Description
A cavaletti block in equestrian sport is a jumping accessory and is used to help set up smaller obstacles. A cavaletti block is set up on each side of the obstacle pole, on which the pole is either placed or pushed in. Cavaletti blocks are used for show jumping or lunging.
Cavaletti training on horseback is versatile and brings variety to a conventional riding lesson for both horse and rider. Cavaletti blocks take on different heights with a simple twist, which is why the rider has the option of adjusting the height of the Cavaletti to suit their needs. Cavaletti blocks are available either as a square, a cross, a cone or a tower.
How high is a Cavaletti block?
Depending on the material and type, a Cavaletti block is between 30 and 60 centimetres high and between 45 and 60 centimetres long. Cavaletti blocks are height-adjustable so that the cavaletti poles are either hung just above the ground or fixed 15 to 30 centimetres or 40 to 50 centimetres above the ground.
The wooden or plastic Cavaletti poles either rest on two Cavaletti blocks or are pushed into the hole provided at the end of the block. Some Cavaletti blocks have fixed holders for the poles. Cavaletti poles have an average length of 2.50 metres and 3.50 metres. The blocks are placed at intervals corresponding to the length of the Cavaletti poles.
What materials are Cavaletti blocks made of?
Cavaletti blocks are made of plastic or metal. Plastic blocks are easy to transport and weather-resistant, while metal blocks are stable and robust. The place of use and the people using the Cavaletti blocks are decisive for the material to be chosen.
Cavaletti blocks made of metal are usually square blocks and are particularly suitable for indoor use. Plastic blocks are available in various shapes and colours and are particularly suitable for children due to their light weight. The choice of material also depends on the level of the horse. For young horses that are not yet familiar with cavaletti work, lightweight plastic cavaletti blocks are recommended. Metal blocks are useful for experienced show jumpers.
When are Cavaletti blocks used?
Cavaletti blocks are used, for example, for show jumping, lunging with poles or ground exercises. Cavaletti blocks are seen as a small obstacle when jumping, as training for the back and gait rhythm when lunging or as variety and balance exercises when dressage riding.
Cavaletti with blocks are used in all three gaits. In canter, for example, the cavaletti obstacles are placed further apart than in walk or trot. Make sure that the obstacles are set up appropriately for the size of the horse (for a large horse, make sure they are about 3 metres apart).
Cavaletti blocks are also used for dog training. For example, in agility dog races, on a course for dogs or for private training in the garden, Cavaletti blocks with corresponding poles are an ideal support for jumping training for dogs.
What are the advantages of cavaletti?
Cavaletti have the advantage of being versatile and suitable for jumping and lunging training as well as for ground work. Cavaletti with blocks are ideal as obstacles for training the horse, as they increase the horse's musculature and performance.
Working with a cavaletti encourages the horse and rider to pay attention and concentrate. The horse is required to pay attention to lifting its hooves when crossing the cavaletti so as not to step on or against the pole. This requires the horse to be extremely vigilant, which is why the horse's sure-footedness is improved with cavaletti.
Cavaletti work teaches horses the skills of balance, safety and coordination. Cavaletti exercises optimise the horse's rhythm in every gait, especially when there are several obstacles in a row. Cavaletti also improves the animal's balance.
Buy Cavaletti blocks
If you want to buy Cavaletti blocks, deciding on the right size and the optimum material is essential. When buying Cavaletti blocks, it depends on how often and what you will be using them for. You have the choice between buying individual Cavaletti blocks or combining blocks and matching poles.
If we have aroused your interest in Cavaletti blocks, then you can benefit from our Alfako Cavaletti blocks. The blocks are very robust and relatively light in weight, which makes them easy to transport. Thanks to the aluminium, they are durable and can withstand all weathers.
Our Cavaletti Block is supplied with four blocks. All four blocks are height-adjustable by rotating the blocks, which means they can be used as either small or large obstacles. The blocks are 50 centimetres in height, 50 centimetres in width and 15 centimetres in length.
Thanks to the practical screw cap, all conventional cavaletti poles with a diameter of 10 centimetres can be easily inserted into the holes provided and secured. Please note at this point that these are only blocks as accessories and the poles are not supplied. If you have any questions about the Cavaletti, please contact us at any time via our website. We will be happy to help you!