Vaulting Horses

Top Vaulting Horses and Where to Buy Them in the UK: A Complete Guide for Clubs, Schools and Home Gyms

Why a Quality Vaulting Horse Matters

Picking a vaulting horse isn't just about style or price — it's about performance, safety, and longevity. Think of a vaulting horse like the foundation of a house: if it's sturdy and well-built, everything you do on top of it is safer and more predictable. Whether you're equipping a competitive gymnastics club, a school PE hall, or a motivated home gym, choosing the right vaulting horse can make progression smoother and reduce the risk of injury.

Recognised Brands and Manufacturers You’ll Find in the UK

When shopping for vaulting horses in the UK, a handful of reputable names keep popping up for good reason. Brands like Gymnova, Spieth, Janssen-Fritsen and AAI have long histories in gymnastics equipment. They design to competition standards, use durable materials and offer replacement parts and service. Even if you don’t buy directly from a big brand, looking for products made by these manufacturers or to their specifications is a smart starting point.

Gymnova

Gymnova is known for its solid build and competition-level craftsmanship. Their vaulting horses and tables often feature adjustable heights and dense foam padding covered in durable vinyl. If you're serious about training gymnasts who will compete, Gymnova models are commonly used in clubs and events across the UK.

Spieth

Spieth is a German brand with a strong presence in British gymnastics circles. Their vaulting equipment focuses on precision, ergonomics and safety. Spieth's club-level horses and tables often include reinforced frames and high-quality coverings that stand up to heavy use.

Janssen-Fritsen and AAI

Janssen-Fritsen and AAI are two other trusted names. Janssen-Fritsen has a reputation for engineering and resilience, while AAI often supplies equipment to international teams. Both brands produce commercial-grade apparatus that can handle frequent sessions in a club or school environment.

Where to Buy Vaulting Horses in the UK

Finding the right retailer is as important as choosing the brand. In the UK, options range from specialist gymnastics equipment suppliers to large online marketplaces. Specialist suppliers often provide installation, bespoke sizing and post-sale support, whereas marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay UK can be good for budget options or hard-to-find used pieces. Combining both approaches—checking specialist dealers for new competition models and marketplaces for deals—gives you flexibility.

Specialist Gymnastics Suppliers

Specialist suppliers typically stock competition and training vaulting horses, spare parts and appropriate mats. These companies know the product and the sport, so they can advise on the right model for a club or school. If you need multiple items—vaulting horse, landing mats, runways and pit—these suppliers often bundle them for a better overall solution.

General Retailers and Online Marketplaces

Retail giants and online marketplaces are worth checking for smaller clubs or individuals on a tighter budget. Amazon UK and eBay UK sometimes list new and used vaulting horses, accessories and replacement parts. The trade-off is that buyer support and warranties can vary, so read listings carefully and confirm dimensions and return conditions before purchase.

Second-Hand Options and Buying From Clubs

Used equipment is a practical route for schools and start-up clubs. Local clubs often upgrade and sell perfectly serviceable horses at a fraction of the new cost. When buying used, inspect the frame for rust, check the padding for compression and test the cover for tears—these are the tell-tale signs that a piece might need refurbishment or replacement sooner than you'd like.

Vaulting Horse vs Vaulting Table: Which Do You Need?

Older-style vaulting horses are still in use for training, but modern competition favours the vaulting table for its larger surface area and improved safety profile. So, which should you choose? If your goal is club-level or competition training aligned with current FIG standards, a vaulting table or a modern multi-purpose vaulting unit is usually the best bet. For basic skill-building, younger gymnasts, or situations where space is limited, a traditional vaulting horse can still be perfectly suitable.

Comparing the Two in Practical Terms

Vaulting horses are narrower and more compact, making them easier to store and move—handy for schools that reconfigure halls. Vaulting tables are wider and more stable on impact, reducing the chance of hand slippage during fast approaches. Consider what skills you are training and the athlete age range when deciding.

Key Dimensions and Height Considerations (Imperial Units)

When shopping, pay close attention to height and footprint because these affect approach distance and safety clearances. Typical vaulting tables used in senior competition sit around 1 foot 8 inches to 1 foot 10 inches to the top of the table surface for women's settings, while men's settings can be somewhat lower or higher depending on apparatus adjustments. Training horses for younger gymnasts might be adjustable between roughly 1 foot 2 inches and 2 feet in height to accommodate progression. Always verify the height range in the product specification and ensure your ceiling clearance and runway length are adequate.

