American Vaulting Association

The American Vaulting Association (AVA) was created in 1968 to promote equestrian vaulting in the United States. The association has over a thousand members in the U.S. and Canada and provides a forum for vaulters, parents and event organizers to share information with sport enthusiasts and participants around the country.

  1. Equestrian Vaulting

    • Equestrian vaulting is a combination of dance and gymnastics on a moving horse that requires the vaulter to incorporate certain moves into a routine set to music. The sport requires impeccable balance, strength and body control as well as an intense understanding of horses. The sport was developed in Germany as a series of exercises to increase riding skills. Vaulting training can be beneficial to riders, helping them to better understand the rhythm and timing of strides. The sport has been featured as an exhibition sport at the Olympics and is a recognized discipline of the Federation Equestre International (FEI).

    Membership

    • American Vaulting Association membership can be both individual or group. The paid membership allows access to the association's members-only website, including the discussion forums. Members also receive a subscription to Vaulting World and Equestrian Vaulting Magazine. Members stay connected through regular news updates via email and receive the AVA board-meeting minutes. The AVA strives to create a national community of vaulting enthusiasts, keep members informed of the latest developments in the sport and educate vaulters and trainers about the sport.

    Vaulting Clubs

    • The AVA provides assistance and training to private citizens wishing to start a vaulting club. The association offers train-the-trainer workshops for newly formed clubs to ensure the safety of participants as well as uphold the standard of training in the sport. The association also provides mentoring for new clubs and trainers. AVA-registered clubs are also eligible for non-profit status. The AVA publishes many manuals on starting clubs and organizing vaulting camps for its members and club affiliates.

    Competitions

    • International, advanced-level vaulting competitions are regularly organized by the FEI and national competitions, by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The AVA provides members with a number of resources to organize both unrecognized events and recognized competitions. The AVA provides guidelines for an AVA-recognized event as well as materials, score sheets, entry forms, and sample budgets and schedules for members wishing to organize an event. The association also publishes competition guidelines and compulsory exercises to ensure uniform judging.