In a sport where athletes stand in vertical splits on the back of a cantering horse, courage, teamwork and trust are paramount. An artistic and technical blend of gymnastics, ballet and horsemanship, equestrian vaulting finds its roots in Ancient Roman games and is soon to make its Olympic debut at the 2032 Summer Olympics. In Central Oregon, young athletes train year-round at Hope Mountain Vaulters, one of only three clubs in Oregon and 78 in the United States.
Athletic Artistry at Hope Mountain Vaulters
Combining grace and strength, the performative sport of vaulting involves an athlete executing a series of acrobatic movements while perched on a moving horse. A “lunger” guides the horse with 15 feet of lead rope in a circular walk, trot or canter from the arena’s center throughout the vaulter’s routine. Performed to music, vaulting is judged on a scale of one to 10 for compulsory and artistic elements.
Led by longtime equestrian and lead lunger Lydia Singer, Hope Mountain Vaulters offers recreational and competitive vaulting programs. “We’re very careful and thoughtful about how we train our horses and vaulters,” Singer explained. Having a horse for a teammate requires a different set of skills than other sports, she added. Care for the horse is woven into the daily practice schedule, and athletes are educated on how to identify a horse’s injuries and ailments. This daily connection is integral to building mutual trust, the foundation of vaulting.
Eleven-year-old national qualifier Emery Mills said, “Our horse, Kitty, always knows what we need. When I’m nervous, she helps me feel calm.”
At Hope Mountain Vaulters, athletes say it’s more than just fun and hard work. “Vaulting has taught me about life,” Emery shared. Riding horses in rodeo-style events since the age of 7, she switched to vaulting in 2020 after a frightening barrel racing experience. Immediately hooked, she’s been dedicated to the sport ever since. “Vaulting got me back in the saddle,” she said. In 2032, Mills will be 19 years old and is working toward a spot in the Brisbane Summer Olympics.
Coached by Hope Mountain’s Julia Walk, 15-year-old canter vaulter Vivianna Singer, is entering the competition season this spring ranked fifth in the nation. Vivianna began vaulting in 2019 and has competed and trained with clubs across the country and in Canada. Her signature move, the “Needle,” earned her a rare perfect 10 in an international competition. Working toward the Junior World Championships, Vivianna, with partner Katherine Midkiff of Serendipity Vaulters in Yamhill, Oregon, won a national title for their pas de deux, an event involving two vaulters performing synchronized movements on the back of one horse, and often lifting each other into the air while the horse circles inside the arena.
Although vaulting appears to be a dangerous pursuit, the intensive training, trust and controlled environment make it safer. Working in a synergistic partnership, the vaulter, lunger and horse are in-tune with each other and adjustments are made if there’s a hint of agitation, Singer explained. Athletes are taught emergency dismounts, and audiences are educated on the etiquette of spectating. “Our horses are chosen for their solid minds,” she said, and arenas—even the soil—are analyzed for safety.
In a sport where athletes as young as 5 years old are perched on a 2,000 pound, 17-hands-tall horse, mental toughness develops naturally—and athletes find ways to combat nerves before entering the arena. Doing the Makarena on the back of her horse is Emery’s tactic, “I get a lot of laughs,” she said. Vivianna focuses on the judges. “I read my horse so I can mirror her,” she explained. “Learning to trust the horse underneath you teaches you how to trust yourself.”
It’s not surprising that a sport reliant on connection fosters a community spirit. “Every club we travel to offers their horses to visiting competitors, along with advice on how to ride them,” Hope Mountain Vaulters volunteer Courtney Eastwood shared. “The vaulting community is all about lifting each other up, safety and respect.”
Offering periodic recitals throughout the year for the public to enjoy, the club also welcomes visitors to watch practice sessions with advanced notice. “Vaulting is so unique. People are really surprised when they see it,” Vivianna said, “It’s a hidden gem.” Read more about Hope Mountain Vaulters.
