Vaulting is the performance of gymnastic and dance-like movements to music on a moving horse.

The horse walks, trots, or canters on a circle, guided by a lunger who communicates with the horse using a lunge line and lunging whip. The horse's tack includes a large back pad, a surcingle pad, and a surcingle, which has two handles and two cossack loops that aid the vaulters in performing a variety of exercises.

Vaulters begin working in walk and progress, with training from a qualified instructor, to be able to perform exercises in the trot, and eventually the canter. Vaulters develop skills and strength that allow them to work in harmony with their equine partners.