How to Make a Horse Vaulting Barrel?

Do you want to learn how to make a horse vaulting barrel? Equestrian vaulting is gymnastics and dance performed on the back of a moving horse, and riders of all ages take part.

A vaulting barrel is the vaulter's practice "horse." It is a stationary, padded barrel roughly the size and shape of a horse's back, where vaulters learn and rehearse moves before trying them on a real horse. The horse never jumps over or stands in the barrel.

In this post, we'll explain what a vaulting barrel is and outline how people build one. If you're new to vaulting, work with an experienced vaulting coach.

How to Make a Horse Vaulting Barrel?

Vaulting has a long history. US Equestrian traces it to acrobatic displays on cantering horses in Roman games, and today all competitive routines are performed on a cantering horse moving in a circle on a longe line.

VaultCanada describes the barrel as "the practice equipment for vaulters". It approximates a horse's size and shape, but not its movement. Some competitions even include barrel classes.

Below is a general outline for a home-built barrel. Vaulting clubs and associations can share proven plans and dimensions.

So What You’ll Need:

• A sturdy barrel body, such as a steel drum or a wooden barrel, or a padded wooden frame
• A strong, stable stand or legs that hold the barrel at a safe height
• Dense foam padding and a durable cover
• A vaulting surcingle (roller) with handles, sized to fit the barrel
• A vaulting pad for the top of the barrel
• Thick gymnastics or crash mats for the floor around the barrel

Side reins, a longe line, and a longe whip are used with the live horse, not the barrel.

Instructions:

1. Build or buy a stable base. The legs or stand must hold the barrel firmly without wobbling or tipping, even when a vaulter jumps on from the side. Bolt or weld the frame securely.
2. Choose the height for your vaulters. Beginners and children often start on a low barrel. Higher barrels better match a horse's back, so many clubs use more than one height or an adjustable stand.
3. Mount the barrel on the stand. Secure it so it can't roll or shift. Some builders join drums end to end to get closer to the length of a horse's back.
4. Pad the barrel. Cover it with dense foam and a tough outer cover so there are no hard edges, seams, or sharp metal.
5. Fit the surcingle. Buckle a vaulting surcingle around the barrel where it would sit on a horse, so vaulters can practice with real handles.
6. Add the vaulting pad. Place a vaulting pad on top, as you would on a horse, so vaulters can practice on a familiar surface.
7. Lay down mats. Put thick mats all around the barrel to cushion falls and dismounts.
8. Inspect it before every session. Check bolts, welds, straps, buckles, and padding, and repair anything worn.
9. Practice under supervision. Vaulters should learn each move on the mat and the barrel, with a coach spotting, before trying it on a horse at the walk.

With regular practice on the barrel, vaulters build the strength, balance, and confidence they need before working on a moving horse.

Does equestrian vaulting hurt the horse?

When it is done properly, vaulting should not hurt the horse. VaultCanada notes that a thick pad sits under the surcingle to protect the horse's back, and that the longe whip is used for communication, not punishment.

Vaulting horses need suitable temperament, gradual conditioning, well-fitted equipment, good footing, and sensible workloads. Practicing on the barrel first means vaulters make their early mistakes on equipment instead of on the horse.

Sources

• Vaulting, US Equestrian
• About Vaulting Competitions, VaultCanada