Cavaletti Training - The Best Tips and Exercises

What is a cavaletti?

The term "cavaletti" comes from the Italian and means "small trestle" or "easel", alluding to the shape of the small obstacle. In today's equestrian sport, a cavaletti is a type of obstacle consisting of a 2.50 to 3.50 meter long pole attached to cross-shaped uprights on both sides. Due to this construction, the height of the pole can vary from almost lying on the ground to about 25 or 40 centimetres high. During cavaletti training, the horse is led, ridden or lunged over these low obstacles, which serves to improve its coordination, rhythm and agility.

The obstacles can be set up at different distances to encourage different gaits and stride lengths. The training can be individually adapted to the performance level and needs of the horse and is appreciated by both dressage riders and show jumpers. 

Using cavaletti in training: 6 advantages

Working with cavaletti is an essential part of horse training and offers a variety of benefits for both horse and rider. Here are the main reasons why cavaletti training is so important for horses:

Our experts in the Academy explain how to start cavaletti training and how dressage horses can also benefit from cavaletti work:

1. promotion of physical fitness

• Coordination: Cavaletti training trains the horse's coordination, as it has to consciously lift its legs and place them in a controlled manner.
• Mobility: Working at different heights and distances improves mobility in the joints.
• Muscles: Regular overcoming of cavalettis strengthens the muscles, especially in the horse's legs, back and hindquarters.
• Balance: Working with cavalettis improves the horse's balance as it learns to balance its body better.

2. improvement of gait and rhythm

• Train gaits: Different distances between the cavalettis enable the training of different gaits and stride lengths, which improves the quality of the movement sequence.
• Sense of rhythm: The horse learns to find a steady rhythm, which is particularly important in dressage and jumping.

3. mental stimulation and variety

• Concentration: Cavaletti training challenges the horse as it has to be attentive and coordinate its movements precisely.
• Motivation: Variety in training with cavalettis is fun for the horse and boosts its motivation. Many horses start to walk more actively when they are confronted with cavaletti exercises.
• Thinking along: The changing exercises encourage horses to think along and adapt to the new challenge.

4. prevention of injuries

• Sure-footedness: Training coordination and balance increases the horse's sure-footedness, which reduces the risk of injury, especially when riding cross-country.
• Strengthening: Strengthened muscles and improved mobility reduce the risk of injury in everyday training.

5. optimal training effect through regular sessions

• Adapt training sessions: To achieve the optimum effect, regularity is crucial. Cavaletti training once a week is a good guideline to achieve progress without overtaxing the horse.
• Shorter units: Cavaletti sessions should be kept short and motivating, especially for horses that need to concentrate hard. For demanding canter work over ground tricks, shorter sessions two to three times a week are more effective than long, infrequent training sessions.

6. lunging over cavalettis - gymnastics and pushing power

• Gymnastic exercises: Lunging over cavalettis is particularly valuable gymnastically, as it encourages the horse to move off more eagerly and improves its pushing and carrying power.
• Strengthening: Working over poles strengthens the horse's entire body and promotes harmonious movement.

The right distances, heights and training frequency

The optimal placement of the Cavaletti

To start safe and effective cavaletti training, it is advisable to place the poles on the ground first. This allows the horse to get used to the obstacles and learn to overcome them in a calm and controlled manner. The distances between the cavaletti poles should always be adapted to the horse's gait and stride length.

Cavaletti distances for walking, trotting and cantering exercises

For walk exercises, distances of 0.80 to 0.90 meters are recommended, measured at the inner end facing the circle. A slight outward fanning of the poles corresponds to the natural movement of the horse. These dimensions are suitable for large horses, but smaller horses or ponies with shorter strides may require smaller distances.

For trotting poles, the optimum distance is 1.20 to 1.30 meters, also measured at the inner end and with a slight fanning outwards. This variation promotes mobility and trains the horse's rhythm. 

For canter exercises, the ideal distance is 2 meters, fanned out to 3 meters to the outside. These distances should be adapted to the horse's scope - a smaller horse with less movement needs shorter distances than a larger horse with a long stride.

Determine the height of the Cavaletti

At the beginning, the height of the cavaletti should be set low so that the horse can slowly approach the exercises. As the training progresses, the height can be gradually increased to further develop the horse's muscles and coordination. Safety always comes first: make sure that the cavaletti are stable and have no sharp edges that could cause injury.

How often cavaletti work useful

Regularity is the key to success when working with the Cavaletti. If it is only integrated into the routine every three or four weeks, there is a risk that the horse's muscles will become sore and the positive effects will remain minimal. Training once a week with poles and ground tricks is a good frequency to see progress without overtaxing the horse.

Individual adaptation to each horse

Of course, the individual characteristics of the horse play an important role in deciding how often cavaletti should be included in the training. Some horses enjoy these exercises and benefit from them, while others need to concentrate hard and become overwhelmed more quickly. With such horses, it is important to keep the sessions short to maintain the horse's motivation.

Short units for canter work

When galloping over cavalettis, the physical exertion is particularly high, especially when jumping over several poles in succession. Instead of doing the exercises in one day over a longer period of time, it is better to incorporate short units into dressage training two or three times a week. This keeps the training effective and at the same time gentle on the horse.

