Classical Equus Royal Vaulters

Vaulting Equipment

All of the equipment used in vaulting is specialized to offer the best possible, and safest, situation for successful vaulting.

Surcingle: Typical Vaulting equipment includes a leather belt called a surcingle with two handles attached, like a saddle the surcingle usually has a tree so that it does not slide around on the horses back, it is also padded like a saddle on the underside so that it is comfortable on the horse.

Pad: Between the horse and the surcingle is a pad to protect the horses back. This pad is usually stiff foam or felt no more than 2 inches thick and it extends no more than 8 inches in front of the surcingle and about 22-30 inches behind the surcingle (depending on how long the horse is).

Side Reins: Between the bridle and surcingle is a pair of reins, these are called side reins. and they are usually leather about 1 inch wide and long enough to go twice between the bridle and surcingle. Usually, they have a rubber doughnut insert to allow some give. Usually the Side Reins are the same color as the surcingle.

Bridle &Bit: Vaulting uses a regular English bridle with a snaffle or loose ring bit. The bridle is usually the same color as the surcingle.

Lounge Line: Attached to the horse's bridle is a lounge line, usually 25 to 50 feet in length. A lounge line is made of a heavy cotton web or nylon.

The Lounger: At the end of the line is a person called a longeur. The Lounger stands in the center of the circle guiding the horse though the lounge line and through a lounge whip.

Whip: The whip is longer than a normal lounge whip it usually has a fiberglass or graphite shaft usually about 8-12 feet long with a lash that is about 12-16 feet long. The whip must be long enough to reach the horse with out too much effort from the lounger. Long and Light are the key to a good Whip.

The Vaulter: The Vaulter also has special equipment. The vaulter must wear fairly tight fitting attire so that they do not get tangled in the other equipment and with other vaulters. The vaulter usually wears tight fitting spandex pants for practice with a suitable shirt. For competitions or other exhibitions a full body spandex type suit is worn this is called a unitard (a leotard with legs). There is also a special type of footwear the a vaulter must have, these are vaulting shoes. Vaulting shoes are like gymnastics shoes. The upper part of the shoe is leather with a elastic insert so that they can be pulled on but still be very snug; the bottom of the shoe is rubber with ridges in it to help with grip.

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