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Top 5 Ground Poles and Cavalletti for Horse Training in Canada 2025: Expert-Tested Picks (Shires, Horsemen's Pride, Classic Equine, Waldhausen, Stubbs) and How to Choose

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Ground poles, rails and adjustable cavalletti systems are essential tools for riders and trainers focused on improving rhythm, stride length and muscle development. Typically made from weatherproof, lightweight materials, modern options prioritize stackable storage, adjustable heights and anti-roll designs to make course building fast and safe. In Canada this category is especially appealing because riders need durable gear that performs in variable climates, fits indoor and outdoor arenas, and adapts for multiple horses and skill levels. Consumers are choosing systems that combine progressive adjustability for training plans, compact storage for seasonal use, and visible safety features so they can train efficiently year round.

Quick Menu

1. Best Adjustable Cavalletti

2. Best Lightweight Training Set

3. Best Pole-Bending Set

4. Best Cross-Country Blocks

5. Best Premium Cavaletti Blocks

1
BEST ADJUSTABLE CAVALLETTI

Shires Adjustable Cavalletti Blocks

Shires

Shires Adjustable Cavalletti Blocks are positioned as a best-in-class choice for riders who need durable, versatile equipment for schooling a range of horses; their multi-notch design and heavy-duty construction let users set consistent, repeatable heights for flatwork, trot poles and cavaletti work. Compared with lightweight or budget options on this list, Shires trades a modestly higher upfront cost for long-term durability and stability under heavier traffic, making them a practical investment for livery yards and professional trainers focused on longevity and consistent training outcomes.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Tool-free adjust

  • Solid rubber base

  • Tool-free adjust

  • Solid rubber base

Review Summary

86%

"Generally praised for a sturdy, adjustable design and good value for regular schooling; a few users report the locking mechanism can be stiff and surfaces scuff with heavy use."

  • Tetris-ready stacking

  • Three-height settings to vary pole elevation for progressive training

  • Tetris-ready stacking

  • Three-height settings to vary pole elevation for progressive training

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Shires Adjustable Cavalletti Blocks are positioned as a best-in-class choice for riders who need durable, versatile equipment for schooling a range of horses; their multi-notch design and heavy-duty construction let users set consistent, repeatable heights for flatwork, trot poles and cavaletti work. Compared with lightweight or budget options on this list, Shires trades a modestly higher upfront cost for long-term durability and stability under heavier traffic, making them a practical investment for livery yards and professional trainers focused on longevity and consistent training outcomes.

  • Tool-free adjust

  • Solid rubber base

  • Tetris-ready stacking

  • Three-height settings to vary pole elevation for progressive training

  • Durable, UV-stable plastic designed for regular outdoor use

  • Tool-free adjust

  • Solid rubber base

  • Tetris-ready stacking

  • Three-height settings to vary pole elevation for progressive training

  • Durable, UV-stable plastic designed for regular outdoor use

Order Now

$40-80 CAD

2
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINING SET

Horsemen's Pride Jolly Jumps

Horsemen's Pride

Horsemen's Pride Jolly Jumps are a market-leading budget-friendly option popular for rapid setup and portable schooling sessions, using lightweight, colorful PVC components that are easy to move and store. They undercut sturdier brands on price and transportability, so while they may not match the heavy-duty longevity of Shires or Waldhausen products, their low cost and ease of use make them ideal for recreational riders and trainers who prioritize flexibility and quick course changes over maximum ground durability.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Vivid color cue

  • Ultra-light carry

  • Vivid color cue

  • Ultra-light carry

Review Summary

80%

"Customers like the light weight and portability for quick exercises and pole work, though several note they feel less stable in high winds or after repeated hard knocks."

