Cavaletti exercises for horse & dog

Cavaletti are low poles that are arranged at different heights and distances to create training courses for horses and dogs. These exercises offer numerous benefits for both species. For example, cavaletti exercises for horses can improve flexibility, coordination and muscle strength, while for dogs they increase coordination, agility and endurance. Whether you're an experienced rider looking to improve your horse's performance or a dog owner looking to increase your four-legged friend's fitness, cavaletti can be a great addition to your training programme. But before we look at the individual exercises, let's take a closer look at the benefits of cavaletti in particular.

The following table shows the benefits of cavaletti exercises for horses and dogs.

The table shows the benefits of cavaletti exercises for horses and dogs. Now that we've looked at the benefits, let's take a closer look at how these exercises can be used specifically for horses.

Cavaletti exercises for horses

Cavaletti exercises are a great way to improve the horse's balance, coordination and fitness. Cavaletti exercises with the horse should be incorporated into training sessions once or twice a week. Here are some ideas for pole work with the horse.

• Basic Cavaletti series: This exercise requires poles about 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart. The horse moves through them at a walk, trot or canter, lifting its legs high enough to avoid touching the poles. Beginners should start with low cavaletti heights of around 10 to 20 centimetres, while more advanced horses can manage heights of between 20 and 40 centimetres.
• Serpentines through the cavaletti: Set up the cavaletti poles in a gentle curve and ride your horse over them in serpentines. This promotes your horse's lateral movements and ability to bend.
• Raised cavaletti: Place additional cavaletti poles on top of those already in place to increase the height. This will intensify your horse's work and improve its jumping ability.
• Cavaletti jumps: Use the cavaletti poles as low jumps and let your horse jump over them. Start with low heights and gradually increase them as your horse becomes more confident. A typical distance for cavaletti at canter is between 3.5 and 4.5 metres. 
• Distance variations: Experiment with different distances between the cavaletti poles to improve your horse's stride length and timing. You can also use a combination of short and long distances to encourage your horse's attention. The ideal distance between trotting poles is around 90 to 140 centimetres. For ponies, the distance should be shortened by 10 to 20 centimetres.
• Cavaletti circles: Set up the cavaletti poles in a circle and ride your horse over them at different gaits. This improves your horse's balance and coordination when cornering.

Start the cavaletti exercises gently and gradually increase the difficulty to avoid overexertion. Always pay attention to your horse's posture and well-being. For beginners, it is advisable to start with low heights and moderate distances before increasing the difficulty. The pole work should be regularly varied to keep the horse challenged and happy.

Exercises for dogs

Cavaletti exercises for dogs can be a great way to improve their coordination, agility and muscle strength. Below are some ideas and tips for cavaletti exercises with dogs.

• Setting up the cavaletti: Use light objects such as small poles or flat hurdles to set up the cavaletti. Make sure the height and distance of the cavaletti is appropriate for your dog based on his size and ability.
• Introduce slowly: Start slowly and low and gradually increase the height and distance of the cavaletti as the dog feels more comfortable and gains more experience.
• Adapt to the dog's abilities: Make sure to adapt the Cavaletti exercises to your dog's abilities and fitness level. Too high or too far a distance can lead to overexertion or injury.
• Supervision and guidance: Supervise your dog during the exercises and give him clear instructions. Praise him for good performance and be patient if he has difficulties.
• Incorporate variations: Vary the height and distance of the cavaletti to give your dog a varied and challenging experience. You can also create different patterns or obstacle courses to make the exercises more interesting.
• Regular exercise: Perform the cavaletti exercises regularly, but be careful not to overdo it. A moderate and consistent training session will benefit your dog the most.
• Have fun: Make cavaletti exercises a fun and positive experience for your dog. Use rewards and praise to increase his engagement and motivation.