Cavaletti Query

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Gypley

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We have just pulled down the pergola in the garden and have set good old grandad to work building me some new jumps.
Hes made some fab sloping wings, but now I'm thinking I would like some cavalettis (for one because I'd like to get pony doing some gymnastic exercises, and two because I think there's something very nostalgic about cavalettis- takes me back to my youth!)
so my question is, I don't want to waste 3 of my poles on the 'rail' part, so is there any reason I shouldn't use 2x4 lengths of wood as opposed to round poles? I can't think of any obvious reason why not, but just wondered if this would suffice ?
 
I'd say that would be chunky enough, when I was a kid I had some metal (!!!) jump poles that were rectangular in cross section with no issue for the horse and of course people use planks on tyres for this sort of thing regularly

3x3 would give more of a 'pole' look and fit better with the shape of the supports though maybe?
 
WelshD said:
I'd say that would be chunky enough, when I was a kid I had some metal (!!!) jump poles that were rectangular in cross section with no issue for the horse and of course people use planks on tyres for this sort of thing regularly

3x3 would give more of a 'pole' look and fit better with the shape of the supports though maybe?
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Thank you. I thought it would be fine, just double checking :)
Tbh, I'm not even sure they are 2x4 exactly, just a guess. But it's what's left from the pergola. It's just the only masucline building term I know "toobeforrr"
 
Cavaletti always used to be made with square poles so as to fit into the X support. But they are not very safe... if the horse knocks one it doesn't roll out of the way as an unfixed pole would, and if you are unfortunate enough to fall on the X it hurts!! I have a vague memory of hearing that the Pony Club have banned them at rallies because of the dangers I've mentioned, but don't quote me on that!
 
Gloi said:
I can vouch for that. When I was learning to ride I got put off jumping for ages after landing on one.
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Thirty years ago I had a nasty accident with my young mare who wasn't paying attention properly and tripped on a cavaletti landing on the ground with my leg underneath her. Never used one since. They just don't move.
 
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