  • Click-and-fit fun

  • Lightweight, portable jump cups and rails ideal for quick arena setups

  • Click-and-fit fun

  • Lightweight, portable jump cups and rails ideal for quick arena setups

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

Horsemen's Pride Jolly Jumps are a market-leading budget-friendly option popular for rapid setup and portable schooling sessions, using lightweight, colorful PVC components that are easy to move and store. They undercut sturdier brands on price and transportability, so while they may not match the heavy-duty longevity of Shires or Waldhausen products, their low cost and ease of use make them ideal for recreational riders and trainers who prioritize flexibility and quick course changes over maximum ground durability.

  • Vivid color cue

  • Ultra-light carry

  • Click-and-fit fun

  • Lightweight, portable jump cups and rails ideal for quick arena setups

  • Rounded edges and flexible materials to reduce injury risk on knockdowns

  • Vivid color cue

  • Ultra-light carry

  • Click-and-fit fun

  • Lightweight, portable jump cups and rails ideal for quick arena setups

  • Rounded edges and flexible materials to reduce injury risk on knockdowns

Order Now

$70-140 CAD

3
BEST POLE-BENDING SET

Classic Equine Pole Bending Base Set

Classic Equine

The Classic Equine Pole Bending Base Set is engineered specifically for pole-bending and pattern work, offering low-profile, stable bases that keep poles secure without adding excessive height or weight. It represents a cost-effective specialist solution compared to all-purpose blocks like Shires or Waldhausen, giving trainers precise spacing and consistent pole behavior for gymkhana and speed events while remaining more affordable than premium professional-grade cavaletti systems.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Precision spacing

  • Low wind profile

  • Precision spacing

  • Low wind profile

Review Summary

88%

"Well-regarded for stable, stackable bases that make pole-bending grids easy to set up; a minority warn the plastic can crack if dropped or subjected to very heavy horses."

  • Gymkhana-ready flair

  • Includes low-profile bases and poles sized for precise pole-bending drills

  • Gymkhana-ready flair

  • Includes low-profile bases and poles sized for precise pole-bending drills

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Self-Improvement & Personal Growth

The Classic Equine Pole Bending Base Set is engineered specifically for pole-bending and pattern work, offering low-profile, stable bases that keep poles secure without adding excessive height or weight. It represents a cost-effective specialist solution compared to all-purpose blocks like Shires or Waldhausen, giving trainers precise spacing and consistent pole behavior for gymkhana and speed events while remaining more affordable than premium professional-grade cavaletti systems.

  • Precision spacing

  • Low wind profile

  • Gymkhana-ready flair

  • Includes low-profile bases and poles sized for precise pole-bending drills

  • Stable base design minimizes rolling while allowing quick reconfiguration

  • Precision spacing

  • Low wind profile

  • Gymkhana-ready flair

  • Includes low-profile bases and poles sized for precise pole-bending drills

  • Stable base design minimizes rolling while allowing quick reconfiguration

Order Now

$120-220 CAD

4
BEST CROSS-COUNTRY BLOCKS

Waldhausen Cross Country Jump Blocks

Waldhausen

Waldhausen Cross Country Jump Blocks deliver weatherproof, heavy-duty performance tailored for outdoor schooling and cross-country practice, using robust materials and a build that resists UV and ground moisture. Though typically pricier than lightweight indoor solutions, their technical advantage is outdoor resilience and stability—they outperform portable PVC options like Horsemen's Pride and many pole-focused base sets for venues that demand long-term exposure to the elements.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Rugged weatherproof

  • Wide footprint

  • Rugged weatherproof

  • Wide footprint

Review Summary

90%

"Reviewed as robust, heavy-duty blocks suited to cross-country practice and frequent use; reviewers commonly accept higher price and weight as trade-offs for durability."

  • Outdoorsy tank vibe

  • Robust construction built to withstand outdoor cross-country schooling

  • Outdoorsy tank vibe

  • Robust construction built to withstand outdoor cross-country schooling

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Waldhausen Cross Country Jump Blocks deliver weatherproof, heavy-duty performance tailored for outdoor schooling and cross-country practice, using robust materials and a build that resists UV and ground moisture. Though typically pricier than lightweight indoor solutions, their technical advantage is outdoor resilience and stability—they outperform portable PVC options like Horsemen's Pride and many pole-focused base sets for venues that demand long-term exposure to the elements.

