The women here are on a horse that is cantering in a circle in poor lighting.  They are the top Vaulters in the United States. These pictures were taken with no flash!  The high resolution versions of these images reveal great detail.

Charlie Tupitza Photographer

Equestrian vaulting is usually defined as “gymnastics and dance on horseback,” however the reality is a lot more complex. The sport has roots dating back to the Renaissance and Middle Ages (making it one of the oldest practiced equestrian disciplines) with modern vaulting being developed in post-war Germany with intentions of increasing the overall abilities, balance, and confidence of a rider. In 1983 vaulting as a sport took a great leap forward when it gained recognition as an Fédération équestre internationale (FEI) sport; the first FEI World Vaulting Championships were held in 1986. Vaulting competitions are scored around compulsory exercises and choreographed freestyle exercises done to music. There are six compulsories exercises—the mount, riding seat, flag, mill, scissors, stand, flank and dismount. Each exercise is scored on a scale from 0-10. Horses also receive a score and are judged on the quality of their gait. Freestyle rounds include a variety of moves with both dance and gymnastic origins, including handstands, jumps, down-and-ups, as well as a variety of mounts and dismounts including back flips. In addition to individual competition, vaulters can participate in team, pairs, and pas-de-deux styles of vaulting.  Photographing Vaulting is very difficult as the events normally take place in an indoor arena with spotty lighting and sporting event photographer can not use flash because for safety reasons.