Flatwork / Dressage Advanced 30 min

Half-Pass at the Trot

Focus: Lateral Work, Collection, Engagement

Equipment: 4 cones or markers, letter markers

Start at the collected trot, tracking left. At the beginning of the long side, ride shoulder-in for 3-4 strides to establish the bend.
From the shoulder-in position, shift your weight slightly to the right and ask the horse to move diagonally across the arena.
The horse should be bent in the direction of travel (left bend for left half-pass), moving forward and sideways simultaneously.
Your inside (left) leg at the girth maintains impulsion and bend. Your outside (right) leg behind the girth pushes the horse sideways.
The forehand should slightly lead the haunches. If the haunches lead, add more shoulder-fore angle.
Aim for a diagonal line from H to X or from one long side to the center line.
Straighten at your target point and ride forward for several strides before attempting the return half-pass.

The haunches leading the shoulders, creating a crooked half-pass.
Losing the bend in the direction of travel — the horse should look where it's going.
The tempo slowing dramatically because the rider blocks forward movement with too much rein.
Tension in the horse's back causing short, tight steps instead of flowing sideways movement.

Start with a shallow half-pass (small angle) and gradually increase the steepness.
Ride half-pass left to X, then straighten and half-pass right back to the track (zigzag).
Progress to half-pass at the collected canter for upper-level work.

Tip: Begin every half-pass from a shoulder-in position. If the quality deteriorates, return to shoulder-in to re-establish the bend and balance.