| y"> | | | | host of benefits. Correct use of Cavaletti will: |
| Cavaletti, also called ground poles, are the unsung | | | | * Build agility, strength and endurance |
| heroes of horse training equipment. Cavaletti, the Italian | | | | * Develop suspension in the gaits |
| word meaning "little horses," are traditionally poles | | | | * Increase regularity of rhythm |
| stabilized by X-shaped supports at each end. The | | | | * Strengthen the horse's topline |
| word has come to refer to any ground poles used in | | | | * Prepare a horse for jumping |
| horse training, supported or not. | | | | * Add refreshing variety to a training session |
| Cavaletti are placed a specific distance apart to | | | | Once your horse is confident through a series of poles |
| regulate and shape the horse's stride. Standard | | | | comfortably placed, you can modify the excercise to |
| distances for an average horse are: | | | | enhance his natural gaits. To collect the horse's stride, |
| * Trotting: 4-5 feet apart | | | | shorten the distance between the rails. To lengthen the |
| * Walking or cantering: 9-10 feet apart | | | | horse's stride, increase the distance. To train a horse |
| Adjust the standard distances for your horse's | | | | to elevate his steps and increase the suspension in his |
| individual stride. Begin with just one pole when training | | | | gaits, raise the ground poles on safe, secure supports. |
| the horse. Add additional rails, correctly and | | | | Make all changes in your Cavaletti GRADUALLY and |
| consistently placed, until your horse is comfortable | | | | backtrack a step if the horse gets confused or |
| maintaining his rhythm and impulsion through a series of | | | | frightened. |
| 6-8 rails. Training your horse over cavaletti brings a | | | | |