Vaulting Lessons & Coaching
White Forest Vaulters is the name of our vaulting club. We are the only vaulting club in Renfrew County.
Starting in September 2024, vaulters have the opportunity to attend Ontario competitions hosted by the Ontario Equestrian Vaulting Association. In order to attend competitions, vaulters must have a current Ontario Equestrian membership as well as a current OEVA membership.
In 2025, there will also be opportunities for vaulters to participate in demonstrations locally. Please reach out to Bronwyn if you have any questions about joining our team!
Where Gymnastics & Dance Meet on Horseback
Vaulting is an equestrian performing art that combines the flexibility and skill of gymnastics with the balance and horsemanship of riding. The movements are set to music and performed on a moving horse.
The horse is controlled by a lunger, and travels in a circle on the end of a lunge line. The horse also wears a special surcingle around its belly, which has hand grips and stirrup-like loops for the vaulter’s feet.
White Forest Farm is proud to offer expert vaulting lessons, camps and coaching for students aged 5–17 of all levels and abilities.
While students can progress to a competitive level, it is not a requirement. Vaulting increases confidence, balance, and coordination while emphasizing horse care, communication and collaboration. It can also help improve skills in gymnastics, dance, figure skating, and musical theatre.
Learn Vaulting, One Step at a Time
Step 1: Ground Skills
Beginner vaulting students will start building skills at ground level.
Step 2: Vaulting on a Barrel
Students progress to our barrel horses. Once ready, they practice on a real horse at a standstill.
Step 3: Vaulting on a Horse
Vaulters progress to vaulting on the horse at a walk, then trot, then canter as their skill and confidence grows.
Vaulting Program Details
Spring (April–June) & Fall (Sept.–Nov.)
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: $300+HST
Days & Times:
• Mondays, 5–7 pm
• Saturdays, 10 am–12 pm
Summer (July–Aug.)
Duration: 8 weeks
Cost: $225+HST
Days & Times:
• Mondays, 5–7 pm
• Saturdays 8 am–10 am
Class Size: 10 students max
Age: 5–17 years
Skill: All levels & abilities
Private Lesson: $65/hour
Semi-Private Lesson: $55/hour
Upcoming Vaulting Programs
Vaulting Camps
Summer 2024Day Camp: Introduction to Vaulting
Dates: August 26–30
Cost: $550+HST
Class Size: 8 students max
Includes: Riding instruction and activities, lunch
Vaulting Lessons
Fall 2024Dates: Sept. 9 through Nov. 25
Cost: $300+HST
Days & Times:
• Mondays, 5–7 pm
• Saturdays, 10 am–12 pm
Required Clothing
For the safety and comfort of your child, please ensure that you arrive for any vaulting activity prepared.
For recreational vaulting, students only require stretchy pants and a pair of basic water shoes.
If your vaulter proceeds to a competitive level, they will need a competition suit, team tracksuit, and vaulting shoes.
You can purchase vaulting shoes online at Skyline Equine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaulting the same as trick riding?
No, vaulting and American trick riding are two different sports.
American trick riding is done in a trick riding saddle, and performed at much faster speeds. Riders show tricks and control their horse solo.
Vaulting is done at slower speeds and the horse is controlled by a person on the ground with a lunge line. The rider does not control the horse.
Are there specific age groups for programs?
No, there are no specified age groups for our riding programs. We offer programs to kids and youth aged 5–17 for vaulting programs, and 7–17 for English riding lessons. We prefer to have a range of ages as it promotes collaboration and cooperation within the group and age does not coincide with stage of skill development.
Do you need experience prior to joining a program?
For our English Riding lessons, vaulting lessons, PA Day programs and Summer Riding Camps, you do not need any prior experience in order to join. Our programs are designed to help our students learn from the ground up in a supportive environment. We also ensure that we have the flexibility in our programs to progress students at difference paces within the same class.
For riding lesson series and vaulting lesson series, we will divide groups based on skill progression for each individual in the group.
For our clinics, prior experience may be required depending on the clinic. If you are unsure about registration for a clinic, please reach out by email at info@whiteforestfarm.ca, or give us a call at 613-447-7347, and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
How do I pay for a vaulting program?
There are three options for payment:
- During online registration. Payment can be made either in one payment, or in equal amounts for each month of the semester.
- E-transfer of the full amount for the semester prior to the start of classes.
- The first month by e-transfer to confirm your spot, and then provide post-dated cheques for the first of each month for the remainder of the semester.
What happens if my child misses a class?
If a lesson or program is cancelled by White Forest Farm, it will be made up at a later date. If the student cancels or misses a class, they will not be offered a make-up class.
Does my child need to have a background in gymnastics and/or dance before vaulting?
Experience in gymnastics or dance is helpful when starting a vaulting program, but by no means necessary. For those who are already involved in dance or gymnastics, vaulting will help improve those skills.
Is vaulting safe?
Vaulting is the safest of the equestrian sports.
Vaulting is done in a controlled environment in a fully enclosed arena on a consistent, large circle in soft footing. A lunger always controls the horse.
Should my child wear a helmet while vaulting?
Beginners are always encouraged to wear helmets as they learn basics and grow confidence.
However, helmets are not supported by Vault Canada and the FEI. Read more about Vault Canada’s code on helmets.
Are parents allowed to stay and watch the lessons?
If you book a private or semi-private lesson, parents may stay and watch the lesson. Our group vaulting and riding lesson programs are drop-off only, as we prioritize supervision and teaching of the students in the program. If parents remain for the duration of the lesson, both the instructor’s attention and the student’s attention is split throughout the lesson, increasing risk and decreasing the effectiveness of the learning environment.
The last lesson of the 12-week series is a show where students have the opportunity to show their parents, siblings and extended family and friends what they have learned during their lesson series!
Do you offer biweekly lessons?
Our vaulting and riding programs are sessions of 12 weekly lessons. Each lesson builds on the next, and there is significant sequencing required to develop skill and physical literacy. Biweekly lessons are not frequent enough to allow students to build a solid foundation for their riding or vaulting and see consistent progress. This often results in discouraged students, which we like to avoid if at all possible!
Are your programs co-ed?
All of our programs are co-ed. We strongly encourage both boys and girls to join our programs.
Experience the Joy of Connection with Horses
If your child or teen loves horses and wants to experience the thrill of English Riding or Vaulting, register them for a class or riding camp today. Our programs will help them gain confidence, make new friends, and improve their horsemanship skills.
Have questions? Contact us today, and Coach Bronwyn will get back to you as soon as possible.