What does cavalletti mean?
Cavalletti are raised poles or small blocks placed in a line on the ground, used in horse training to improve a horse's rhythm, stride, balance, and jumping technique. Borrowed directly from the Italian plural "cavalletti," the word is firmly established in English equestrian vocabulary in both Britain and the United States. Trainers space the cavalletti at measured distances so that horses must adjust their footfall precisely, building strength and coordination before progressing to full jumps. The poles may be laid flat as ground rails or raised at one or both ends using special blocks, allowing progressive difficulty. Because the word comes from Italian, it behaves as a foreign plural in English, taking plural verbs, and the alternative spelling "cavaletti" is frequently seen. Outside riding schools and equestrian publications, the term is little known, but within the sport it is indispensable.
nounRaised poles or small blocks set up in a line on the ground, used in horse training to help horses develop rhythm, stride length, and coordination. The term is the plural of the Italian "cavalletto" and is treated as a plural noun in English.
- Raised poles or blocks used in horse training to develop rhythm, stride, balance, and jumping technique.
"The trainer arranged the cavalletti in a straight line so the young horse could learn to lengthen its stride evenly."
"Before attempting the jump course, she warmed her gelding up over a series of low cavalletti."
"Raising alternate cavalletti off the ground taught the pony to lift its knees with more care."
"Cavalletti" is already plural in English, borrowed unchanged from Italian; the rare singular is "cavalletto." It takes plural verbs.
"The cavalletti were spaced four feet apart for the trot work."
Every dressage champion's secret weapon is just a row of humble wooden blocks borrowed from the Italian word for a trestle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cavalletti
The word "cavalletti" is the plural of the Italian "cavalletto," meaning a small horse or trestle support, itself a diminutive of "cavallo," meaning horse. "Cavallo" derives from the Late Latin "caballus," a term for a workhorse or nag, which is also the root of English words such as cavalry and chivalry via French. The term entered English equestrian usage through contact with Italian and continental riding traditions, becoming common in the twentieth century as systematic flatwork and gymnastic training spread.
Related word forms
How cavalletti is actually used
The word is almost exclusively used in British and American equestrian circles; outside that context it would be unfamiliar. In English it functions as an Italian-style plural, so it takes plural verbs ("the cavalletti are spaced..."), though the singular "cavalletto" is rare. The spelling "cavaletti" is widespread but less strictly correct.
Easily confused with cavalletti
"Cavalletti" is the Italian spelling now standard in English equestrian usage, while "cavaletti" is a common variant spelling referring to exactly the same training poles.
Despite a superficial sound resemblance, "cavort" is a verb meaning to jump or prance playfully, whereas cavalletti are physical training poles.