SIDE HORSE

Introduction

Work on the horse is of two types: vaulting, and support work. Most beginners benefit from work on the vaults. Advanced vaulting is done on the long horse (horse without pommels), and often intermediate vaulting is done on a buck horse. No work on the buck is presented here because so few gymnasia are equipped with this apparatus. It is recommended that stunts be learned in the sequence presented: vaults first, then miscellaneous stunts, and finally straight side horse work. Long horse vaults and support work can be carried on simultaneously, but it must be kept in mind that only all around men have an opportunity to compete on the long horse.

Recommended Learning Sequence

1. Courage Vault
2. Side Vault
3. Squat Vault
4. Front Vault
5. Rear Vault
6. Wolf Vault
7. Thief Vault
8. Straddle Vault
9. Neck Spring Vault
10. Feint and Vault
11. Long Vault
12. Simple Scissor
13. Simple Back Scissor
14. Single Leg Cuts (over and back)
15. Simple Turn
16. Cork Screw Mount
17. Simple Travel
18. Right Leg Circle
19. Scissor over Pommel
20. Front Vault over Croup Rear Vault Back (loop)
21. Double Leg Circles
22. Moore Mount
23. Travel While Doing Double Leg Circles

Description of Activities

Stunt (1): COURAGE VAULT PREREQUISITES: Instruction on landing after jumping from heights. Flex at knees.

DESCRIPTION: From a kneeling position in the saddle of the horse, rise quickly and jump from the horse to the floor.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Lift the arms hard.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Kneel low on the horse, then rise quickly; lift the arms high to help obtain height, and pull the legs through to land standing on the mats.

Before trying this on the horse, it can be attempted by kneeling on the mats, and leaping to the feet using the same techniques.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to kneel low with the buttocks against the heels.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: There should be a free stand-by spot. Try the stunt first on the mat.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This stunt has a daring quality about it, yet it is relatively safe.

Stunt (2): SIDE VAULT PREREQUISITES:
Ability to lift the hips high and shift the weight.

DESCRIPTION: With the hands on the pommels, jump straight up, then swing the legs to the left so as to vault the horse with the weight on the right hand and arm.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Lift those hips and shift the weight to the supporting hand.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: To learn to lift the hips, jump to a jacknife position, press down on the pommels and lift the hips. Keep the feet close to the horse, and lift them high enough to touch the under side. Now, to do a side vault, jump and lift the hips, swing them over the left pommel keeping the head and the weight to the right. As the legs pass over the pommel, the left hand must be taken off the pommel, of course. Try to land on the toes and let the knees bend. Land lightly. Now try it to the left.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to lift the hips and shift the weight to the supporting hand.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: If the performer is vaulting the left end of the horse, provide a stand­by spotter on the right end of the horse.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Learn this vault on both the right and left sides and from the support position.

Stunt (3): SQUAT VAULT

PREREQUISITES: The hip lift and instruction on landing techniques.

DESCRIPTION: Vault the horse by allowing the body to pass between the arms and over the saddle.

 ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Lift the hips and release the pommels as the horse is cleared.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Vault the horse by placing both feet through, between the pommels. Leap, press down hard on the pommels; then as the legs start through, push-off from the pommels to allow greater height and thus more clearance.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to lift the hips. Failure to release the pommels.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A hand spot on the upper arm should be provided if the student is inexperienced.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: The squat vault helps the student to become familiar with the horse and gives him a sense of accomplishment. This vault is also used on the long horse.

Stunt (4): FRONT VAULT PREREQUISITES: Side vault.

DESCRIPTION: Vault the horse so as to keep the front of the body facing the horse throughout the execution of the vault.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Lift the hips, arch, and face the horse.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Jump high swinging hips to the left; face the horse as it is cleared. Considerable weight is supported by the left hand. Keep the body extended.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Lack of height.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be provided.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Try the vault grasping only the left pommel with both hands.

Stunt (5): REAR VAULT PREREQUISITES:

Side vault and squat vault.

