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Cavalletti: Fun and Functional

Cavalletti 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, as you probably know, 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 my late father built measure 35 inches across one leg of the X making the heights 12, 18, to 24 inches. When several cavalletti are placed in succession the trot poles are commonly set four to five feet apart, and canter poles are generally set from eight feet to any distance deemed appropriate. When lunging, the cavalletti can be set to follow the arc of the circle.

Safety considerations ought to be the same for any jumping endeavor. The rider should be required to wear a properly fitted ASTM-certified helmet. Beginning students will gain confidence riding a mount familiar with cavalletti. Possible damage to horses' legs will necessitate protective boots. 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. Start with no more than ten minutes until the horse is fit enough for a full 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

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