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Re: RC: Re: Cavaletti work/ training an endurance horse



Hi Penny,
I start off with just walking the horse over one pole on the ground. I
prefer to longe the horse or free longe in the round pen so the horse can
get their balance without a rider first. When the horse can calmly walk over
the pole and stretch down (this is what we are after) then move up to a
medium trot. You want to be sure the horse does not get tense and rush the
cavaletti poles and get frazzled. We are after relaxation, stretching, and
fluidity in the joints. As the horse progresses, add a pole at a time until
you are up to about 4 in a row. As the horse gets more advanced in the work
you can slowly increase the height of the poles. If the horse seems in any
way not ready for the next stage, or tense, back down to the previous level.
I do no more than about 8-10 passes threw the cavalletti broken down into
3-4 sets in a training session. Also I never work them 2 days in a row with
this kind of work. If you do too much this cavaletti work can make their
muscles really sore. In between the cavaletti sets I do something else such
as working on transitions. I also work my horses in what is called a
"Gaitmaster". It also helps to strengthen the horses muscles, and encourages
them to stretch and use the hind quarters without the hinderance of a rider.
Within 6-8 months of correctly doing this kind of muscle sculpting work it
can really transform an endurance horse into a stronger athlete that is less
prone to injury and much more efficient on the trail.
I am lucky in that the some of the trails here in Bear Valley have built in
cavaletti poles. Like Bob said, it really helps to make a very balanced
endurance horse that learns to watch where they put their feet!
Robyn
----- Original Message -----
From: sharp penny <penelope_75647@yahoo.com>
To: Robyn Levash <questarabians@inreach.com>
Cc: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2001 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: RC: Re: Training a New Endurance Horse


>   Hey Robyn..
>
>    What kind of cavaletti work do you do? R we talking
> 4 or more trot poles in a row...canter poles or what?
> Cavaletti work means different things to different
> people. What is your cavaletti routine? I'm looking
> for some specifics. I would be interested in hearing
> about other peoples cavaletti routines as well.
>    Thanks so much!
>
> Penny & Daisy
>
>
> --- Robyn Levash <questarabians@inreach.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Carol Burgess wrote:
> > > > I'm trying to training him to work off his rear
> > end...
> > > [...]
> > > > Any suggestions would help.
> > >
> > >
> >  Cavaletti work 2-3 times a week (never 2 days in a
> > row) tremendously helps.
> > Cavaletti work strengthens the horses muscles (
> > particularly the back
> > muscles). This type of work is what I call "gym"
> > work. It is equivalent
> > stengthening work to that of a runner that works out
> > in the gym 2-3 times a
> > week to strengthen muscles, tendons ect. Dressage
> > work mixed with Cavaletti
> > work teaches the horse to move more efficiently down
> > the trail. Riding hills
> > naturally force the horse to use their rear end.
> > Robyn
> >
> > >
> >
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