Equestrian Vaulting  is a competitive discipline where both dynamic and static gymnastic elements are combined and performed on a cantering horse - gymnastics to music on the back of a moving horse.

It requires outstanding physical condition from the vaulter and a harmonious relationship with the horse is imperative if a display of strength, coordination, rythm, suppleness and balance is to be achieved.

Vaulting exercises include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter, kneeling and standing exercises. Judging is based on technique, form, difficulty, balance, security and consideration of the horse. Today, horse, lunger and vaulter are considered a competitive unit and the performance of each is reflected in the final score.

Vaulters compete in:

• Individual events: Individual competitions are made up of two rounds.  Vaulters perform the Compulsary and Free Tests in the first round in order to qualify for the final/second round.  Individual vaulters have only one minute for their Freestyle performances.  At Championships, men and women compete separately.
• Pairs (pas-de-deux): Two vaulters, a male and a female, perform a freestyle programme held over one or two rounds.
• Team events: A vaulting team consists of a lunger, horse, six vaulters (male and female) plus one alternate vaulter (optional) who must enter and line up with the team.  Team competitions are made up of two rounds.  During the first round, teams perform a six-minute Compulsory and a four-minute Freestyle Test in an attempt to qualify for the second round where they perform a single Free Test.  An exercise will only be scored if two vaulters are in contact with the horse as it is carried out.  No more than three vaulters may be on the horse at any one time.

It takes a very special kind of horse to become a vaulting horse; good character and temperament being essential. The equipment of the horse consists of a girth-like band called a surcingle, side reins and a bridle with a snaffle bit. A foam or gel back pad is also often used.

The athletic prowess and skills required of the vaulters can only be exhibited to their full potential if there exists a true complicity between vaulter, horse and lunger as the full expression of the vaulter's talent can only be achieved through the harmonious inter-action between all three.

The horse is guided on a long rein by a longeur standing on the ground who ensures that a steady canter is maintained on a circle with a minimum diameter of 15m. All vaulting competitions are held over two rounds composed of either one or two tests.  During Compulsory Tests vaulters must perform a number of specific exercises. Freestyle tests, performed to music, allow vaulters the artistic freedom of building both dynamic and static exercises around the Compulsory exercises

Vaulting is a dramatic and beautiful sport to watch and can be enjoyed by spectators who are not experts.

The discipline VAULTING is a FEI (Federation Equestré Internationale) discipline, managed by SANEF (South African National Equestrian Federation) who is a member of the SAEC (South African Equestrian Council).