DESCRIPTION: In executing the rear vault, the legs are extended parallel with the long axis of the horse, and the backs of the legs should pass over the pommel being vaulted.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Lift the hips into the right hand. Pike by lifting the feet high.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Using the pommels to aid the initial lift, throw the right hip just to the left of the right hand and lift the feet high over the left pommel. The left hand is actually released early and replaces the right hand on the right pommel when the hips pass over it. When landing on the far side of the horse, the left hand should be in contact with the pommel.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to transfer the weight to the left hand after the right hand is lifted to allow the hips to pass.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be present.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This vault is helpful in learning the loop vault at the croup of the horse. (See #20.)

Stunt (6): WOLF VAULT PREREQUISITES: Seat vault and side vault.

DESCRIPTION: In the execution of this vault, one leg passes over the end of the horse while the other leg passes between the pommels.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Lift the hips; lean to the supporting side and think about the leg that passes between the pommels.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Vault the horse with one leg extended over the croup and the other between the pommels. The extended leg cuts off the hand on that side as in the side vault, so the weight must be supported by the other hand. Lean to the side that goes between the pommels.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Hitting the inside foot on a pommel. Failure to shift the weight to the supporting hand.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Spot the supporting arm with a free hand spot.

Stunt (7): THIEF VAULT

PREREQUISITES: Practice jumping over a lowered horse.

DESCRIPTION: The performer proceeds as if to leap over the horse between the pommels, then as the body clears the horse the pommels are grasped and the body supported in an "L" position as it passes over the horse.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Jump between the pommels, then grasp the pommels.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Using a short run and a one-legged take-off, leap the horse between the pommels in such a way as to land sitting on the horse. Then, before sitting on the horse, grasp the pommels and pass through an "L" position held momentarily.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Grasping the pommels to aid in the leap.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Two stand-by spotters -– one on each side of the performer -– should be provided.

Stunt (8): STRADDLE VAULT

PREREQUISITES: Wolf vault.

DESCRIPTION: Vault the horse with both the legs spread wide.

ILLUSTRATION:

Position off Spotter

MAJOR CUES: Lift the hips high.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Before attempting this stunt, each student should attempt several practice lifts to a position on the horse with legs spread wide, knees straight, and feet resting on the ends of the horse. Try to rise above the horse and come down to rest on it. If these practice lifts are successful, the stunt can be safely attempted. When attempting the vault, lift the hips high and release the pommels by pushing off them hard. Try to land with the feet together.

FREQUENT ERRORS: high enough.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: One spotter should stand on the far side of the horse facing the vaulter. Spotter must stand in close and place the right hand under the vaulter fs left armpit and his left hand against the vaulterfs right shoulder. Contact is made as the vaulter attains maxi­mum height. Then the spotter must step back with the vaulter or a collision will occur.

Bending the knees as the horse is being cleared. Failure to lift the hips

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Parallel Bars. This vault is useful in learning a double cut mount to the tunt (9): NECK SPRING VAULT
PREREQUISITES: Roll over a partner and the shoulder kip.

DESCRIPTION: By lifting the hips high and ducking the head, the performer initiates a forward roll over the saddle of the horse. When the hips are well past the center of balance, a quick hip extension is executed to enable the performer to land on his feet.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Watch for a spot directly above the horse, then reach for the floor.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: With hands grasping the pommels, leap up, lift the hips, and roll the head under. The back of the head should be toward the horse, but not touching it, since the hands and arms support all the weight. The hips are carried over with the legs straight and the body in a pike position until the ceiling can be seen over the horse. At this point, reach for the floor and push off the horse with the hands. Let the knees give upon landing.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to lift the hips when getting into position. Reaching too soon. Failure to release the pommels after reaching.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Hand spots should be given above the elbow by two spotters, one on each side. Catch the biceps in the hand nearest the performer, and place the other hand, thumb down, on the student's triceps. Be sure to maintain this assistance until the student has regained his balance.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: On landing, execute a forward roll. This stunt is helpful to individuals who have trouble with forward handsprings, headsprings, and other similar moves.

Stunt (10): FEINT AND VAUL1

PREREQUISITES: Side vault from support.

