Michele Wellman continues with this group of riders next spiraling in and out through poles that represent 20-, 15- and 10-meter circles. The purpose of this exercise is to help create bending and yielding off the inside leg. This will help with the regularity of tempo that leads to better transi...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through a warm-up for horses not experienced with cavalletti. The simple goal here is to see what the horse does when he trots over poles. Depending on the horse’s reaction, the rider can adju...

Michele Wellman coaches riders through a canter figure 8 pattern. The focus of this exercise is on accuracy, better connection and better use of the outside aids. By changing directions, the rider can practice changing leads through walk or trot as well as try the exercise both ways.

Ashley leads two riders through exercises with cavalletti. They begin by trotting a 30-meter circle working on suppling them both in front and behind the saddle in the warmup. They use both the shoulder-in and the haunches-in.

On the bigger circle, they do a lengthened trot and collect into a shoulder-in. Ashley gives great tips for one of the horses who shows more tension with this exercise.

Ashley Johnson, 5 star event rider and coach of the University of Florida Eventing Team, leads two Training Level riders through exercises with cavalletti to improve the elasticity of their horses, show them concepts of lateral work and teach them to have a quicker step behind. Her clear and conc...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman works with riders through a series of ground poles with the focus on straightness, consistency of tempo and length of stride. It is important to let the horse figure out what he needs to do while the rider m...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through a warm-up for horses not experienced with cavalletti. The simple goal here is to see what the horse does when he trots over poles. Depending on the horse reaction, the rider can adjust...

After introducing the cavalletti, Michele has the riders go through a series of ground poles with the focus on straightness, consistency of tempo and length of stride. It is important to let the horse figure out what he needs to do while the rider makes small adjustments with half-halts.

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through individual patterns each one wanted to try again. They were able to continue to focus on balance and accuracy, but also realized when the horse was getting tired. At that point it is i...

As the final exercise with this group, Michele coaches riders through individual patterns each one wanted to try again. They were able to continue to focus on balance and accuracy, but also realized when the horse was getting tired. At that point it is important to be successful and then quit for...

Chelsea demonstrates a circle exercise over ground poles that helps teach a horse where his feet are, how to maintain a steady rhythm and carry the rider all while managing themselves over poles. They then do the circle, go down a line and back to the circle all while trying to maintain a relaxed...

Monique takes the ground exercise of moving laterally over a pole to under saddle. Often it shows which side is more difficult for the horse. When the horse is moving easily, the challenge becomes moving a few steps one way, stop and then move a few steps the other direction.

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman works with riders on spiraling in and out through poles that represent 20-, 15- and 10-meter circles. The purpose of this exercise is to help create bending and yielding off the inside leg. This will help wi...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman works with riders on spiraling in and out through poles that represent 20-, 15- and 10-meter circles. The purpose of this exercise is to help create bending and yielding off the inside leg. This will help wi...

Monique explains how a box made from four poles can be very useful in practicing halt transitions. This can be done on the ground as well. The poles give a visual and physical barrier to an exact spot for the transition.

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman talks about how she got involved in doing monthly cavalletti clinics at her By Chance Farm in Union Bridge, MD. These clinics have become very popular among riders of all levels and disciplines. She goes ove...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through a warm-up for horses experienced with cavalletti. The goal here is to maintain straightness and rhythm over the poles. Depending on the horse reaction, the rider can adjust how she rid...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through a warm-up for horses experienced with cavalletti. The goal here is to maintain straightness and rhythm over the poles. Depending on the horse reaction, the rider can adjust how she rid...

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through the next step for horses experienced with cavalletti. Raising the poles several inches off the ground makes the horse bend the knees and hocks more. It is important not to let the hors...

cavaletti work

They now add ground poles, teaching the first horse to relax and reach down as he trots the poles. He begins by being resistant but eventually relaxes and stretches, and Ashley offers suggestions for how to have the exercise go better from the beginning.

The second horse works on keeping contact on the outside rein. Ashley explains the difference of doing this exercise with a more refined, light horse and how the rider needs to adapt for that ride.