The Benefits of Cavalletti Training on the Lunge for Racehorses

Sep 17, 2025

When we think about preparing racehorses for peak performance, our minds often go straight to gallops, speed work and conditioning. But there’s another layer of training that can have an incredible impact on the horse’s body, balance, and mindset — cavalletti training on the lunge.

Cavalletti work isn’t just for equestrian horses. When used correctly, it provides racehorses with the tools they need to become more symmetrical, stronger, coordinated and mentally engaged. It helps them think about how they use their legs, improves their balance and bascule and sets them up for longevity and soundness in training and racing.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the benefits of incorporating cavalletti into your racehorse’s programme, the importance of correct lunge education and some practical considerations for keeping your horse safe.

Why Cavalletti on the Lunge?

Many racehorses spend most of their working life going in relatively straight lines at speed. While this builds cardiovascular fitness and speed, it doesn’t always encourage equal development of both sides of the body. Just like athletes in any other sport, racehorses can develop asymmetries — stronger on one side, stiffer on the other, or less coordinated with certain limbs.

This is where cavalletti training on the lunge comes in. Lunging over cavalletti combines the benefits of gymnastic strengthening with coordination and body awareness exercises. The horse isn’t just running; it’s learning to use its body better, step by step.

Symmetry of the Body

One of the greatest benefits of cavalletti training on the lunge is how it helps develop symmetry. Horses, like humans, are naturally one-sided. Left- or right-handedness translates into natural crookedness in the horse’s way of going. Over time, if unaddressed, this imbalance can lead to uneven muscle development, reduced efficiency of movement and even injury and unsoundness.

When a horse works over cavalletti, it is encouraged to step evenly with both forelegs and both hindlegs. The repeated lifting and placing of the legs strengthens weaker muscle groups and evens out the workload. On the lunge, the handler can ensure the horse is asked to work both directions equally, addressing natural crookedness.

For racehorses, this is especially valuable. Symmetry means a horse can gallop straighter, maintain balance around turns and push off evenly with both hindlegs when asked for an acceleration. In the long run, this contributes to both performance and soundness.

Strength and Coordination

Cavalletti training is like cross-training for horses. Each step over the poles requires more effort than a stride on flat ground. The horse must lift its legs higher, engage its core and coordinate multiple muscles at once.

Over time, this strengthens not only the obvious muscles of the topline and hindquarters but also the smaller stabilising muscles that protect joints and ligaments. Stronger stabilising muscles mean the horse is less likely to suffer strains and can handle the rigours of trackwork better.

Coordination is another key factor. A horse that regularly works over cavalletti becomes more aware of where its feet are and how to place them. This body awareness reduces the chance of missteps at speed, which is especially important when racing on different track conditions.

Developing the Horse’s Mind

Physical benefits aside, cavalletti training helps horses think about what they’re doing. Every pole asks the horse to concentrate: where do I put my foot? How do I time my stride? The horse isn’t just running on autopilot — it’s engaging its brain.

This mental engagement is invaluable for racehorses. A horse that has learned to focus and problem-solve in training will often carry that same focus into its work on the track. Cavalletti training also breaks up the routine, keeping horses fresh and mentally stimulated.

Balance and the Bascule

Another standout benefit of cavalletti work is its effect on balance and bascule.

When a horse moves over poles, especially when the poles are slightly raised, it must round its back and lift through the wither. This creates a gymnastic arc of movement similar to the “bascule” that jumping horses show when clearing a fence.

For racehorses, practising this rounding movement improves posture, encourages correct muscle development along the topline and enhances balance. A horse that can carry itself in better balance will find it easier to change leads, stay light on the forehand and conserve energy during a race.

The Importance of Correct Lunge Education

Of course, all these benefits depend on one vital factor: the horse must know how to lunge correctly and the handler must be experienced.

Poor lunging can do more harm than good. A horse that charges around, leans on the circle or scrambles over cavalletti will not gain the desired benefits and may even injure itself. Correct lunge training begins with teaching the horse to stay relaxed, balanced and responsive on the circle.

An experienced handler understands how to set cavalletti at the right distance for the horse’s stride, how to progress the height gradually and how to encourage rhythm and relaxation. They also know when to stop—cavalletti training is gymnastic and overdoing it can cause fatigue.

For young horses or those new to lunging, groundwork and basic circle work should be established well before introducing cavalletti.

Safety First: Protecting the Legs

Because cavalletti training asks horses to lift and place their legs with extra effort, it’s important to protect them. Boots or bandages should always be used to safeguard against knocks and scrapes.

Racehorses in particular are often extremely athletic and can be exuberant when first asked to tackle something new. Proper protection ensures a small misstep doesn’t turn into a bigger problem. Always check the fit of boots and ensure they don’t cause rubbing.

Another key safety point is surface. The footing should be level, with enough give to cushion joints but not so deep that it strains tendons. Sand or a well-maintained arena surface works well.

Building Cavalletti Work into a Racehorse Programme

So how often should cavalletti training be used with racehorses? The answer depends on the individual horse, but as a guideline:

Start small – one or two short cavalletti sessions per week is plenty in the beginning.
Keep it gymnastic, not exhausting – 10–15 minutes of cavalletti work on the lunge can be more effective than an hour of flat work.
Adjust for the horse – young horses may begin with poles on the ground, while more experienced horses can tackle raised cavalletti for extra engagement.
Balance with other training – cavalletti work should complement, not replace, gallops and conditioning. Think of it as part of a well-rounded training programme.

The Long-Term Payoff

The long-term benefits of cavalletti training on the lunge are hard to ignore. Horses become stronger, straighter, more coordinated and more focused. They move with better balance, carry themselves more effectively and are less prone to injury.

For trainers and owners, this means a more durable athlete who is better equipped to handle the physical demands of racing. For the horse, it means improved comfort, confidence and career longevity.

Final Thoughts

Cavalletti training on the lunge may not be the first tool that comes to mind when thinking about racehorse preparation, but its benefits are wide-reaching. By addressing symmetry, building strength and coordination, developing focus and enhancing balance, cavalletti work gives racehorses the physical and mental tools they need to succeed.

The key is correct lunge education with an experienced handler, a thoughtful approach to progression, and attention to safety. Done well, cavalletti training isn’t just an exercise — it’s an investment in your horse’s performance and wellbeing.