How to Make Cavaletti Poles

Cavalettis are a type of gymnastic equipment for horses. Constructed of a pole attached to a crossed support on each side, a set of six cavalettis can be arranged to create a number of different exercises designed to improve a horse's concentration, obedience, fitness and gymnastic ability. They can be set out in a line on their lowest height for the horse to trot over, set on the next two heights for the horse to jump or "bounce" in and out of, or piled on top of one another to create related jumps of considerable height and breadth.

Things You'll Need

  • One 4-by-4 treated wood post lumber per jump
  • Tape measure
  • Saw
  • Carpenter's square
  • Marker
  • Wood chisel
  • Mallet
  • Drill
  • Four galvanized carriage bolts per jump
  • One 4-by-4 inch by 8-foot post per jump or 8 to 10 foot round treated pole
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and saw the side supports. Each cross piece should be 2 feet long, which means you can cut one 8-foot length of a 4-by-4 into four cross pieces, enough for one cavaletti jump. Lie one 2-foot piece on the ground, and place another on top of it at a right angle. Use a carpenter's square to get the angle exact and a tape measure to make certain they will be joined exactly in the center of each. Draw the outlines of each piece on the other where they cross over one another.

    • 2

      Notch each cross piece in the center where you marked it. Use a wood chisel and mallet to remove a square piece 4 inches by 4 inches square by 2-inches deep from the center of each cross piece. This will enable them to fit snugly into one another where they join.

    • 3

      Drill a hole through the center of the part where both cross pieces join one another. Insert a carriage bolt and washer and fasten the nut securely. You will now have one sturdy crossed support. Repeat this process to make one other cavaletti support.

    • 4

      Notch the end of the 8- or 10-foot pole or use an 8-foot-long 4-by-4 post. Stand up each support and rest one end of the pole on each. Measure, mark and drill holes to bolt each end of the pole to a support. Use galvanized carriage bolts and fasten them securely. You now have one complete cavaletti jump, which can be rolled over to change the height of the pole. Ideally, you should make another three to five cavaletti to be able to use them for horse gymnastic exercises.