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Vaulting On and Off: Mounting Skills for Games
Watch an experienced games rider and you will see them step off, grab something from the floor and swing straight back on without the pony ever stopping. That smooth vault looks like showing off. It is actually one of the most useful skills in the sport, and once you have it a whole set of races opens up. If you have read our races explained piece, you will know how many involve getting down and back up.
Why height matters so much
This is the honest reason games riders favour smaller ponies. The shorter the pony, the less distance you have to spring, and the safer and quicker the whole thing becomes. A child who would struggle to vault onto a 14.2 will pop on and off a 12.2 all day. It is one of the first things we mention when people are choosing a pony, and it is worth keeping in mind before you fall for something taller.
Start on the ground, not the pony
Long before you try this at speed, get the spring right on a mounting block or a stationary, patient pony. The vault is a push from your legs, not a haul on the saddle. You want to bounce up off the ground, not drag yourself up by the reins. Practise the spring until it feels natural and your landing in the saddle is soft. Rushing to do it at canter before the basics are there is how people get hurt.
Build it up in stages
- Vault on from a standstill until it is easy and consistent.
- Do it with the pony walking on a lead, with someone steady at the head.
- Progress to trot only when the walk is reliable.
- Add the canter vault last, and only once a coach is happy you are ready.
There is no shortcut here, and there is no shame in spending weeks at each stage. A confident, safe vault built slowly will serve you for years.
The pony's part of the deal
Your pony has to stand still for the mount and stay relaxed while you are scrambling about at its side. That comes from quiet, repeated practice, plenty of praise and never frightening the pony when it gets it right. A pony that learns the vault is calm is worth its weight in gold. This is also a welfare point, which we cover in our piece on safety and welfare: the work should always feel fair to the pony.
Wear the right kit
Because you are moving fast and close to the ground, a sound hat and body protector are essential for this more than any other part of the sport. Our kit and equipment guide sets out what to wear. Learn the vault properly, with help, and you will wonder how you ever managed without it.