How to Set Up Cavalettis

Cavalettis are poles set up in certain sequences to help both the horse and rider achieve goals in the ring. Cavalettis are set up into exercises for horses to teach the horse foot placement. Cavalettis are great to teach riders rhythm, balance and straightness. There are many exercises that can be done with cavalettis; but generally one would start by walking and trotting over the poles. As the rider and horse gain more experience, the cavaletti exercises can become more difficult. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Obtain six wooden jump poles that are 10 to 12 feet in length. Plastic works, too; but plastic poles sometimes break too easily. Horses are able to feel the heavier wood material better if they hit them. Feeling the cavaletti is vital for the horse's memory of foot placement because he will not want to hit it again.
2. Set up the poles in a flat, clear area.
3. Place the first pole in front of you horizontally from left to right. Set it up so that your feet are directly in the middle of the pole.
4. Take another pole five feet in front of the first pole. Use your own feet to measure. Continue this for the six poles.
5. Be sure that the poles are straight and equally distanced from each other.
6. Trot your horse across the poles straight and in rhythm to make sure the distance between the poles is correct. Every horse is different.

Tips & Warnings

• Never ride alone.