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If you've ever watched gymnastics up close, you know the vaulting horse is where power, speed, and precision meet. Whether you call it a vaulting horse, pommel horse (for some variations), or a training vault, this piece of equipment is central to gymnasts learning dynamic mounts, handsprings, and vault approaches. In this guide we'll walk through the types of vaulting horses, what to look for when buying, safety tips, accessories you need, and how to care for your equipment so it lasts season after season. Think of this as the playbook for choosing the right vaulting partner.
Picking the right vaulting horse is more than just a purchase — it affects progress, safety, and athlete confidence. A poorly matched vault can slow skill development or even cause injury, while a well-designed piece of kit can bridge the gap between practice and competition performance. Consider your athletes' ages, skill levels, and the space available. A good vaulting horse feels like a steady friend under your hands: firm, predictable, and built to last.
Vaulting horses come in a few common shapes and builds. Knowing the differences helps you match the tool to your goals, whether you run a competitive club or need a durable piece for school PE classes.
The classic vaulting horse has a long, rounded top and sturdy legs. It's ideal for learning basic mounts, hand placements, and for coaches who prefer the traditional feel. These come in fixed or adjustable heights and often have thicker padding to absorb impact. Typical top widths range from about 8 inches to 16 inches, making them suitable for a range of hand placements and techniques.
Pommel-style trainers are designed for male artistic gymnastics training and mimic the pommel horse used in competition, though many training models omit the pommels. They help athletes work on swings, circles, and support strength. These are usually narrower across the top and have reinforced frames to tolerate rhythmic, repetitive loading.
The vaulting table — the modern replacement for the old horse in many competitive settings — has a flat, wider top and angled profile that helps with safer hands-on contact during vaults. These tables offer a larger contact area and are common in facilities that train for vault events. Height adjustability and surface grip are important specs to check here.
For schools and multi-use halls, portable vaulting horses are a lifesaver. They often fold or disassemble quickly and are lighter in weight, sometimes under 55 pounds, so staff can move them without heavy lifting equipment. They might not be as heavy-duty as fixed units, but modern portable designs still offer excellent stability and padding.
Not all vaulting horses are created equal. Focus on build quality, padding, adjustability, and safety features to ensure you’re getting equipment that supports athletes rather than limits them.
Look for a solid steel or reinforced aluminum frame, especially if the horse will see heavy, daily use. Heavier frames tend to stay put and resist wobble; a stable unit reduces the risk of missteps and injury. If you’re buying for a busy club, aim for a frame that can handle repeated shocks without bending or loosening.
Padding should be dense enough to absorb impact but firm enough to provide predictable hand placement — think of it like a firm mattress, not a marshmallow. Covers are typically made from durable synthetic leather or vinyl that resists scuffs and cleans easily. Check for reinforced seams and non-slip surfaces on the top for reliable traction even when sweaty hands are involved.
Adjustable height is a must if you train different age groups. Most vaulting horses offer a range that covers elementary school athletes up to competitive adults. Make sure the locking mechanism is robust and easy to operate; a weak lock can lead to sudden shifts mid-drill, which is dangerous.
If you need to move the horse frequently, weight matters. Lightweight, portable models often weigh less than 55 pounds and come with handles or quick-release legs. For fixed installations, heavier units that weigh 110 pounds or more provide better stability.
Safety should always be non-negotiable. Choose equipment that adheres to recognized gymnastics standards where possible and pair it with the right mats and spotters. Inspect bolts, welds, and padding regularly, and keep a checklist of routine maintenance tasks.
Even a well-built vaulting horse benefits from proper placement. Position it on a flat, non-slip surface and use anti-slip pads or matting under the legs if the floor is slick. For competition-style setups, check that the unit doesn’t wobble when force is applied at various angles — a simple push test is worth doing before every session.
One size rarely fits all in gymnastics equipment. Here’s how to match a vaulting horse to your environment, athletes, and long-term goals.
Clubs should prioritize durability and adjustability. Choose a heavy-frame model with reinforced padding that can take daily use. Look for units that allow quick height changes and have replaceable covers and foam so you can extend the life of the investment without buying a brand-new unit every season.