DESCRIPTION: From a straddle position with hands on the pommels and weight on the right hand, vault the left side of the horse

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Keep the weight on the*right hand, and the hips high.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: First try several vaults from a support position. Now grasp the pommels and swing the right leg over the croup, turn the body to a straddle position and support the weight as much as possible on the right hand. Keep the hips high and swing the right leg back over the croup; then, utilizing the momentum thus gained, carry both legs over the neck and left pommel to execute a side vault.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Too much weight on left hand. Hips too low.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Provide a stand-by spot on the far side of the horse. PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This is an early progression toward flank circles.

Stunt (11): LONG VAULT

PREREQUISITES: Practice on the seat vault on a long horse. (See long horse section.)

DESCRIPTION: Obtain a run, then about six to eight feet from the horse dive high, grasp the pommels and seat vault through between them.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Get high, hips high, just slap the pommels to keep the head up.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Place a supported mat about four feet in front of the horse about the height of the pommels, thus requiring the student to get the legs and hips up high before getting to the horse. The stunt is simply a high dive; slap the pommels and pull the feet through. Start with the horse low. For an obstacle, two boys can hold a mat thrown over a bar or a broom handle.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Taking off too close to the horse.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Two spotters should be posted on the side of the horse where the performer will land. Their assignment is to catch the performer*s upper arm as he clears the horse and to assure a safe landing in the event the performer's feet do not clear the horse.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This is a long horse type vault on the side horse.

Stunt (12): SIMPLE SCISSOR
PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: From a straddle position on the end of the horse, hands on the near pommel, swing the legs back and turn around to face the opposite direction.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Keep the legs straight. Pull one leg under the other and look at the foot that is pulled under.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: From a straddle position on the croup and with hands on the pommel, swing the legs back and arch the back. When the legs are above the horse, turn so as to face out when the legs swing down again.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Flexing at the hips. Bending the legs.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be on hand.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: When proficiency is attained, try the scissor from a straddle between the pommels.

Stunt (13): SIMPLE BACK SCISSOR

PREREQUISITES: Simple scissor on the croup.

DESCRIPTION: From a straddle position on the end of the horse with the back to the near pommel, swing the legs upward sharply and turn around to face the near pommel, straddling the horse.

MAJOR CUES: Lean on the right hand. Pull the right leg under.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: From a straddle on the croup facing out and with hands on the pom­mel, swing the legs up hard and arch; then with the weight on the right hand, pull the right leg under the left, turn to the right, release the left hand, and land straddling the horse facing the pommels. If turning to the right as described here, grasp the pommel with the knuckles of the right hand away from the body with thumb to right; left hand knuckles toward body, thumb toward the right hand.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to lean on the right hand. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be present.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This stunt is helpful in learning twisting the turning move­ments on all apparatus. This is actually a fairly difficult stunt, so not every boy will learn it.

Stunt (14): SINGLE LEG CUTS (Over and Back)

PREREQUISITES: Vaults are usually learned first to create a feeling of accomplishment and to help students become familiar with the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION: From a front support on the pommels, swing the right leg over the pommel, then back again. Repeat to the left.

MAJOR CUES: Swing freely and lean heavily on the supporting hand.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: From the support, swing the right leg over the right pommel, re­leasing the right hand to permit the leg to pass; then regrasp. Then swing the leg back over the same pommel. Now try the left leg over and back.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Lifting legs rather than swinging them. Failure to shift weight. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be present during initial attempts.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: The next progression is the continuous single leg cuts. For single cuts, try to swing each leg over and back in an easy pendulum swing. Swing the right leg over, left leg over, then the right leg back and left leg back. Strive for a smooth, easy swinging rhythm.

ILLUSTRATION:

DESCRIPTION: From a support position with the legs straddling the right hand and pommel, swing the right leg around the horse to the right, transferring the left hand to the right end of the horse, thus executing a half turn. Finish in a position with the right hand on a pom­mel and the left hand on what was initially the right end of the horse.