Materials, Foam Density and Coverings

The feel and safety of a vaulting horse come down to what's inside and what covers it. High-density foam provides the rebound athletes expect without bottoming out, while multi-layer foam can offer a softer initial impact with firmer backing for support. The cover should be tough—medical vinyl or synthetic leather are common—and stitched or welded to withstand repeated use. Frames are usually steel; look for powder-coated finishes to resist corrosion in humid sports halls.

Safety Accessories: Mats, Runways and Spotting Gear

A vaulting horse on its own is only part of a safe setup. Invest in appropriate landing mats, at least 4 inches of layered padding for basic drills and thicker mats for higher skill levels. A 10-foot runway is a common standard for competitive approaches, but in tight halls you might adapt with shorter runs and adjust skill choices accordingly. Spotting belts and crash mats are vital when teaching new vaults—think of them as the seatbelt for progression, letting athletes push limits with reduced risk.

Installation, Delivery and Space Planning

Vaulting horses and tables can be heavy and sometimes come in multiple pieces. Specialist suppliers often include delivery to your hall and professional installation; this is particularly useful when dealing with large vaulting tables. Before ordering, measure your gym space: ensure you have enough approach length, landing area and overhead clearance. A low hall ceiling, for example, can drastically limit the types of vaults you can practice safely.

Budgeting: What to Expect at Different Price Points

Prices vary widely. Entry-level or compact vaulting horses suitable for home use or small clubs can be found at lower prices, while full competition-grade tables from top brands command a premium. Think in terms of value rather than just sticker price: a well-built competition table might cost more initially but last longer and carry fewer repair costs. Factor in mats and delivery when calculating total spend—these can add several hundred dollars to the final bill.

Buying Tips: Questions to Ask Before You Purchase

Before clicking buy, ask the seller about warranty length, availability of replacement parts, delivery and installation options, and whether they offer a trial or inspection period. If the product is second-hand, request photos of the frame and padding, and if possible, inspect in person. Also ask about maintenance—how to re-cover padding, where to source replacement foam, and what cleaning chemicals are safe to use on the cover material.

Maintaining Your Vaulting Horse for Years of Use

Routine care extends the life of your apparatus. Wipe down vinyl covers after sessions, check for loose stitching and repair small tears early, and lubricate moving parts on adjustable models. If you see foam compression or structural issues, address them promptly; replacing a layer of foam is cheaper than replacing the entire top. Treat your vaulting horse like a car: regular check-ups prevent big, expensive breakdowns.

Used Equipment: What to Inspect and What to Walk Away From

Used vaulting horses can be a bargain, but there are red flags. Deep foam indentations, exposed rust on the frame, significant tears in the cover, or missing adjustment hardware are all signals that the item may need major repair. If the price reflects the repair cost it could still be a good deal, but make sure you can source parts before committing. Sellers who offer maintenance records or recent refurb work are preferable.

Customisation and Extras: Tailoring to Your Needs

Many suppliers offer custom heights, branded covers, or colour options to match club colours. Extras like runway adhesives, non-slip feet, or transport trolleys make life easier if you move equipment frequently. For schools and multi-use halls, consider quick-release or folding features that streamline storage between sessions.

Why Professional Advice Matters

It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option online, but professional advice from a specialist supplier or an experienced coach can save time and money. They can recommend the correct apparatus for athlete age and skill level, advise on the right combination of mats and runways, and help you plan space layout to meet safety standards. Think of them as the GPS for your purchasing journey—they help you avoid dead ends.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Vaulting Horse in the UK

Buying a vaulting horse is a practical investment in safety and athlete development. Whether you choose a competition-grade table from a top brand or a more compact horse for a school hall, careful planning, proper inspection and thoughtful budgeting will get you the best value. Don’t rush the decision—measure twice, ask the right questions and consider long-term maintenance before you commit.

Conclusion: With the right information and a clear idea of your needs—athlete age, available space, budget and desired longevity—you can find a vaulting horse in the UK that serves your club, school or home gym for years. Prioritise safety, buy from reputable sources when possible, and maintain your equipment regularly for the best return on investment.