Riders Learn to Build Better Foundations at the Cavaletti Clinic
Rhythm, balance, and precision were the focus as riders gathered for a Cavaletti Clinic and Wine Tasting/Lunch designed to improve both horse and rider performance.
Hosted at the International Equestrian Center by trainer Sherie Levine, the Cavaletti Clinic on Saturday, May 24, attracted adult riders of all disciplines eager to sharpen their flatwork and strengthen their connection with their horses. The entry fee was $125 per rider, which included Cavaletti instruction, a catered lunch, and wine tastings. Non-riders could enjoy wine tasting and lunch for $65, and each participant was asked to bring one bottle of wine valued at no more than $25.
Led by an experienced instructor, the session combined hands-on exercises using strategically placed ground poles and raised rails to encourage proper movement, timing, and rider awareness. Whether participants were preparing for competitions or simply seeking to improve their everyday rides, the clinic emphasized the fundamentals that lay the groundwork for success in any discipline.
Cavaletti training helps every horse; it allows the horse and rider pair to progress at their own pace. Each rider has a different goal, and every horse and rider pair will be at a different level and skill set. Some horses require more reassurance and patience, and many riders do as well. It teaches communication, partnership, and focus, in addition to the physical advantages.
Levine is an approved Instructor and Coach for the San Vicente/Ramona Vicente Pony Club and has been part of the United States Pony Club/Southern California Region for over 15 years. She offers private, semi-private, and group lessons in Dressage (English and Western), Show Jumping, Drille, and General Horsemanship.
She also coaches at competitions and works extensively with jumpers and endurance riders. Levine has coached and trained award-winning students and riders, including the USDF Bronze Medalist, USDF Silver Medalist, Scholastic Equestrian League Champion, and Scholastic Equestrian League Reserve Champion.
For the Cavaletti Clinic, 10 riders were broken up into two groups. Samantha Connolly was part of Group 1 and was excited to ride her new Quarter horse, Maisy, which she bought three days prior. Connolly lives in the Acres, and her horse stays at the IEC. She has been riding for 27 years; she used to participate in show jumping when she was a kid and showed at Del Mar.
She says that cavaletti benefits her horse by working her top line, and it's helping Connolly get in shape, too. The movements that clicked for her and her horse at the clinic were going over the poles and making sure they stayed straight. Connolly made sure her own shoulders stayed straight as well. She noticed that her horses' rhythm and balance improved during the clinic, and she could feel the change when she went over the poles. The strides became more consistent, and the horse lifted through her back, making the ride feel smoother and more connected.
Tanya Rule was one of the riders from Group 2 and rode her Arabian horse, Vini Vidi Vici. Rule grew up riding as a kid and started back up about 10 years ago. Originally from New Zealand, she now lives on a ranch in Descanso and made the drive to Ramona for the clinic.
As an endurance rider, Rule found cavaletti work especially valuable in helping her horse develop better balance and body awareness. She said the clinic not only made her horse stronger and more coordinated but also helped her become a more effective and mindful rider. It has helped her horse develop a strong top line, and it's good for his mind.
By the end of the clinic, horses were moving more freely, riders were smiling, and a shared accomplishment was evident in the arena, whether preparing for competitions or simply strengthening the horse-rider bond.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
