What Is Vaulting?

You might sometimes hear the word "vaulting" used meaning to get on a horse from the ground without using stirrups. (If you have a character do that, "vault on" is a legitimate term).

Vaulting is also an equestrian sport in which athletes perform gymnastic movements on a horse which is cantering in a circle, either as individuals or as teams. Draft horses are most commonly used (but not always) as they have to be really quiet and tolerant of people jumping all over them.

Here's a video of the top three women from the FEI World Cup in Paris in 2012.