Cavaletti: Suppling pole work for a supple back and steady rhythm
Regular cavaletti work promotes rhythm, surefootedness and a loose, swinging back. Here you will find blocks, poles and ready-made cavaletti for your training.
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Growi Cavaletti Block Cona, Horse Riding Arena Training Aid Equipment
Sale price: €54.99 Regular price: €55.50 (0.92% saved)
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Waldhausen Cavaletti Block – 3 Heights, Stackable, Plastic, yellow
Sale price: €17.60 Regular price: €17.95 (1.95% saved)
Cavaletti: pole work that makes a difference
Cavaletti are low poles on blocks or crosses that your horse goes over in walk, trot or canter. The horse has to lift its legs more deliberately, round its back and keep a steady rhythm. This makes suppling work more varied, whether you ride dressage, jump or hack. In our range you will find cavaletti blocks in several heights, stackable blocks, aluminium cavaletti for wooden poles, ready-made wooden cavaletti and plastic poles.
Blocks, heights and materials
Plastic cavaletti blocks are light, weatherproof and quick to move. Many offer several pole heights, so a simple turn lets you switch from ground poles to slightly raised ones. Stackable blocks save space when you put them away. Wooden cavaletti with fixed crosses are a sturdy classic. Plastic poles do not absorb moisture or splinter, while wooden poles have a natural weight.
Varied work with breaks
Start with poles on the ground and only then move on to raised cavaletti. Adjust the distances to your horse's size and stride length and watch whether it goes through loosely and evenly. A few good quality repetitions achieve more than lots of them. Take walk breaks in between and change rein. Cavaletti can also be used on the lunge, but only low and with plenty of space.
Frequently asked questions
What is the right distance between cavaletti?
As a rule of thumb, allow about 80 to 90 centimetres in walk, about 1.20 to 1.40 metres in trot and around three metres in canter. Ponies need shorter distances, big horses longer ones. Watch whether your horse lands in the middle between the poles and adjust from there.
How often should I do cavaletti training?
Once or twice a week is a good rhythm for most horses. Sessions do not need to be long, but a proper warm-up beforehand is important. Increase the height and number of poles gradually.
Can my young horse go over cavaletti?
Poles on the ground are a good exercise for coordination and attention, even for young horses. Raised cavaletti and lots of repetitions come later, once the horse is well muscled. If in doubt, ask your trainer or vet.
Cavaletti for varied training
Cavaletti work brings variety into everyday training and challenges your horse both physically and mentally. Over the poles it has to lift its legs deliberately, round its back and keep an even rhythm. Lightweight plastic blocks with several heights can be adjusted in seconds, and stackable models fit neatly into a corner of the indoor school. If you prefer the classic option, wooden cavaletti with fixed crosses are a good choice, while aluminium feet quickly turn existing wooden poles into cavaletti. Build up the exercises step by step, start with ground poles and only raise them once your horse goes through in a relaxed way. This way you train coordination, strength and concentration while having fun. Even a few minutes of pole work each week show in your horse's rhythm and suppleness.