TWO of the most common misconceptions in Ireland about equestrian vaulting is that (a) you have to be able to ride and (b) you have to be a gymnast. In fact, you don’t have to be able to do either to take part in this exciting discipline which is open to riders, non-riders, young and not so young, boys and girls, men and women alike.

Although there is no tradition of equestrian vaulting in Ireland – unlike many other countries also steeped in the love of the horse – this is now beginning to change with six active clubs in existence, north and south.