How to Do a Half Pass

Half pass at the trot

A half pass at the trot on horseback is an upper-level skill to be found on upper lever Dressage tests. It is not for beginner riders or horses to attempt. If you are, however, at the point of learning half pass, it is a valuable tool in making the horse supple and responsive for the next step in competition.

Instructions

Learning independent aids.

1. The half pass is a maneuver that requires independent aids. Leg, seat and hand work together in accomplishing the same goal, but they are not performing the same tasks. To learn half pass, the rider must first establish a forward, even-paced working trot. It is easiest to start the half pass from a ten meter circle.

2. After the circle is complete, keep the horse bent to the inside, but allow him to move forward in a straight line. A driving seat is what will make the horse continue forward motion.

3. Apply outside leg pressure, while maintaining the inside bend, to encourage the horse to move sideways. He should be moving away from the outside leg and into the inside rein.

4. Your horse's legs should cross over each other if the half pass is being performed correctly. To get back to straight and forward motion, simply apply leg and rein aids together with equal pressure and the horse should return to trotting in a straight line. Start out by trying only a few strides sideways at a time, then straighten out for a few strides, and try half pass again in order to get the horse used to the sideways and forward motion at the same time. Half pass can also be performed at the walk and canter, but trotting the exercise is the easiest way to familiarize horse and rider to the required aids.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to keep the horse on contact with the rein aids as well as the leg.

• Do not let the horse become over-bent to the inside. Outside rein and leg will prevent this from occurring.

• Always reward the horse with a pat on the neck or a walk on a long rein for learning how to accomplish something new.

• Always wear approved head gear.

• Never ride without adult supervision.

• Always wear shoes with heels when riding.

• Use caution when in an arena with other horses.

Resources