Vault (gymnastics) Vault (gymnastics) Treading water Category="Gymnastics apparatus"[image]

The vault, formerly known as vaulting horse, is an Artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is used by Male as well as Female gymnasts. In 2002, the standard changed from a vaulting horse to a vaulting table.

The term vaulting horse may also be used literally. The equestrian sport of vaulting, from which the gyamnastics version of vaulting is believed to have developed, uses a specially trained Horse. Competitors perform a one to two minute Dance/Gymnastics routine on the back of their horses either solo or in pairs or trios. This is an adaptation of the horseback performers you may have seen at the circus.

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Scoring

Judging is based, as with other gymnastic events, on difficulty and form (which can be regarded, perhaps, as elegance and control). Judges look at the height and distance of the vault as well as the number of saltos (somersaults) and twists (rotation about an axis as if drawn through the centre of the head to between the feet). In addition judges will look at the body position: whether the knees and feet remain together whilst in flight; straightness of legs and back; whether arms are tidily drawn in or flailing about. As with some other gymnastic events a stuck landing is desirable, whereby the feet hit the mat at the same time and together with no steps, hops or strides are taken in order for the gymnast to remain upright: in addition there are tram lines between which the gymnast should land or lose points. See the Code Of Points for more information.

Dimensions

Vaulting-buck

This is a similar apparatus, used for similar vaults, except there is no pommel version and it has a smaller, almost square surface. The word buck is an old term for a goat, also smaller than a horse.

Punitive use

The vaulting horse, and the vaulting-buck even more, are also ideally suited for use (especially in a school or reformatory, nearly always equipped with a gym anyhow) as a punishment horse for the 'horsed' administration of a Spanking.

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