MAJOR CUES: Keep the weight on the right hand.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Execute a single leg cut with the left leg, then swing the right leg over the croup so as to straddle the right hand. Keep the weight on the right hand. Leave the left leg stationary and swing the right leg around to the right; move the left hand to the croup as the right leg is carried over the neck. The right hand must be turned on the pom­mel if support work is to be continued. This can be used as a dismount for beginners.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to keep the weight on the right hand. Breaches of form are very common.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be present to assist if needed.
PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This stunt can be used to lead into a dismount, or it can set up single leg cuts and a simple travel back to the pommels.

PREREQUISITES: Single leg cuts.

Stunt (15): SIMPLE TURN

Stunt (16): CORK SCREW MOUNT PREREQUISITES: All vaults. Single leg cuts and the simple turn.

DESCRIPTION: Mount the horse by turning one-half turn to the left as you vault, and land in a straddle support with the right leg in front and the left leg behind.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: right. Right hand in reverse grip on the left pommel. Left leg over the horse to the

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Stand slightly to the left of the left pommel. Grasp the left pommel with the right hand in a reverse grip (thumb toward body and to the right). Place the left hand on the neck of the horse. Vault the horse by throwing the left leg around to the right over the right (croup) end of horse. This will result in the body turning one-half turn counterclockwise; the right leg remains on the same side of the horse and the left hand should then grasp the free pommel to achieve a straddle support.

FREQUENT ERRORS: the right leg. Incorrect grip. Vaulting with left leg under the right leg. Vaulting with

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should always be present during initial trials.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This mount prepares the performer for single leg cuts or scissors, and provides a simple mount for beginners. A modification can be performed by taking the right leg all the way around to a straddle of the right hand.

Stunt (17): SIMPLE TRAVEL (To the Left)

PREREQUISITES: Single leg cuts.

ILLUSTRATION:

Side view

MAJOR CUES: Before the right leg is all the way back, swing the left leg back.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: From the support position, the right leg is cut over the right hand, the left leg is swung over the neck so that the legs straddle the left hand. The right leg is then returned back over the right pommel cutting off the right hand. The right hand is then placed on the left pommel, the left leg swung back over the neck and the left hand immedi­ately placed on the neck to complete the travel.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to observe the major cue above and failure to maintain balance on one pommel.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be placed behind the student. PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Continue single leg cuts, then travel back to center.

Stunt (18): RIGHT LEG CIRCLE (Undercut)

PREREQUISITES: Single leg cuts.

DESCRIPTION: From a support position on the pommels, swing the right leg clockwise over the left pommel, over the right pommel, and back to the starting position again.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: the left.

Lift the hips and turn them to the left to provide room to slide the right leg under

TEACHING PROCEDURES: This move is easiest as the right leg is returning from a single cut over and back. Use the swing thus originated; twist the hips to the left to allow the right leg to pass under the left; then cut the right leg over the left pommel, over the right pom­mel, and return to the front support. It is wise to keep the swing and go into a left leg cut or left leg circle as a next move in order to avoid learning each move separately.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Usually the student moves too quickly, and often of balance as well.) (This results in a loss of rhythm,

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A stand-by spotter should be present during initial attempts.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: One leg circles are prerequisites to flank or double leg circles, and should be learned with either leg, to both the right and to the left.

Stunt (19): SCISSOR OVER POMMEL

PREREQUISITES: Single leg cuts and simple scissors on the croup.

DESCRIPTION: From a support position on the pommels with the right leg over the saddle, swing the legs to the left, release the left hand from the pommel, exchange the position of the legs, regrasp the pommel, and return to a support position with the left leg over the saddle.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Swing into it. Scissor quickly. Swing the top leg high.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Cut the right leg over the right pommel, then from this position swing both legs up to rest on the neck, (the left end) cross the legs; remove the left hand to allow the legs to pass, and as you drop to a stride support, regrasp with the left hand. Now try it to the right side. The above we will call a "dry run." After a few of these sup­ported moves, try the move making the scissor while the legs are above the neck without support and the left hand is cut; regrasp after scissor is executed.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to go through the dry run. Failure to use some swing.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Very little danger is involved in performing this stunt. The wrist is sometimes strained on the regrasp, but by the time single cuts are learned, the student should be familiar with the apparatus.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Learn to do the stunt alternately in rhythm and get the legs high.

