This is a key element since it saves the horse from unnecessary thumping and bumping. There is likely a father who is handy enough and willing to build a barrel. It is also worth asking your horsey friends, who may have participated with a vaulting group and have a barrel languishing in the barn. The kids need not have any riding experience just a willingness to try some basic gymnastics. Soft shoes are requisite.
Kids can bring along their hard shoes for horse handling subsequent to a vaulting lesson.
Lycra pants are helpful. Jeans are too restrictive. Oversize T-shirts are not recommended since they are easily caught on the surcingle handles. It's helpful if your lunger has had some experience. The lunger is solely responsible for the horse.