Vaulting is performing gymnastics and dance on horseback. Vaulting has a long history, and many styles of vaulting have evolved.

Modern competitive horse vaulting has its own style. Various gymnastic moves are combined into routines that are performed on a horse which moves in a large circle. The horse is attached to a long line, called a lunge line, and is guided by a 'longeur' who stands in the center of the circle as the horse moves around him. The horse wears a wide padded leather strap called a 'surcingle' that buckles around its middle. The surcingle has two handles attached which the vaulter can hold on to. It is placed over a thick pad that covers the horse's back and protects it from the vaulters feet and knees they perform various gymnastic moves.

Vaulting has both compulsory moves and freestyle routines set to music. Like ice skaters, vaulters are judged according to international standards for grace, quality, quantity and difficulty of movement. Vaulters can compete as individuals, in pairs, and in team events locally and on the national and international level.

In competition, a vaulter competes at his particular skill level. Vaulters start on a slowly walking horse then advance to performing on a horse at the trot and canter. All vaulters practice new moves on the 'barrel,' a 4-legged padded drum, and many competitions offer barrel classes as well as mounted classes..

Vaulting is recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale and the American Horse Shows Association.