avalletti are a valuable tool in training both the horse and rider. They can be used in a myriad of configurations to help develop and improve strength, balance, and judgment. Riders benefit by gaining security in the saddle and developing an independent seat. From students learning to jump, to riders advancing their technical skills, confidence can be gained over trot and grid cavalletti. Training the dressage and hunter/jumper horse with cavalletti will benefit by: building muscle fitness, enhance stretch and strength in the topline, and improve lengthening and collecting the stride. All this and they are simply a lot of fun and a break from all that flatwork!
A cavalletti is basically a wide pole of eight or more feet, typically attached to an X that allow three heights to train over. The cavalletti that I use, built by my late father, measure 35 inches across one leg of the X making the heights 12, 18, to 24 inches. When I use several cavalletti that are placed in succession, the trot poles are commonly set four and a half feet apart, and canter poles are generally set twelve feet to any distance deemed appropriate for horse or pony. When lunging, the cavalletti can be set to follow the arc of a circle as well as set on straight lines.
Safety considerations ought to be the same for any jumping endeavor. The rider should wear a properly fitted ASTM-certified helmet. Beginning riders will gain confidence riding a mount familiar with cavalletti. I use protective boots to prevent damage to horses’ legs. Warming the horse up is critical because cavalletti work can be stressful to hocks, stifles, and backs. Work over cavalletti will call for a different use of the muscles so a gradual build-up of strength is essential. I begin with less than ten minutes until the horse is fit enough for a full 15 -20 minute workout. Dressage horses can improve their ability to shift balance to the hindquarters by stengthening the hind legs and loosening the back. Concentration is key in dressage and many exercises can improve this ability. Straightness can easily be detected as the horse will want to drift from the center while going through the line. Curved patterns will determine if the horse is bending properly. Maintaining the same tempo when teaching different lengths of stride can be made easier to control and feel. Circles may be a dressage riders best friend, but using cavalletti can be a fun breath of fresh air to a sometimes monotonous routine!
There are many gymnastic exercises that can be implemented for the improvement of hunter/jumpers. Any mistakes made over cavalletti are easily and more safely corrected than over bigger fences. Lower and slower is a great way to progress and produces less strain on the legs and muscles. Many horses love to jump and naturally want to go faster so cavalletti can aid in speed control without interfernce from the rider. Lengthening, shortening, lead changes, and timing that perfect takeoff distance can all be learned with the worthwhile use of cavalletti. Bold, excitable jumpers can relax over cavalletti and that's fun for everybody!
Cavalletti is a wonderful teaching tool for the rider. Going through the cavalletti in two-point position while releasing the reins will allow the horse to strech and ensure that the rider learns to balance without restricting the horse and develping the bad habit of leaning on the horse's mouth. A strong,stable leg; body weight that stays centered with the horse; and keeping eyes up and not looking down can become second-nature with routine cavalletti practice. The improving rider can move up from a crest-release to an atomatic-release as their abilites grow with much more confidence. Now, that's what I call fun!
If you’re new at cavalletti and gymnastics with horses, I recommend finding a professional to help you get started. An experienced trainer or instructor will insure that correct distances are set specifically for you and your horse’s individual needs. I remember always enjoying cavalletti practice and aside from serious exercises, we incorporated many games. Cavalletti can be fun and functional!
Jeanne Adams is a HA Pony Club graduate.
Look for articles by Jeanne Adams in these issues:
November 2006: Jumping: Facing Water Resistance
October 2006: Starting out right series: The Balance Halt
September 2006: Musical Rhythm (A personal experience in Rhythm and Tempo)
June 2006: Suppleness Exercise
May 2006: Cavalletti: Fun and Functional
March 2006: Mounting for the First Time
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