In this feature. . . Practise clockface poles on a circle Use your shoulders for turns Perform changes over cavaletti
Round the bend
Circles are one of the worst kept secrets when it comes to improving your horse’s way of going – but what if you doubled the benefits with cavaletti?
As told to Rebecca Philpot.
Known for their suppleness enhancing, hindquarter strengthening and balance boosting properties – to name just a few – the secret to better results, no matter your discipline, really does lie in perfecting the simple circle. Yet, it can be a challenge to reap their benefits without resorting to the same exercises time after time. So, why not shake up your routine by taking all four feet off the ground, albeit briefly, with some small but mighty jumping efforts?
Last month, we explored the benefits of cavaletti by using a straightforward line of three, with some exercises to help you make the most of them. This time, we’ll look at increasing the challenge by incorporating them into a simple schooling shape with an exercise you can build up over a number of sessions.
Feel the benefits
This exercise will take a while to master, but there are plenty of gains to be made along the way. These include...
1. Super-suppling Circles are often the first stop in the pursuit of suppleness. By helping increase mobility and, in turn, develop better straightness, circles encourage your horse to develop correct bend.
2. Seeing a stride With the poles set at equal distances on the circle, the striding between each pole is even. This makes it a great way to train your eye to see distances.