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THE SIDEPASS - This is a move you will find very convenient to open a gate, get something of the tailgate of your truck, position yourself properly at the mailbox, and any other time you want the whole horse to move directly to one side or another.

Skills the horse must have:
Move away from leg pressure
Tilt his head to lifted rein without moving his feet.

What you need:

A snaffle bit is best, but your regular tack will work.
A fenced arena or paddock with at least one straight side.

To Start (for a Sidepass to the left):

1. Warm up at walk and trot for about five minutes, including a couple of easy circles using leg pressure to maintain the curve.

2. Walk directly toward the straight side fence, at least 6 feet from any corner. Stop with the horse's muzzle about 1 foot from the fence. You may need to move back and forward until horse is squared up and standing relaxed on all four feet, with body straight.

3. Establish light contact on both reins. Sit straight in the saddle with equal weight on both stirrups. Now lift your left leg off his side to provide an "open door". Using light pressure on the left rein, tip the horse's head to the left so you can just see his left eye. Maintain contact on the right rein to prevent hindquarter movement in that direction.

4. Shift your weight to the right seat bone, and put your right leg at or just behind the cinch. Apply steady leg pressure, anticipating movement of the right foreleg across the left, and right hind over left (he may not cross but will just step left with each hind leg). Be sure to maintain or slightly increase the cue pressure until both ends of the horse move. If a steady leg pressure doesn't result in movement, lightly bump his right side until he moves. Accept a one step movement to the left so long as he moves both ends even if they didn't move at the same time.

To Correct Common Mistakes:

5. If the forehand moves, but the hindquarters don't, recheck that his head is tipped slightly left, re-shift your weight to the right, and move your right leg back another 2 inches to cue with pressure for movement. Be persistent until the hindquarters move at least one step. Again, a steady right rein will prevent unwanted movement to the right.

6. If the hindquarters moved but the forehand didn't, use your reins to straighten his head a bit (you should only see the edge of his left eye). Bring your right leg closer to the cinch, and cue with pressure for a forehand lateral move. Be persistent.

7. If the horse responds

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