If you build them, they will jump!
There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day at the barn. And there are certainly never enough hands and resources. We, as a family, like to help out where we can and contribute to the barn and riding program. One way we have found that works out nicely, especially if you are the "hands on" type, is building and donating Cavalettis.
What is a Cavaletti? CLICK HERE.
Cavaletti were designed to help a horse improve its balance, adjust its length of stride, and to loosen and strengthen its muscles. They are often used in sets of at least four to six placed in a row, but can be configured in nearly unlimited ways. Used at their lowest placement as ground rails or at a level no more than about 12 inches (30 cm) high, they can be set to encourage a proper length of stride.
By being set closer or farther apart than a horse's natural stride, they encourage lengthening or shortening of the stride. Used as a "gymnastic" in conjunction with other horse jumping obstacles in a training ring, they help teach the horse how to approach a fence at the proper speed and length of stride. Set at higher settings, they become small jumps to introduce young horses or beginning riders to jumping. Some designs can safely be stacked, allowing fences up to about 2.5 feet (0.76 m).
Impress with your knowledge: Cavaletti were invented Captain Federico Caprilli (8 April 1868 - 6 December 1907) - an Italian cavalry officer and equestrian who revolutionized the jumping seat. His position, now called the "forward seat," formed the modern-day technique used by all jumping riders today.
I Ponied Up! (see what I did there?) and volunteered my husband to produce these for our barn. He secretly loves when he can contribute as a pony dad, and loves the excuse to go to The Home Depot and break out the tools.
Here is the video we found that helped us with the supplies list and the build. We opted for 8' beams for longer versions. NOTE - The cost of supplies has increased substantially, especially for pressure treated wood.
IDEA SHARE: To offset the cost a little, I came up with the idea to offer sponsorships to the other families and riders at the barn. For $20 you could get your name burned into the wood and for a larger donation you could get your family name and your horse/pony! I bought this wood burner from HD and it worked great!
Finished! TIP: Assemble them at the barn if you don't have a truck - they are cumbersome.
Stacked and ready to go!
My daughter and her pony getting in a good workout with the new equipment.
Contributing at the barn, in my opinion, is a great way to stay connected to the sport. Building these Cavaletti, like buying sporting equipment, fills a need that can help/benefit everyone in the program. You don't need to break out the power tools, but maybe ask your trainer when is the next "barn clean-up day" and clear your schedule. Every extra set of hands helps, and like my daughter says, "Teamwork makes the dream work!"
What do you do to contribute at the barn? Have you built jumps or repainted/refreshed poles? Share your pics and stories!
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