Exercise ideas for horse and rider

Exercises and Tips for Beginners

Getting started with cavaletti training

Cavaletti training should be started carefully and gradually, especially for young or inexperienced horses. It is advisable to work with a single cavaletti at first, ideally placed along the hoof beat. A lead horse can provide additional safety and help the horse to get used to the new challenge.

From walk to trot and canter

Always start at a walk to slowly get the horse used to the obstacles. As soon as the horse is confident, you can switch to trot and then canter. At the beginning, a single cavaletti is sufficient; when the horse is relaxed and controlled over it, you can gradually increase the number - up to four cavaletti in a row. The distances between the cavaletti should be individually adapted to the horse's stride length. Rough guidelines are: 0.80 to 0.90 meters for walk, 1.20 to 1.30 meters for trot and 2 meters (inside, fanned out to 3 meters outside) for canter.

Exercises on straight and curved lines

At first, the cavaletti should be performed in a straight line. To increase the level of difficulty, you can later work on curved lines. Always make sure to keep the obstacles low and only increase the height when the horse is trotting over the cavaletti in a relaxed manner. If the horse tends to go over the obstacles hastily, vary the riding directions to encourage its attention.

Regularity and integration into training

Cavaletti exercises should be regularly integrated into training to ensure lasting training success. Place the cavaletti in such a way that they do not disrupt the flow of the arena and can also be used by other riders.

Advanced Cavaletti exercises

Working on curved lines

As soon as your horse is more experienced in cavaletti training, you can start with exercises on curved lines. This technique improves the horse's longitudinal bend and encourages it to step under better with the inside hind leg.

Exercises on the circuit

An effective exercise is to divide the track into two circles. On the left-hand circle, place four walk poles along the curved line at a distance of 80 to 90 centimetres. On the right-hand circle, position four trotting cavaletti at a distance of 1.20 to 1.30 meters. By alternating between the circles, you improve your horse's suppleness in walk and trot. In the middle, you can incorporate a circle without cavaletti or ride a figure eight. At the changeover point, parry from trot to walk or trot on to concentrate on the trot poles.

Combination of trot and canter cavaletti

For advanced horses, a combination of trot and canter cavaletti can be set up on the circle. Start with two canter cavaletti on a straight line about 3 meters apart. Only increase the number when the horse masters them safely. Make sure to adapt the training to the horse's ability and routine.

Cavaletti Training for Different Types of Horses

Adapted training for spirited horses

For spirited horses, it can be useful to place the cavaletti at a greater distance. This promotes concentration and helps to control speed. It gives them the opportunity to overcome the obstacles in a calmer and more relaxed manner.

Properly encouraging strong horses

The height of the cavaletti can be varied for strong horses that need to strengthen their hindquarters and improve their carrying capacity. Adjusting the height encourages the horse to lift its legs higher and push off more powerfully.

Motivation for comfortable horses

Even leisurely horses can benefit from cavaletti training. Varying the distances encourages them to become more active and increase their stride length. It is important to increase the training slowly and always keep the horse's individual needs in mind.

Cavaletti work: Summarized

Safe equipment and the right environment are essential. Make sure you use splinter-free training equipment and check your equipment regularly to minimize the risk of injury. Broken or splintering bars should be replaced immediately. The flooring is just as important: avoid hard surfaces and floors with hollows or holes, as they can pose a risk of injury.

Also, consider your training goal when choosing the distances between the poles. Do you want your horse to trot with wide movements in a stretching position? Then choose larger distances between the trotting poles. If your goal is to achieve a more pronounced out-stride with more hock bend in the working position, the distances should be smaller. A higher bar height encourages the horse to flex its joints more. If the aim is to achieve more extensive movements, the poles should be lower.

When riding dressage over cavaletti, it is important not to throw all dressage knowledge overboard and concentrate exclusively on jumping. The goal should still be a relaxed horse standing on the aids, swinging over the back and stepping under the centre of gravity with the hind leg. This is the only way to improve gymnastic training and the quality of gaits through cavaletti work.

Be careful not to overload your horse. Being able to assess your horse's level of training and what it can be expected to do is crucial. If you are unsure, ask your riding instructor for advice.

Every horse must first get used to the challenge of cavaletti training. Therefore, always start with a few cavalettis and only increase when your horse is confident and relaxed. Even with advanced horses, the exercises should be built up gradually from easy to difficult.

Cavaletti work with the horse: the most important questions and answers

How often cavaletti work?

It is ideal to integrate cavaletti work into the horse's training once a week in order to achieve optimum progress without overtaxing the horse. For horses that need to concentrate hard, shorter sessions two to three times a week are advisable. Always pay attention to the horse's individual needs and physical condition.

What is cavaletti training for horses?

Cavaletti training is a training method in which horses are led, ridden or lunged over low obstacles known as cavaletti. The training promotes coordination, rhythm, and flexibility and strengthens the muscles. It can be adapted to the performance level and needs of each horse and is popular in both dressage and show jumping.

How high is a Cavaletti block?

A cavaletti block usually has different heights depending on how the bar is placed on it. The most common heights are 20, 30 and 40 centimetres, which allows the horse to get used to different heights and vary the level of difficulty of the training.

Which wood for Cavaletti?

Softwood such as pine or spruce is generally used for cavaletti, as it is stable yet light enough not to cause injury in the event of accidental contact. The poles should be sanded and varnished to ensure a smooth surface and prevent splintering.