Pommel Horse Size report
Pommel horse event, also called side horse, is one of the men's artistic gymnastics events in modern Olympic Games. In 1896, the pommel horse was officially listed as an Olympic gymnastics event. During the competition, athletes are required to complete a variety of movements on the pommel horse or saddle ring with their arms, such as single-leg swings, crosses, full rotations, and shift rotations.
The pommel horse originated from the European vaulting event; the Romans used wooden horses to train riders on horseback dexterity. In 1804, the famous German gymnast Guzmutes replaced the saddle of the wooden horse with a pair of iron rings, and the rear iron rings were replaced by wooden rings to form the current pommel horse.
Because the support area of the pommel horse is very small, only two arms are used to control the movement and balance of the body; it is an event with the most changes in the body's center of gravity and the fastest in men's gymnastics. Let's learn more about the size and specifics of the pommel horse.
Pommel Horse Size Guide
Among the six events of men's gymnastics, the pommel horse is the most difficult to master. Athletes spend the most time and energy on it during their day-to-day training. In such a small support area on the pommel horse, gymnasts must constantly change their movements. The scoring rules stipulate that, except for the leg-crossing action, which allows the legs to touch the gymnastics equipment, no other body parts other than the hands are allowed to touch the pommel horse (including the saddle). When you know the size of a standard pommel horse, you will better understand the sport's difficulty.
A pommel is a sturdy, stationary device with two wooden pommels (handholds) on top. Originally it was made with a metal frame, wooden body and leather covering, but modern pommel horses have metal bodies covered in foam rubber and leather with plastic handles.
Dimensions of the Pommel Horse
According to the Federation of International Gymnastics, standard pommel horse requirements are as follows:
- Height: 115cm (including 20cm thick floor mat)
- Length: 160 cm
- Width: 35cm
- Pommels' height: 12 cm
- Pommels' distance: 40cm to 45cm (adjustable)
Features | Dimensions |
---|---|
Height | 115cm |
Length | 160cm |
Width | 35cm |
Saddle ring height | 12cm |
Saddle ring distance | 40-45cm |
Final Words
The pommel horse is one of the pieces of equipment men use in artistic gymnastics. During their performances, they perform a series of movements defined by complex hand positions and body postures while holding themselves above the apparatus. Gymnasts cannot pause during this routine and must continue moving until the end. Smooth movement and precise control are the ingredients for high scores in pommel horse racing.