Strength, Balance & Harmony

Equestrian Vaulting with Grace Beach

by Ann Marie Kennon • photos courtesy Rebecca Beach

SOME KEY MOVES

• MOUNT: The vaulter’s entry onto the horse.

• BASIC SEAT: A balanced sitting position.

• FLAG: Kneeling on one leg with the other leg and one arm extended.

• SCISSORS: Swinging legs in a scissor motion to change the direction the vaulter is facing.

• HANDSTAND: Demonstrating strength and balance. Judging is based on execution, difficulty, artistic expression, and harmony with the horse, with scores for both compulsory and freestyle routines.

Aunique and beautiful sport captured Grace Beach’s heart when she was just 10 years old. Now a 13-year-old at Jarrell Middle School, she found her passion by combining elements of gymnastics and dance on a moving horse. This dynamic sport requires strength, balance, coordination, and a deep bond between vaulters and their equine partners.

THE BASICS

Equestrian vaulting is performed on a horse moving in a circle at a walk, trot, or canter, guided by a lunger who controls the horse with a long line. The arena is circular, usually 15 to 20 meters in diameter and the horse wears a special padded strap with handles and thick back pad called a surcingle.

Vaulting routines are categorized into individual, pas de deux (pairs), and team events. Competitions feature compulsory exercises to test basic skills and freestyle routines set to music, showcasing the vaulters’ creativity and athleticism.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SPORT

Grace’s journey began after trying cheer, dance, and gymnastics, which alone didn’t quite capture her interest. Her mother, Rebecca, familiar with equestrian vaulting from her summers in Germany, introduced her to the sport. Grace’s love for animals drew her in immediately, and even earned her the nickname “Disney princess” for her affinity for horses and love of all animals.

Her first equine partner was Teddy, the oldest horse on the team. Initially, she focused on getting a feel for Teddy, without any formal riding lessons. Over time, her natural aptitude shone through, progressing from basic exercises to more complex routines.

Grace’s team, Fly High Vaulters in Georgetown, is one of three local groups, alongside Austin’s Mythic Vaulters and Belton’s Wild Spirit. Their training regimen includes a mix of exercises on a practice barrel and perfecting routines on horseback. The barrel is instrumental in helping vaulters build core strength and confidence before moving onto the horse, contributing to vaulting’s status as the safest of all equestrian sports. Rebecca proudly notes that the family eagerly invested in the specialized equipment Grace needs for training at home — from balance beams to a practice barrel — when her long-term dedication to the sport became clear.

COMMUNITY & COMPETITIONS

Rebecca says one of the things she loves most about the sport, and the community, is the support and generosity among the teams and competitors. As well, the team’s coach, Sam Kacir, encourages vaulters to learn and design their own routines, fostering a supportive environment where the girls are confident enough to praise every vaulter during competition regardless of team membership. “They literally cheer when someone does well and lift each other up when routines don’t go well. At our last competition, [Fly High’s team horse] Atlas went lame, and another team was gracious enough to even lend us one of their horses.”

Texas, part of Region 4, hosts competitions in the spring and fall, with teams from across the region participating. Grace and her team compete regularly, and even at her young age, she has mastered the art of balancing vaulting with school, participating in choir, and maintaining her academic responsibilities. She enjoys the sense of accomplishment she gets from her sport, and says she finds so much joy in the bond with her equine partners and the friendships formed along the way.

For Grace, equestrian vaulting is more than just a sport— it’s a passion that brings her joy and a sense of accomplishment. As she continues to hone her skills and compete, she and her mom are hopeful that her journey will inspire others in the Jarrell community to explore and embrace the wonders of equestrian vaulting.