Stunt (20): FRONT VAULT OVER CROUP, REAR VAULT BACK (Loop)

PREREQUISITES: All the vaults done from the side of the horse, single leg circles both ways.

DESCRIPTION: Vault around the croup, then swing back over the croup landing on the spot from which the stunt was originated.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Get the right hand in there quickly and lift the hips well forward as you swing over the pommels.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: From a stand beside the horse and to the rear of the croup with the left side to the horse and the left hand on far side of the croup, leap up and to the left, placing the right hand on the near side of the croup. Cut the left hand off; then immediately replace it and cut the right hand off. Land on the mat on the spot from which the move was initiated.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to jump for lift. Shifting the weight to the left over the horse. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A free stand-by spot from behind should be provided.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: This vault is the basis of the Moore and rear vault over the croup, sometimes called a loop. The loops can be done in series, or can be used as a dismount. It can also be performed as a front vault over and a side vault back, thus result­ing in a half-turn and landing at the same spot. Initiate facing the croup. Try a simple turn, then a loop over the croup for a dismount.

Stunt (21): DOUBLE LEG CIRCLES

PREREQUISITES: Single leg circles both directions.

DESCRIPTION: Perform continuous circles over the pommels with both legs.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Arch when in the back support position. Struggle to pike when in the front support

TEACHING PROCEDURES: To initiate the stunt, swing the right leg over the croup to attain a straddle position with the weight held primarily by the right hand. Then, as in the feint and vault, swing the right leg clockwise over the croup and continue both legs over the left pom­mel. After the legs have passed the left pommel, regrasp the left hand and arch; try to continue over the right pommel. As the body clears the right pommel, the hips should be lifted to achieve a slight pike position, regrasp the right pommel and try to continue the circles. Make every effort to shift the weight to the regrasping hand as each regrasp is made.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Failure to arch slightly when the horse is behind the performer. Failure to transfer the weight to the supporting hand quickly enough.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Provide a stand-by spotter.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Good side-horse men learn these double leg circles both clockwise and counterclockwise.

Stunt (22): MOORE MOUNT

PREREQUISITES: Front vault and double leg circles.

DESCRIPTION: Execute the front vault with both hands on the left pommel; but rather than drop­ping to the mat, continue the double leg circle over the far pommel; then grasp the far pommel with the left hand and continue flank circles, scissors, or single leg cuts.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Jump high, lift the hips so you can clear the far pommel; keep the weight on the right hand.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: Start with the left hand on the left pommel with the right hand over­head and standing on the toes. Leap as for a front vault, and swing the right hand on to the left pommel, palm down, thumb out. Lean to the right so as to permit the left hand to be moved to the far pommel after the legs clear it.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Hips too low. Failure to keep the weight on the right pommel. Loss of balance.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Provide a stand-by spotter.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: From this mount go into single leg cuts, scissors, or flank circles.

Stunt (23): TRAVEL WHILE DOING DOUBLE LEG CIRCLES

PREREQUISITES: Double leg circles (flank circle) and single leg cut travels.

DESCRIPTION: Travel from the pommels to the pommel and the neck while doing double leg circles.

ILLUSTRATION:

MAJOR CUES: Watch your balance; both hands are on one pommel while in the front support position. Leave room for the right hand on the left pommel.

TEACHING PROCEDURES: This move is attempted while doing double leg circles. As the legs clear the horse coming back, and the front support position is being approached, shift the weight to the left hand and transfer the right hand to the left pommel behind the left hand. Immediately transfer the weight to the right hand; and, as the legs pass over the neck of the horse, place the left hand on the neck and transfer the weight to the left hand so double leg circles can be continued.

FREQUENT ERRORS: Most errors relate to failures in transferring the weight from hand to hand. Of course balance is difficult.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Stand-by spotters should be'present.

PROGRESSIONS OR COMBINATIONS: Travel back using a single leg cut travel, or attempt a double leg circle travelling back. A loop dismount can also be executed from this location on the horse.

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