Technical Test 2019 - Get Ready!

We were expecting the news, and here it is: The FEI Vaulting Committee has decided what will be the new technical test like.

Here are 2 new movements that you will see or show next year:

> STRENGTH: LOWER ARM STAND

The exercise is a head-down-stand supported by one lower arm and one hand with the vaulter’s body nearly 90 degrees to the horizontal line of the horse.
Both hands each hold a separate handle and the support is on the lower arm from the handle to the elbow on the pad. The elbow of the higher arm is nearly vertical over the supporting higher hand, which is holding on or at the handle. The vaulter’s stomach is facing either to the outside or the inside of the circle, depending on which side is chosen for the exercise. If the exercise is performed on lower right arm, then the vaulter´s body is facing to the inside of the circle. If it is performed on lower left arm, then the vaulter´s body is facing to the outside of the circle. The vaulter’s head is facing down and looking at the hand of the bottom lower arm. The vaulter’s legs are stretched up and closed for an optimum score. If the vaulter’s legs are in any other position, the score will be 8 or lower.
To be held for 4 canter strides. The count begins at the first static position of the legs.

– If the legs are closed, highest possible score 10
– If the legs are open and held static in any position/variation, highest possible score 8

Essence:

– Harmony with the horse

– Balance and posture

To get the highest score, these are the criteria:
Straight longitudinal axis of the stabile body from the shoulders to the feet, nearly at the
vertical. Arms are holding while absorbing the movement of the canter. The knees, heels and toes of both stretched and the legs stay together.
Hips, knees, and feet are facing correctly sideways (inside/outside).
Don’t take the easy way: the higher hand is holding on top of the handle!

> JUMPING FORCE: MOUNT/GROUND JUMP TO REVERSE SHOULDER STAND

The mount to reverse shoulder stand is an exercise starting from the ground by jumping with both feet from a forward position. The hands grip one handle. The knees, heels and toes stay close together from the moment the feet leave the ground. During the first part of the elevation, the center of gravity will move vertically away from the ground with the legs in a tuck position.
While rising, the shoulders begin to move in the direction of the horse’s back and the hips lift higher than the shoulders. The shoulder that is closer to the horse must land softly on the horse’s back while the hips are moving further upward. In a fluent move one hand changes to the other handle so that each hand a separate handle. Immediately after the vaulter’s shoulder has landed, the hips, knees and feet are stretched up and out of the tuck position. The vaulters shoulders stay parallel with the axis of the shoulders of the horse. The vaulter’s stomach is facing toward the horse’s neck. Both upper arms are held close to the vaulter’s upper body. The final position is the reverse shoulder stand on the horse’s back. This position must be reached within the third canter stride from the start of the jump phase. In the final position, the exercise is to be held for a minimum of two canter strides with legs closed.

Essence:

– Harmony with the horse

– Coordination of movement and landing

To get a score of 10, you must have a fluent movement with clearly visible rising center of gravity with a soft landing on the horse’s back within the third canter stride. The reverse shoulder stand is held for a minimum of two canter strides.

The rest of exercices remain: