Cavaletti training involves guiding a horse over a series of poles or low, raised obstacles, aiming to improve its rhythm, coordination, balance, and athletic ability.
For a more detailed overview, please read our Everything Regarding Cavaletti.
Cavaletti training offers numerous advantages for dressage horses, including improved balance, enhanced hindquarter engagement, better rhythm, and increased flexibility.
This article focuses on how to use cavaletti training to boost dressage performance.
For a comprehensive overview of all the physiological and psychological benefits, please refer to our Everything Regarding Cavaletti
As a dressage rider, you naturally visualize the dressage arena and the various movements required at different levels—focusing on elements such as a rhythmic four-beat walk, a supple trot with active hindquarters, and a straight, well-balanced three-beat canter.
To achieve these goals, we typically employ transitions (between or within gaits), curves, circles, and serpentines—as well as movements like shoulder-in for more advanced horses.
We can also train dressage horses using cavaletti.
Equipment
4 jumping poles and 4 cavaletti blocks, or 6 poles and 4 cavaletti blocks.
Setup
Place two ground poles at G and D to form a 1.3-meter-wide corridor parallel to the centerline. Set up a cavaletti between B and E, spaced 1.3 meters apart.
Ensure that the innermost pair of poles on the BE line aligns with the two sets of ground poles at G and D.
Exercise Method
Perform a three-loop serpentine; upon reaching the long side (red line) during each loop, trot over the ground poles. Frequent changes of direction engage the horse's hindquarters and back, building strength.
Both horse and rider must remain focused to ensure they consistently pass through the center of the poles.
Transition to walk (solid red line) after crossing the poles, then transition back to trot (dashed red line) to cross the next set. These rapid transitions improve hindquarter flexibility and strength.
Transitions on the centerline: perform trot-to-walk transitions or simple transitions while on the centerline between the two sets of poles (blue and green lines).
Reduce the spacing between the outer two sets of ground poles to 0.8 meters. Begin the three-loop serpentine at a walk; transition to a trot after crossing the first set of poles, trot over the cavaletti at point X, then transition to a walk to cross the final set of poles.
This cavaletti exercises for beginner dressage horses is excellent for maintaining the focus of both horse and rider, as it requires sustaining a consistent trotting rhythm both between and while crossing the poles.
Equipment
7 poles (ideally long and brightly colored).
Setup
Place one pole at point X, perpendicular to the centerline. Using this pole as a reference, place a pair of poles on either side of it, spaced 1.3 meters away from the center pole (with a 60–70 cm gap between the two poles in each pair).
Finally, place the last two poles on the centerline, 1.3 meters beyond the outer pairs.
Exercise Method
This exercise may appear simple, but it demands a high level of awareness and concentration from both horse and rider.
Start with the outer pairs of poles; this gives you ample time and space, helping the horse become steady and focused.
Trot through the outer poles—spaced 2.6 meters apart—so the horse takes two strides between them rather than one.
Navigating the three poles on the centerline (also spaced 2.6 meters apart) is slightly more challenging; you must keep the horse firmly "between your legs" to maintain a straight line.
Finally, riding through the sequence of five poles with one stride between each requires the rider to maintain a straight posture, control, and apply the correct aids.
It is crucial to vary the training routine regularly to keep the work engaging and enjoyable for both horse and rider.
During the warm-up on the outer poles, the 2.6-meter spacing encourages the horse to swing its back while requiring a correct, straight approach.
On the centerline, you can clearly observe the horse's responsiveness to left and right leg aids and its ability to stay on a straight track.
The final sequence of five poles—with 1.3-meter spacing requiring a one-stride rhythm—demands even greater focus from the horse!
Equipment
6 poles, or 4 poles and 2 cavaletti.
Setup
Place a pair of ground poles on either side of the long diagonal line, with a spacing of 1.3 meters between the two poles in each set.
First, position one set at point X, then place the other two sets near points M and K, ensuring the distance from the poles to points M and K is equal on both sides.
Exercise Method
This exercise is effective throughout a training session and suitable for various skill levels. Riding along the long diagonal path helps the rider develop a sense of straightness and tests their ability to keep the horse evenly balanced "between the legs." Since transitions occur between the sets of poles, precision is required. However, performing three transitions along the diagonal path is not required, as that would be too difficult.
During the warm-up, ride curved lines as much as possible and trot over the cavaletti.
Towards the end of the warm-up, ride along the long diagonal path and incorporate simple transitions (e.g., walk-trot-walk). You can perform these transitions between, before, or after the sets of poles.
More advanced riders can perform walk-to-canter transitions between the sets of poles.
Alternatively, perform flying lead changes between the poles. Note, however, that for flying lead changes, you must increase the spacing between the two poles in each set to 1.6 meters to prevent the horse from stepping on the poles during the change.
Equipment
10 poles (or 6 poles on the left and 4 "cavaletti" on the right).
Setup
Arrange a corridor of ground poles along the long side in a shallow serpentine pattern, with a 1-meter gap between the poles. On the opposite long side, place two sets of poles with a 1.3-meter spacing between the poles in each set; position them so that you can ride a half-circle to enter the corner and then exit it.
Exercise Method
Enter the shallow serpentine corridor from the corner, exit into the next corner, and maintain a sitting trot while navigating the ground poles and the subsequent corner.
Incorporate transitions between walk and trot within the gaps between the poles. Start at point B, and once proficient, add transitions at points M and F.
On the long side at point E: trot over the poles, transition to a walk, and then transition back to a trot.
Advanced exercise: At point C, transition to a canter on the right lead and enter the shallow serpentine corridor (maintaining the canter through the corners).
You can also place a single pole at point E on the long side and perform a flying lead change over it.
Frequent changes of direction help the horse become more supple and balanced in both directions, reducing stiffness. Trotting through the shallow serpentine corridor on one long side, followed by two sets of ground poles at a trot on the opposite long side, helps the horse focus and establish a natural rhythm.
Navigating ground poles on a curved line helps establish uniform flexion along the horse's longitudinal axis. Within the corridor, horse and rider truly get to know each other; you must determine exactly how many meters before the transition point you need to prepare for the gait change—it is a perfect exercise for self-control.
These varied exercises put the horse's technique to the test. Trotting is relatively straightforward, whereas cantering is much trickier. You will quickly discover how to use your legs to maintain the horse's straightness between the poles.
Cavaletti can enhance the horse's suppleness, rhythm, and impulsion.
Whether riding a serpentine or curves that approximate a straight line, these exercises are essential for daily training. They help both horse and rider improve their ability to execute correct, even circles in both directions. Today, let’s look at an exercise that uses ground poles to practice turning and bending!
Equipment
6, 8, or 10 poles
Setup
In a 20x60m arena, place three sets of V-shaped poles along the centerline. The distance between the two poles in each set (measured from the center of one pole to the center of the other) should be 2.6 meters. Leave a gap of approximately 3.9 meters before setting up the next V-shape, and so on. To help position the poles evenly, you can lay out two longe lines to mark the centerline.
Exercise Method
Using multiple ground poles for repeated bending exercises helps the horse overcome stiffness!
Encourage frequent changes of direction to improve the horse's suppleness and flexibility.
Follow the red line to ride a series of continuous half-circles, or the blue line to ride a multi-loop serpentine. Depending on the skill level of horse and rider, this can be done at the trot or canter (incorporating flying changes). Each change of direction not only heightens the horse's focus and improves flying changes but also builds deeper trust between horse and rider during this challenging exercise.
You can also trot along the centerline as shown by the green line in the diagram. This is not easy; you must keep the horse straight between your legs while navigating the angled poles.
Navigating angled poles or V-shapes helps improve the horse and rider's judgment of distance. You will soon discover that this exercise is great fun! Initially, you might find it difficult to keep the horse straight as it approaches the V-shaped poles; placing two guide poles on the approach path can help the horse relax, and you will quickly feel the positive impact these angled poles have on the horse's suppleness.
Equipment
2 poles, 3 cavaletti (set at medium height).
Setup
Place one ground pole at a 90-degree angle to the long diagonal; this allows you to pass the pole and immediately enter the first corner and short side. Place another ground pole on the opposite side, allowing you to ride a half-circle and return to the track. Arrange the cavaletti in a series of two or three, spaced at a canter distance of 3.0–3.2 meters.
Method
This exercise is highly beneficial for horses that struggle with flying changes. The poles are intentionally positioned so that a corner and the arena wall follow immediately after them.
It helps horses that tend to rush during lead changes. The ground pole acts as a fixed point for the change, allowing the rider to provide assistance with minimal effort.
Angled ground poles can be effectively used during the walk and trot warm-up, or for transitions (e.g., trotting over the pole and then transitioning to a walk).
Use the corner to slow down a horse that tends to rush.
The pole near point F can be used for a flying change as the diagonal nears its end.
The combination of angled ground poles and cavaletti improves the horse's focus. Note: Start with the red route; the green route is more challenging.
Not all trainers use ground poles to teach flying changes, but for some horses that struggle to change leads quickly enough, a correctly placed single pole can help maintain calmness and prevent rushing.
Q: What is the standard distance for "cavaletti" training?
A: Walk: 0.8–0.9 meters
Trot: 1.3–1.4 meters
Canter: 3.0–3.2 meters
Adjust the spacing based on the horse's natural stride; use ground poles to train stride lengthening or shortening, or even use cavaletti for half-step exercises
Q: Can beginner horses use cavaletti?
A: Yes. The cavaletti exercise is suitable for horses of all training levels. Beginners should start with horizontal jumping poles placed flat on the ground before progressing to elevated caveletti.
Simple slow and fast walking exercises help build the horse's confidence and coordination.
Q: Are elevated cavaletti better than ground poles?
A: The ground pole is ideal for developing rhythm and maintaining proper alignment during movement, while the elevated cavaletti helps enhance strength and promote greater joint flexion. Both elements play an important role in a well-balanced dressage training program.
Q: What are the most common mistakes made during cavaletti training?
A: Common errors include:
Improperly set spacing between poles
Set the poles height too high too early
Excessive repetitive practice
Lack of proper rhythm or impulsiveness during riding
Omit the necessary preparation and cleanup activities
The cavaletti work for horses is a versatile training method that helps dressage horses improve balance, hind limb engagement, rhythm control, and muscle contraction ability.
From basic ground show jumping poles exercises to advanced elevated bar combinations, these drills provide practical and effective methods for enhancing a horse's athletic performance and overall capabilities.
To ensure optimal training results, practice must be conducted in a safe environment with good ground conditions and sufficient space.
A well-designed training facility not only enables horses to perform cavaletti exercises comfortably but also reduces unnecessary stress on joints and soft tissues.
Whether training young, promising horses or experienced dressage horses, incorporating regular dressage pole exercises into the daily training regimen helps maintain long-term health and foster sustained improvement.
