Which sport uses a pommel horse?

The pommel horse is used in artistic gymnastics.

It is a specialized apparatus featuring two handles, called pommels, mounted on a padded horse-shaped body. Gymnasts support themselves on their hands while swinging their legs in circles, scissors and flairs, often traveling across all three sections of the apparatus. A routine ends with a controlled dismount onto the landing mat.

The apparatus has ancient roots: Roman soldiers used wooden horses to practice mounting and dismounting. The modern form developed in the early 19th century, especially through the work of German gymnastics pioneer Friedrich Ludwig Jahn. Today, the pommel horse is an Olympic men's artistic-gymnastics event.

It is commonly confused with equestrian equipment because of its name and horse-like shape. The gymnast does not ride it, however; the event is judged on continuous hand support, body control, rhythm, travel and clean execution. Great Britain's Max Whitlock is the event's most successful Olympic competitor, with gold medals in 2016 and 2020.