03/28/2025
Lateral moves in dressage always have forward movement, but in western riding sometimes functionality takes precedence. Out on the trail we have to be able to maneuver over obstacles and the side pass is an integral part of this. This video is of a horse in training and is not supposed to show perfection, but rather point out what goes on in real life. I'm asking for more bend and he initially responds by throwing the haunches out. Bend is crucial and as you can see losing the bend for even one step will mess with the correctness of steps and fluidity. In the beginning I also always have the shoulder lead a bit. This will make it easier for the horse to understand what I am asking, as well as preventing the legs from knocking into each other. The side pass is an important movement to teach your horse, but be sure to only practice it for a short time to prevent undue stress and torque on the horse's body!
