Cavaletti are small wooden horse jumps consisting of a fixed straight pole which is anchored at each end by an X frame. They are designed to be low to the ground and offer three separate heights which can be selected by changing which side you select from the X frame construction.
Perfect for small jumps and raised trot poles – Cavalettis offer a great option for training exercises aimed at improving both flatwork and jumping. With their flexibility they work well in grid formations, amongst other equipment such as ground poles or jumps, and can even be used to create a mini course for aspiring jumpers.
Cavalettis are often used to help riders develop their ability to look up and ahead at upcoming obstacles, assist in aiding rider’s response times, and accuracy. In addition to these rider based benefits they offer the opportunity to help improve a horse’s gait as they help build muscle and strength which can lead to developing supple rhythmic cadence, accurate striding, bending, and can improve your horse’s quality of step.
It is recommended to consult with your trainer and/or instructor when introducing cavalettis or other new exercises to ensure you achieve the best training results. They will help advise you on how to safely and slowly introduce your horse to suitable cavaletti exercises. It is important to keep in mind that some horses will find great enjoyment and fun with these new exercises while others will need to concentrate a lot harder, and may even suffer from mental and physical fatigue. It is important to listen to your horse and keep sessions at an appropriate length and difficulty for their current training and mental capabilities.
As a rule of thumb it is good practice to be consistent with your new cavaletti exercises, completing them once a week. This consistent schedule will help you reap positive results without overworking your horse. It is vital that you remain consistent in order to maintain the strength and muscle development gained by these exercises, which will in turn limit your horse’s risk of suffering from sore muscles.
Cavalettis can be purchased from various equestrian jump and arena equipment companies, but can also be made at home with a little bit of DIY. It is important when purchasing or building your cavalettis to ensure that they are made from splinter-free materials, and once in use are regularly checked for wear and tear. If you notice a broken or faulty cavaletti it is important to replace them as they can cause serious injury to both you and your horse.
Check back in the coming weeks for some of our favorite cavaletti exercises.