Schools need versatile, safe, and budget-friendly models. Portable horses with good padding and secure locking systems often hit the sweet spot. Make sure the model you choose is easy for staff to move and store and that it meets basic safety checks without specialized tooling.
At home, you’ll probably want something lighter and more compact. A folding design with molded handles and a quick setup is ideal. If space allows, pairing a home vaulting horse with a high-quality landing mat can make practice safer and more effective.
The vaulting horse is only one piece of the puzzle. The right accessories increase safety, improve learning outcomes, and let athletes practice a wider range of skills.
Springboards add bounce and can help gymnasts develop the approach speed and power needed for advanced vaults. Choose boards with robust springs and non-slip surfaces; sizes usually range around 4 feet long and 16 to 24 inches wide. For younger athletes, a firmer board with less rebound is often safer and easier to control.
Landing mats are indispensable. Use layered mats that stack to a safe landing height — often between 2 feet and 3 feet — depending on the skill practiced. For high-risk drills, a foam pit provides the most forgiveness; for routine vaults, thick, dense landing mats work well and are easier to store.
Spotting blocks and platforms allow coaches to assist gymnasts at the right height. Adjustable spotting platforms that sit at various levels from 20 inches to 48 inches help trainers guide athletes through hands-on corrections without overreaching.
Regular maintenance keeps vaulting horses safe and extends their lifespan. A little attention after every session goes a long way.
Wipe down covers with a mild soap solution and a damp cloth after use, paying attention to seam areas where sweat and dust collect. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can degrade the cover material. For tougher stains, a soft brush and diluted cleaner usually do the trick.
Inspect bolts, welds, and frames weekly if you use the horse heavily. Tighten any loose bolts and look for signs of fatigue like hairline cracks or bent legs. Replace damaged parts immediately; never use the unit if the structural integrity is compromised.
Foam compresses over time. If the surface feels uneven or overly firm in spots, it’s time to replace the foam. Many quality models have modular pads that make swaps straightforward — a simple way to refresh a long-serving horse without buying a whole new unit.
Vaulting horses range from basic school models to high-end competition-grade units. Think long term: spending a bit more upfront often saves on replacements and repairs. Balance your budget with expected usage — a busy club will find better value in a sturdy, serviceable unit than a cheap model that needs constant attention.
If you're exploring options or complementing your vaulting horse, consider a few alternatives that can broaden training possibilities.
Vaulting tables are standard in many competitive environments and offer a wider, safer contact area that’s forgiving during hands-on contact. If your program focuses on vault events, a vaulting table might be a better long-term investment.
For advanced aerial work and confidence building, foam pits and trampolines create forgiving environments to try new skills. These are great complements to a vaulting horse, allowing athletes to experiment without the full risk of hard landings.
When hunting for the best deal, compare specifications, warranties, and replacement part availability. Look beyond sticker price to consider shipping costs and installation needs. Comparison sites and product reviews help you weigh features against value, and they often highlight promotions on popular models and accessories.
Before you press “buy,” here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re choosing the right vaulting horse: durable frame, replaceable pads, height range that fits your athletes, secure locking mechanisms, and availability of spare parts. If the unit passes that test, it’s probably a reliable pick for your setup.
Vaulting horses are a cornerstone of gymnastics training, and choosing the right one can accelerate progress while keeping athletes safe. Whether you need a heavy-duty club model, a portable school unit, or a compact home trainer, focus on build quality, safety features, and compatibility with mats and springboards. Maintain your equipment with routine checks and cleaning, invest in complementary gear like landing mats and spotting platforms, and don’t be afraid to compare offers to find the best long-term value. With the right vaulting horse under your hands, practice becomes more productive and much more confident.
| Vaulting Horses | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Schleich Horse Club Mia’s Vaulting Set | £ 16,99 | |
| Schleich Horse Club Mia’s Vaulting Set | £ 16,99 | |
| Schleich Horse Club Mia’s Vaulting Set | £ 18,79 |