  • Rugged weatherproof

  • Wide footprint

  • Outdoorsy tank vibe

  • Robust construction built to withstand outdoor cross-country schooling

  • Multiple height positions for varied jumping exercises and grids

  • Rugged weatherproof

  • Wide footprint

  • Outdoorsy tank vibe

  • Robust construction built to withstand outdoor cross-country schooling

  • Multiple height positions for varied jumping exercises and grids

Order Now

$60-130 CAD

5
BEST PREMIUM CAVALETTI BLOCKS

Stubbs England Cavaletti Blocks

Stubbs England

Stubbs England Cavaletti Blocks are a premium option prized by professional yards for precise manufacturing tolerances, stackable design and anti-slip features that support repeatable training heights and secure pole placement. More expensive than entry-level options, Stubbs offers superior finish and consistency versus budget blocks and is especially valued where incremental height adjustment, presentation and equipment longevity are prioritized for high-performance horse training.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Premium polymer build

  • Non-slip pads

  • Premium polymer build

  • Non-slip pads

Review Summary

92%

"Considered premium, very durable professional-grade cavalletti blocks with secure fittings; buyers frequently mention the higher price and occasional surface wear over time."

  • English-born polish

  • Heavy-duty, professional-grade blocks engineered for frequent use

  • English-born polish

  • Heavy-duty, professional-grade blocks engineered for frequent use

Skill Development & Mastery

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Stubbs England Cavaletti Blocks are a premium option prized by professional yards for precise manufacturing tolerances, stackable design and anti-slip features that support repeatable training heights and secure pole placement. More expensive than entry-level options, Stubbs offers superior finish and consistency versus budget blocks and is especially valued where incremental height adjustment, presentation and equipment longevity are prioritized for high-performance horse training.

  • Premium polymer build

  • Non-slip pads

  • English-born polish

  • Heavy-duty, professional-grade blocks engineered for frequent use

  • Precision-molded cups and tiers for secure pole placement and adjustment

  • Premium polymer build

  • Non-slip pads

  • English-born polish

  • Heavy-duty, professional-grade blocks engineered for frequent use

  • Precision-molded cups and tiers for secure pole placement and adjustment

Order Now

$90-180 CAD

What the Research Says About Poles and Cavalletti

A growing body of veterinary and equine science research supports the benefits of structured pole and cavalletti work when applied progressively and with correct technique. Studies and clinical reports show measurable improvements in stride regulation, hindquarter engagement, proprioception and low impact strength development. Researchers also emphasize that these tools are effective for rehabilitation and conditioning when used under guidance, and that consistent, graded exercises reduce the risk of overloading joints compared to high-impact training.

Stride and rhythm: Controlled pole work helps horses regulate stride length and tempo, improving symmetry between left and right leads in many published kinematic studies.

Muscle activation: Research indicates increased activation of key core and hindlimb muscles during progressive cavalletti sessions, supporting development of strength without heavy concussion.

Balance and proprioception: Repetitive contact with low obstacles enhances limb awareness and balance, which can translate to improved performance under saddle.

Rehabilitation use: Veterinary case studies report success using pole exercises for gradual return to work following soft tissue injuries, when supervised and progressed slowly.

Safety and progression: Scientific guidance stresses gradual height and frequency increases, appropriate spacing for the horse's size and gait, and consultation with trainers or vets to avoid overload.

In the Canadian context, well-chosen ground poles and cavalletti systems mean more productive training days regardless of season. The five top options on this page include Shires Adjustable Cavalletti Blocks, Horsemen's Pride Jolly Jumps, Classic Equine Pole Bending Base Set, Waldhausen Cross Country Jump Blocks, and Stubbs England Cavaletti Blocks. For most riders seeking a single solution that balances adjustability, stacking storage and anti-roll safety, the Shires Adjustable Cavalletti Blocks are the best choice on this list. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search by using the search to filter by material, storage style, or intended training purpose.

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