Western
Intermediate
20 min
Trail Class: Side-Pass Over a Pole
Focus: Lateral Work, Precision, Body Control
Equipment: 1 ground pole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Position your horse perpendicular to a ground pole, with its belly directly over the pole.
- Ask for a side-pass to the right: left neck rein, left leg pressure, right leg supports.
- The horse should move sideways along the pole without stepping on it or moving forward/backward.
- Side-pass 4-6 steps to the right, then reverse and side-pass to the left.
- The front and hind feet should cross over simultaneously. Both ends of the horse move together.
- This is a standard trail class obstacle and an excellent test of lateral control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse stepping on the pole instead of staying centered over it.
- Moving forward or backward instead of purely sideways.
- Only the front end or hind end moving (not a true side-pass).
- The horse refusing to move sideways and walking off the pole.
Variations & Progressions
- Side-pass between two parallel poles for a tighter corridor.
- Side-pass in an L-shape around a corner.
- Increase the speed of the side-pass for show efficiency.
Tip: The pole forces accuracy because you can see (and hear) if the horse steps on it. Use the pole as your judge.
