1. The Fun and Freedom of Interactive Vaulting Liz Adams Region 1 Conference April 2014

2. Interactive Vaulting ….is a process that engages participants in horsemanship activities, movements around, on and off the equine or barrel and gymnastic positions on the back of the equine. The specially trained equine works in a circle on a lunge line at the walk, trot and canter. This dynamic environment offers educational, social, creative, and movement opportunities.

3. Competitive Vaulting American Vaulting Association Competitive or sport vaulting focuses on the compulsory gymnastic movements on horseback as an individual or team.

4. Developmental Therapeutic Vaulting Utilized by Therapeutic Riding Instructors The student performs compulsory movements while the horse is LED with sidewalker assistance. Positions often used in Hippotherapy setting

5. Why Include Interactive Vaulting at your center?

6. Communication The interactive vaulting environment assumes that all parties (horse, instructor, vaulters) are of equal importance. Vaulters must problems solve their interactions with the horse and other vaulters.

7. Team Building The vaulting group is required to work as a team The skills to interact and succeed as a group are taught through interactive activities Example – ball carrying game

8. Confidence and Self-Esteem Empowering environment Positive peer pressure through observations of accomplishments of others Use of all three gaits Freedom of the lunge line

9. Creativity The instructor facilitates activities without specific instructions Example- switching places on the barrel

10. Physical Benefits Fine and gross motor skills Sensory input / integration Balance Strength Flexibility Coordination

11. Program One horse and one instructor can serve 4 to 6 students Limited volunteer needs Standard V3 – limits workload – max. of 60 minutes on a circle (mounted and unmounted), 6 hours between sessions, no more than 6 session per week

12. Who can participate?

13. Physical Requirements Walk independently on uneven surfaces May not use assistive devices (crutches, walkers, chairs)‏ Ability to move sideways and backwards to avoid being stepped on by the horse Must be able to stand and walk without falling Good head and neck control

14. Shoulder stability and arm strength to tolerate weight bearing exercises Must be able to hear from some distance to be able to follow instructions Must be capable of dismounting immediately from horse or barrel

15. Cognitive Requirements Must be able and willing to follow simple directions Demonstrate healthy self-preservation skills Must be able to demonstrate self-restraint in case of frustration

16. Social Requirements Function in a group setting Must be able to share Demonstrate safe behavior around fellow vaulter and horse (no violence)‏

17. Exceptions to the Rule Homogeneous Vs. Heterogeneous Groups Use of the ramp Choice of activities Volunteer support Goals of the session

18. Getting Support for a Program Educate Focus on benefits Can you serve a new population? Does it fit a new grant proposal? Demonstration Participation Design a pilot program and gather data

19. Now you need a horse!

20. Temperament Kind Patient Tolerant Calm Expressive

21. Size & Conformation Size will depend on the population served Sturdy Solid bone Short, broad back Good angles through pastern & shoulder Avoid a long back and long pasterns Reality of selecting from existing herd

22. The Horse’s Conformation & Center of Gravity

23. Principles of lungeing

24. The Pyramid of Training

25. Equipment A lungeing whip (preferably the telescopic type). A lunge line 35’ long. Gloves Snaffle bridle Caveson? Side-reins Vaulting surcingle Vaulting pad Vaulting barrel

26. Starting from the walk Introducing the lunge line & the whip How to attach the lunge line to the bridle Working on straight lines

27. The lungeing Triangle

28. Problem Solving Horse won’t stay on the circle Horse won’t slow / stop Horse scared of whip Horse won’t go forward Horse bulges on circle Horse turns in on circle Problems you have encountered?

29. Transitions Rhythm & suppleness Voice commands Whip commands Body Language

30. Introducing side reins – the contact Most common side reins are the elastic & the doughnut side reins Correct placement of side reins improves bend, rhythm & suppleness

31. Desensitize your horse to games and compulsories

33. The barrell

34. Basic positions / Compulsories Mount The basic seat The mill The box The ½ flag The flag Stand

36. Conditioning / Cross training Lungeing Schooling under saddle Trail rides Cavaletti Other jobs in the program

37. PATH International Interactive Vaulting Standards

38. Barrel Horse – selection, training, equipment fit, workload Helmets and non-use guidelines Certified Instructor Volunteer and Personnel training specific to vaulting Vaulter Attire Vaulting arena/workspace Additional person available

39. How do I get certified?

40. PATH International Interactive Vaulting Certification Attend PATH Interactive Vaulting workshop PATH Registered Riding Instructor Be 21 years or older 50 practice hours, 30 lungeing, 20 teaching interactive vaulting Application, fee, resume, recommendations, copy if current CPR / First Aid Attend an on – sight certification

41. Tested Components Lungeing – must pass to teach Compulsory teaching and demonstration Teaching of an Interactive Vaulting Lesson

42. Questions?