How to Build Horse Cavaletties

Preparing to jump your horse requires physical and mental conditioning. One of the best ways to prepare yourself and your horse for jumping is to practice with ground poles and cavaletties. Cavaletti exercises are also useful for other disciplines, such as dressage and even trail riding. If you don't have any cavaletties on hand, follow these instructions to build your own.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 8-foot-long 4-by-4 wood posts
  • Hand or power circular saw
  • Wood chisel
  • Rubber mallet
  • Pencil
  • Tape measurer or ruler
  • 4 bolts with nuts and washers, or screws
  • Power drill with appropriate bit
  • Wood treatment (optional)
  • Paint (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy all materials listed. Treat and paint the wood, if desired, and allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

    • 2

      Cut one 4-by-4 post into 4 equal sections (24 inches each).

    • 3

      Mark the center of each 24-inch segment. Take one section and place it on top of a second section, matching the center marks and forming an "X." Use a pencil to trace the width of the first piece onto the second piece, and vice-versa.

    • 4

      Cut 2 inches deep into each 24-inch post at your width marks. Use a wood chisel and mallet to remove the segment of wood from between the two cuts on each post. You should now have two 24-inch posts with matching notches cut from the center segments of each.

    • 5

      Fit the two notched posts together at right angles, making an "X." Screw or bolt the sections together at the center of the "X."

    • 6

      Repeat steps 2 through 5 with the two remaining 24-inch posts.

    • 7

      Set up both "X"s. Lay the remaining, uncut 4-by-4 post with the ends resting in the upright crook of each "X". Screw or bolt the uncut post securely to each "X".