The Bluegrass Vaulting Academy with the collaboration of the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park presented the grand opening of the Vaulting Exhibit on June 6.

Vaulting incorporates horses, sport, music, excitement and fun with the performance of gymnastics and dance-like poses on a moving horse. The word “vaulting” comes from the French "La Voltige," which originated during the Renaissance, when it was a form of riding drill and agility exercise for knights and noblemen. Modern vaulting was developed in post-war Germany to introduce children to equestrian sports. The Vaulting Exhibit features an in-depth look into the world of vaulting. It includes a vaulting barrel where visitors can try out vaulting moves and showcases vaulting on one TV and two digital photo frames. It also includes various posters and paintings and exhibits vaulting outfits and equipment such as a vaulting surcingle and lunge whip.

With this exhibit, the Bluegrass Vaulting Academy hopes to give visitors a taste of what they can expect at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010. From October 6, 2010 to October 10, 2010, vaulting will take place in the newly built Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. There are 150 vaulters from 25countries expected to compete in vaulting. For more information on how to get tickets, please go to www.ticketmaster.com.

The Vaulting Exhibit is located at the Kentucky Horse Park in the Breeds Barn, next to the Morgan Exhibit. The Vaulting Exhibit is open Monday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is included with park admission to visitors of the Kentucky Horse Park. Every day the Kentucky Horse Park Breeds Barn showcases vaulting during their World Equestrian Games preview of disciplines at 11 a.m.

For more information on vaulting or the exhibit, please contact Bree Krebel, Bluegrass Vaulting Academy, at (859) 576-4384 or directly at (310) 497-7543.