Pommel horse

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The pommel horse is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is only used by male gymnasts. Originally made of a metal frame with a wooden body and a leather cover, today the frame may contain plastic or composite materials, the body is made of plastic and may be covered with synthetic materials.

[edit] Dimensions

Measures of the apparatus are published by the FIG in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

Height 115 cm (including about 20 cm landing mats)
Length 160 cm
Width 35 cm
Height of the pommels 12 cm
Distance between the pommels 40 cm to 45 cm (adjustable)

[edit] Exercise

A typical pommel horse exercise involves both single leg and double leg work. Single leg skills are generally found in the form of scissors, an element often done on the pommels. Double leg work however, is the main staple of this event. The gymnast swings both legs in a circular motion (clockwise or counterclockwise depending on preference) and performs such skills on all parts of the apparatus. To make the exercise more challenging, gymnasts will often include variations on a typical circling skill by turning (moores and spindles) or by straddling their legs (Flares). Routines end when the gymnast performs a dismount, either by swinging his body over the horse or going through a handstand and hopping off. The pommel horse, its gymnastic elements, and various rules are all regulated by the Code of Points.

Pommel horse is considered by many to be the most difficult of the six men's gymnastics events.