Developing Abilities Through Equine Partnerships

Koot-Neigh aims to provide equine learning experiences to empower every vaulter for life – while at the same time having a great time learning. We provide year-round therapeutic, recreational and competitive vaulting.

Vaulting is often explained as dance & gymnastics on horseback. In our evolution with the activity, we’ve come to describe it as creative, athletic performances in harmony with a moving horse. Through the process of learning how to do these acts safely and with respect to the horses, we can develop valuable emotional, physical and interpersonal skills that are transferrable to other aspects of life. This team sport supports individuals; the team consists of horses, vaulters, coaches, trainers, lungers, parents, volunteers and other professionals as needed.

Vaulting horses are specially chosen and are trained to respond to cues from a lunger in the centre of the circle. The actions and movements of the lunger, horse and vaulter become a true partnership, and as each one’s skills improve, these become more and more harmonious. When everything is in harmony the beauty of the sport blossoms; therapeutically, athletically, and psychologically.

Some of the benefits of equestrian vaulting….

• participants don’t have to own their own horse to be actively involved – horses are shared and cared for amongst the team.
• the horse is controlled at all times by a lunger, freeing participants to focus on their body and the movement of the horse.
• safety increases greatly when the person on the horse isn’t the person also controlling the speed and direction of the horse.
• participants can progress at their own speed while at the same time being part of a team.
• vaulting is a great way to cross-train for other activities and many activities compliment a vaulting athlete – gymnastics, dance, martial arts, soccer, etc. and other equestrian disciplines