understand the correct movement.
Transferring the Exercise to the Horse
The movement may then be performed on the horse at walk or canter, depending on its nature, the vaulter’s ability and the horse’s training.
Successfully completing a movement once on a stationary barrel does not automatically mean it is ready to be performed on a moving horse.
Horse Welfare During Vaulting Exercises
The horse should maintain a regular gait and remain free from evident signs of discomfort throughout the exercise.
Its comfort can be affected by:
- the quality of mounts and dismounts;
- the control of landings on its back;
- the weight of the vaulters;
- the distribution of contact points;
- the duration of the session;
- the fit of the surcingle and pad;
- the number of repetitions;
- prolonged work on a circle.
Exercises must be chosen according to the horse’s conformation, experience and physical preparation. As many repetitions as possible should be completed on a barrel to avoid placing unnecessary demands on the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaulting Exercises
What Is the Easiest Vaulting Exercise?
The basic seated position and simple arm movements at walk are among the first exercises introduced. Their apparent simplicity does not remove the need to learn correct posture.
What Is the Best-Known Vaulting Exercise?
The flag and stand are among the most recognisable positions. The mill and scissors are also classic movements within the discipline.
How Many Equestrian Vaulting Exercises Are There?
There is no single definitive number. Competition rules describe compulsory exercises and list numerous freestyle elements, each of which may have different variations and combinations.
Are Vaulting Exercises Always Performed at Canter?
No. Depending on the level and category, some exercises are performed at walk. Advanced competitions often place greater emphasis on canter work, but training generally begins on a barrel and at an appropriate gait.
Can You Learn Vaulting Exercises by Yourself?
No. Exercises should be taught by a competent instructor, prepared on suitable equipment and performed with a horse trained for vaulting.
What Is the Difference Between Compulsory and Freestyle Exercises?
A compulsory exercise is established by the rules and allows judges to compare the technical abilities of vaulters. A freestyle exercise is selected as part of an individual, pair or squad routine within the limits of the code of points.
From Basic Positions to Squad Formations
The main equestrian vaulting exercises form a progressive technical pathway. The basic seat develops seated balance, the flag improves cross-body coordination, the mill teaches changes of orientation, the scissors introduce dynamic movement and the stand requires complete postural control.
These exercises then provide the foundations for freestyle routines, pas-de-deux performances and squad formations. Their success does not depend solely on their difficulty. A good vaulting exercise must be controlled, fluid, appropriate for the vaulters’ abilities and respectful of the horse.
Main sources:
French Equestrian Federation – Vaulting Assessment Guidelines,
International Equestrian Federation – 2026 Vaulting Rules,
International Equestrian Federation – 2026 Vaulting Guidelines.
