The Benefits of Cavalletti Training on the Lunge for Leisure & Equestrian Horses

Cavalletti training has long been a favourite tool for dressage and jumping riders, but it’s just as valuable for leisure riders who want to improve their horse’s way of going. Whether your goal is a supple hack, a stronger partner for low-level competition, or simply keeping your horse happy and healthy, cavalletti on the lunge can offer huge benefits.

It’s not about fancy movements or complex exercises. With just a few poles and some thoughtful handling, you can help your horse become more balanced, stronger and more coordinated.

Why Cavalletti on the Lunge?

Many leisure and pleasure horses spend much of their time in straight lines on trails or in the arena. While this is great for relaxation and fitness, it doesn’t always develop the horse evenly on both sides. Like people, horses can become one-sided—stronger on one rein, weaker or stiffer on the other.

Working over cavalletti on the lunge encourages the horse to use its whole body more evenly. It’s a low-impact way to gymnasticise your horse, build muscle and keep them thinking about their feet.

Building Symmetry

Cavalletti training is fantastic for evening up a horse’s natural asymmetry. Each stride over the poles encourages them to step evenly with both forelegs and both hindlegs. This helps build muscles on both sides of the body, improving straightness and comfort under saddle.

For the leisure rider, this means a horse that feels more even in the contact, steadier on circles and more comfortable to ride.

Strength & Coordination

Every stride over a cavalletti requires your horse to lift, balance, and coordinate. This engages not only the big muscle groups like the hindquarters, but also the smaller stabilising muscles that protect joints and ligaments.

A horse that trains regularly with cavalletti develops greater awareness of where its legs are, which makes it safer and more surefooted. Whether you’re out on the trail or schooling in the arena, that coordination makes a noticeable difference.

Encouraging the Horse to Think

Cavalletti aren’t just about the body—they’re also about the mind. Each pole requires your horse to pay attention: Where should I place my feet? How do I adjust my stride?

This kind of mental engagement helps keep horses focused, interested, and willing. For leisure riders, cavalletti work is a great way to break up routine arena sessions and keep your horse fresh.

Balance & the Bascule

Cavalletti naturally encourage the horse to round its back and lift through the wither. This gymnastic movement—similar to the “bascule” a jumper shows over a fence — strengthens the topline and improves posture.

Even if you never plan to jump, this is hugely beneficial. A horse that carries itself in better balance is easier to ride, lighter in the hand and more comfortable to sit on.

The Importance of Correct Lunge Work

Of course, all these benefits depend on correct lunging. A horse rushing around or leaning in on the circle won’t gain much from cavalletti and may even risk injury.

That’s why it’s important to take the time to establish good lunging basics: rhythm, relaxation, and responsiveness. Once your horse understands how to stay calm and balanced on the circle, cavalletti work becomes far more effective.

If you’re new to lunging, it’s worth asking an experienced instructor to help get you started.

Safety First

Because cavalletti ask the horse to lift its legs more actively, protection is a must. Always use boots or bandages to guard against knocks.

It’s also important to work on safe footing—a surface with enough grip but not too deep—and to keep sessions short. Quality is more important than quantity. Even 10–15 minutes of cavalletti work can have lasting benefits.

Bringing Cavalletti Into Your Routine

You don’t need to do cavalletti every day. Once or twice a week is enough to see improvements. Start with poles on the ground, and as your horse becomes more confident, you can gradually raise them for extra challenge.

The best part is that cavalletti sessions are simple, enjoyable and highly rewarding — for both horse and rider.

Final Thoughts

Cavalletti training on the lunge isn’t just for competition horses. It’s a fantastic way for leisure riders to help their horses become stronger, more symmetrical, more balanced and more attentive.

With correct lunge education, thoughtful progression, and a focus on safety, cavalletti work is a simple addition to your training routine that pays off in comfort, rideability, and long-term soundness.

So next time you’re looking for something new to add to your horse’s routine, consider pulling out a few poles — you might be surprised at the difference they make.