Olympic Inventions: The Pommel Horse
For gymnastics fans, we are excited about the prospects for gold for our US Olympic Team. One of the most difficult apparatuses on the men’s side is the pommel horse. The history of this equipment traces back to 315 BC when Alexander the Great and his troops used this to practice mounting Equus Caballus (horse). The earliest versions were simple wooden structures modeled after the back of the horse where the rider would sit. The soldiers practiced mounting and dismounting so they could get ready for battle. They didn’t have handles, or pommels, like today’s equipment.
The pommel horse became popular again in the 17th century when knights practiced battle and jousting. Friedrich Jahn, a German and former member of the Prussian military revived the use of the pommel horse in the 19th century and is regarded as the father of modern gymnastics. The pommel horse mimicked the animal’s uneven planes and curves. The asymmetrical, sloping shape made it harder for gymnasts to wander across the horse. Pommels were added to help the athlete move more easily across the horse.
The US introduced the modern pommel horse in 1948 and solidified the standard for this equipment. The 63” symmetrical horse was certified by the International Gymnastic Federation in 1956. The pommels are made of steel, covered in leather, and fastened to the horse using a brass base.
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