How high is a cavaletti?

A cavaletti for horses is usually between 20 cm and 40 cm high. For dogs, on the other hand, the height should correspond approximately to the height of their wrist and is between 10 cm and 50 cm above the ground. Cavaletti are training devices used in riding and dog training. The choice of cavaletti height depends on the size of the animal, its abilities and the training objective. 

How high should cavaletti be set during training?

When training with cavaletti for horses and dogs, the optimal height depends on various factors, including the training goal, the animal's training level and its breed or size. Below are some guidelines for different exercises and factors for horses and dogs.

Cavaletti height for horses 

• For basic coordination exercises, cavaletti should be set at low heights of around 20 to 40 centimetres for beginners and to improve coordination.
• To improve stride length and timing, cavaletti for walking and trotting work can be set to medium heights of around 30 to 130 centimetres.
• When galloping to improve jumping ability and balance, cavaletti can be raised to heights of around 30 to 300 centimetres for large horses, while lower heights should be preferred for smaller breeds or ponies to avoid excessive demands.
• For advanced jumping training and preparation for higher obstacles, it is advisable to set cavaletti to heights of up to 50 or 150 centimetres, whereby the size and jumping ability of the horse should also be taken into account here.
• To strengthen the hindquarters, the cavaletti can be set to low to medium heights, focussing on lifting the hind legs.
• To promote a gentle curve of the back and improve the back muscles, medium heights are suitable for exercises to improve the back muscles.

Cavaletti height for dogs

• Agility training: The height of the Cavaletti for dogs depends on the size and breed of the dog. For smaller dogs, low heights of around 10 to 20 centimetres may be suitable, while larger dogs can cope with heights of 30 to 50 centimetres.
• Coordination training: Low to medium heights of around 10 to 30 centimetres are well suited for coordination exercises and improving balance.
• Jump training: Heights of up to 50 centimetres can be suitable for advanced exercises and improving jumping ability.
• Take breed differences into account: For larger dog breeds with longer legs, the cavaletti can be set slightly higher to provide an appropriate challenge. For smaller breeds or dogs with shorter legs, the cavaletti should be lower to avoid overexertion.
• Agility and manoeuvrability: For agility exercises and improving manoeuvrability, the cavaletti can be set to low to medium heights to enable quick changes of direction and jumps.
• Strength building and endurance: Higher cavaletti can be used to improve the dog's strength and endurance by encouraging him to jump higher and push his limits.
• Individual needs: Always consider the individual needs and abilities of your animal as well as any health restrictions or injuries when determining the Cavaletti height.

What is a sensible Cavaletti height for beginners?

For beginners with horses and dogs, it is important to adjust the Cavaletti height accordingly to avoid excessive demands and ensure safe training.

For horses, a sensible height for beginners is typically between 20 and 40 centimetres above the ground. This low height allows the horse to get used to the exercise and improve its coordination without being overly challenged. Care should be taken to ensure that the poles are stable and securely positioned to avoid injury. Training should be increased slowly to gradually acclimatise the horse to higher heights. It is important to observe the horse's behaviour carefully and watch for signs of tiredness or discomfort. In addition to the height of the cavaletti, the length and number of steps between the poles is also important. Beginners should start with larger distances and gradually reduce them to increase the challenge and improve the horse's accuracy.

For dogs, the height of the obstacles should initially be approximately the same height as their wrist, which is in the region of 10 to 20 centimetres. This allows the dog to get used to the exercise and improve its coordination without being overly challenged. The cavaletti should be placed securely to ensure stability and prevent injuries. Here too, the training should be increased slowly to avoid excessive demands. The dog's behaviour should be closely monitored during training and training should be adjusted or interrupted if signs of tiredness or discomfort occur. It is advisable to vary the length and number of steps between the poles to adjust the challenge and improve the dog's accuracy.