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Dace
10th Jan 2000, 06:40 PM
I did it and just have to tell about :)

Actually it's called voltization or volte (volt), but I'm not sure about cause some dictionaries gave me different answers. Anyway, it's a sports art, seen in some trick shows etc. Horse runs in not too big circle while the person jumps up and down, turns around in different ways, stands on the horse... I'm sure you know what am I talking about.

One guy working at the stable is a former champ in this and it was his idea let me try this to improve my balance and get me more relaxed on the horse. My instructor agreed so I had a lesson Sunday and I'll do this all next month.

All we needed was a not too tall horse (easy to jump on :)) - a 15 hh gelding - and a special saddle, actually a saddle like "thing". The horse was put on the lunge. As this guy showed how all the gymnastics are done…well, impressive and kinda easy. Not too easy though as I tried.

Of course I didn't jump on the running horse at the first time. I did the jump, as the horse stood still. I'm 5'6, not too easy though. Than I did some exercises at walk and trot, like sitting sidewards, backwards, standing on the horse on knees (and stretching one leg backwards). The trickiest part was turning around – a very quick movement - lie in full length on the horse, than cross the legs and as you stand up you're turned. And the horse moves all the time. I wonder myself I did it.

Today all parts of my body hurt enormously. :)

By the way, a good tip for those who tend lean forward while riding or just on transitions (even a slightest bit). Try to sit backwards (bareback perhaps) and do even a lightest trot. If you will lean forward just for an inch you will totally lose the balance and probably will never do it again (leaning forward I mean) ;)

Sarah
10th Jan 2000, 09:11 PM
hello!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed it! i had a go several years ago and was totally useless! I just couldn't get the balance sorted out and kept on falling off! Well done to you for managing to kneel up on the horse!

Sorry i can't help you with the name of it, as i did it in France where it was called voltige. It might be vaulting or volting, maybe someone else knows!

Do let us know how your next lesson goes!

bye!

[This message has been edited by Sarah (edited 10 January 2000).]

Bejeweld
10th Jan 2000, 10:36 PM
Hey! I've always known it as vaulting. I absolutly love it, though not to many people have heard of it. There are some wonderful examples of this on www.americanvaulting.org (http://www.americanvaulting.org) I REALLY love to vault and you can work up to two or even three people on the horse in different posistions to look really pretty. You are really lucky to be working with someone with so much experience. Good luck and try not to stay too sore! :)

cynthia
11th Jan 2000, 04:19 AM
yeah, it definitely is known as vaulting. from what i know, a "volte" is actually a very small (6 meter) circle used in dressage tests.

and the "saddle like thing" is actually called a "vaulting surcingle". sounds like you had a great time, though... from what i've seen and read, it's one of the best things for young riders to do to improve their balance and feeling comfortable on the horse. have fun!

:cool:


[This message has been edited by cynthia (edited 11 January 2000).]