Pommel Horse

gymnastics · athletic equipment · balance · skill

Looks like a horse. The pommel horse gets its name because it resembles a real horse, and the handles on top are called pommels, which were originally designed to look like saddle parts.

Super tricky moves. Gymnasts perform intricate circular movements and swings on the pommel horse, sometimes moving in spirals across the whole apparatus while balancing on their hands.

Built tough. Modern pommel horses have a metal body, foam rubber padding, and leather covering to protect gymnasts and help them grip safely during their routines.

Mostly for men. Traditionally, only male gymnasts compete on the pommel horse, though some training variations exist for other athletes in physical education classes.

Historic equipment. The pommel horse has been used in gymnastics for hundreds of years and is one of the classic apparatus events in Olympic and professional gymnastics competitions.