Beginner
Beginner Individual Training Schedule (Sample)
For the Hardworking Trot, Copper, or Bronze Vaulter
Monday
Gymnastics – Cross training is essential to advancing as a vaulter. Try enrolling in a recreational gymnastics class (your local gym is likely to have a tumbling and trampoline class or something similar) to work on simple gymnastics elements like handstands, cartwheels, and basic tumbling. All gymnastics apparatus are helpful to vaulting development.
OR
Dance – If gymnastics isn’t your thing, try taking a dance class at a local dance studio. Ballet is great for developing better flexibility, grace of movement, and balance. Jazz and modern dance are also fun alternatives.
Tuesday
Vaulting - Focus today on flag, stand, and freestyle pieces. Remember, vaulting on the barrel and vaulting at the walk are just as important as vaulting at the trot/canter (whichever pace you will be competing at). Try to get on the horse at least twice or three times a week. Even if your horse is still learning how to vault and you can only vault at the walk, practicing will be good for both you and your horse!
Drills and Stretching - Practice your freestyle on the barrel (to music if you’re ready!) Do drills for flag and stand. Condition your core and get a good stretch in. Make sure to practice all three splits (right leg, left leg, and center!)
Wednesday
Rest – Do something fun and unrelated to vaulting today!
Thursday
Vaulting – Focus today on flight and freestyle pieces. Remember, if you can’t get on the horse today, just focus on these things on the barrel.
Drills and Stretching – Practice your freestyle on the barrel (to music if you’re ready!) Do drills for flight. Condition your core and get a good stretch in. Make sure to practice all three splits (right leg, left leg, and center!)
Friday
Conditioning and Stretching – Ask your coach to provide a list of exercises you can do on your conditioning day. You can also try browsing the exercise book/DVD section at your local bookstore. Find one you like and work from that. Work on handstands, push ups, and core exercises. Make sure you do some sprinting to keep your fast-twitch muscle up to par!
Saturday
Vaulting – Focus today on basic seat, mill, and full freestyle routines. It is extremely important to practice your freestyle all the way through many times before you ever set foot in a competition arena. It will make you feel confident about your routine and your horse will learn how to carry the whole routine without interruptions.
Drills and Stretching – Practice your freestyle on the barrel (to music if you’re ready!) Do drills for mill. Condition your core and get a good stretch in. Make sure to practice all three splits (right leg, left leg, and center!)
Sunday
Rest – If you’re feeling up to it, get in a good stretch after you warm up your body. Your body will be happy with you!
Click here to see a list of drills you can do during your vaulting practices!