Definition

Noun: 1. A piece of gymnastic apparatus: A pommel horse is a gymnastics apparatus consisting of a cylindrical body, traditionally covered in leather, with two upright handles (called pommels) mounted on top. It is supported at each end by a metal frame, holding it in a stable, horizontal position above the floor. It is used for performing a routine of continuous circular and pendulum-like swings of the legs, with the hands supporting the body on the pommels.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gymnast practiced his routine on the pommel horse for hours.
  • A strong core is essential for maintaining balance on the pommel horse.
  • The pommel horse is one of the six apparatuses in men's artistic gymnastics.

Advanced Usage

• "to compete on the pommel horse": To perform a routine on this apparatus as part of a gymnastics competition.
  • He will compete on the pommel horse in the apparatus finals.

Variants and Related Words

• Pommel (noun): One of the two upright handles on the apparatus which the gymnast grips. This term is also used for the knob on the hilt of a sword.
  • He lost his grip on the left pommel during the spin.
• Side horse (noun): An older or alternative name for the pommel horse, referring to its use where the gymnast performs alongside the apparatus.

Synonyms

• Gymnastic horse (general term, though it can also refer to the vaulting horse).
• Side horse (dated/alternative term).

Related Phrases

• Pommel horse routine: The sequence of skills performed on the apparatus.
  • His pommel horse routine scored a 15.0.
• Pommel horse dismount: The maneuver used to finish a routine and leave the apparatus.
  • She stuck her pommel horse dismount perfectly.

Noun

1. a gymnastic horse with a cylindrical body covered with leather and two upright handles (pommels) near the center; held upright by two steel supports, one at each end