The essential role of the longeur in Vaulting discipline: the interview with Claudia Petersohn

Vaulting is one of the most striking disciplines in the equestrian world: a blend of acrobatic movement, elegance, strength, and a deep connection with the horse. In this sport, every move is built on balance, technical precision, and absolute trust. Yet while the spotlight often shines on the vaulters and the horses, there is another key figure at the heart of every performance: the longeur. Claudia Petersohn, one of the leading longeurs on the international scene, shares her insight into this unique and demanding role.

The role of the longeur

“Being the third element is fundamental,” Claudia explains. “Without us directing the horse in the circle while the athletes perform their exercises, this sport simply wouldn’t exist.”

The longeur drives the horse, maintains rhythm and balance, and ensures a safe and consistent environment for the athletes to perform. “We are part of the team in every way. We’re even officially scored and awarded—vaulting doesn’t happen without the longeur.”

And in pas de deux, she adds with a smile, “There are four athletes in the arena: the horse, the two vaulters, and the longeur.”

Emotions at the 2025 Italian Championships

Looking back at the 2025 Italian Vaulting Championships in Formigine, Claudia recalls an unforgettable weekend. “The event was beautifully organized in a fantastic venue, and the atmosphere was incredible.”

Two major victories crowned the weekend, with vaulters Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella claiming national titles in their individual senior divisions. “People often associate them mainly with pas de deux, but they compete at top level individually as well. We’re extremely proud of their wins.”

Trust and harmony at the core

Trust is the foundation of top-level vaulting. “Mutual trust is absolutely essential. Without it, especially at high levels, you simply cannot perform.”

Daily training builds that bond: “Vaulting isn’t just riding. There’s strength work, conditioning, gymnastic practice on the barrel, repeating movements hundreds of times in a safe environment. Then, little by little, everything comes together with the horse. When horse, athlete, and longeur work as one, that’s when you can really perform.”

Training the equine athlete

The horse is not just a partner—he’s an athlete in his own right. “He works on the flat, goes out hacking, spends time in the paddock, and then trains on the vaulting circle. He must maintain rhythm, balance, and confidence with athletes moving above him.”

And no, vaulting horses don’t work only on one rein: “We train a lot to the right as well. New rules even allow teams to begin a routine to the right, which is a big step forward.”

Claudia’s journey: from Germany to building a legacy in Italy

Claudia grew up in Germany, where vaulting is an integral part of equestrian education. “In Germany, beginners first learn to sit in balance at walk, trot, and canter on a vaulting horse before they ever hold the reins. That foundation changes everything.”

She later moved to Italy to study veterinary medicine and returned to vaulting thanks to her son. “I wanted to find a place for him to vault—there wasn’t one. So we created it from scratch. We started with a horse nobody wanted and five little kids. And look where we are now.”

Today she runs a successful center, with former students becoming instructors and athletes at international level.

Achievements and memorable moments

Among her most meaningful milestones:

• First athlete selected for a World Championship in 2011
• Podium finish at CVI-W Ebreichsdorf
• World Cup Final victory in 2024
• Back-to-back World Cup titles in 2025
• European Championship success

“Winning once is special. Winning again is harder. But we did it because we have an incredible team—athletes, coaches, horse owners, families, everyone. It takes a whole community.”

Advice for newcomers

Claudia’s message to those curious about vaulting is simple: “Go and try it. You’ll have fun.”

Despite Italy achieving world-class results in recent years, vaulting remains less known than in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. “It’s a spectacular sport to watch and a truly unique team environment. There’s fairness, support, and a sense of unity that I’ve never seen in any other equestrian discipline.”

Vaulting is where athleticism meets art, and where partnership with the horse becomes a living expression of trust and teamwork. Through Claudia Petersohn’s story, we discover just how crucial the longeur’s role is and how this discipline builds community, passion, and excellence.

A sport worth watching — and even more worth trying.

HSJ x FISE

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