A sidepass is a lateral movement in which the horse steps sideways — crossing its legs in the direction of travel — without moving forward or backward. The horse’s body remains straight from nose to tail, moving purely to the left or right in response to the rider’s cues. It is one of the most practical and versatile movements a horse can learn, used in everyday riding situations as well as in competitive trail and Western classes.
How the Sidepass Differs from the Leg Yield
Riders sometimes confuse the sidepass with the leg yield, but the two are distinct. In a leg yield, the horse moves forward and sideways simultaneously, crossing its legs at an angle. In a true sidepass, there is no forward movement at all — the horse moves purely lateral. This makes the sidepass more demanding in terms of collection and body control, requiring the horse to carry more weight through its hindquarters to stay balanced without drifting forward.
In dressage, the equivalent movement with forward motion is the travers or half-pass, which builds on the same lateral mechanics. The sidepass itself is more commonly encountered in Western riding and trail competitions.
How to Ride a Sidepass
The aids for a sidepass are precise. To sidepass right, the rider applies left leg pressure at or slightly behind the girth to push the horse’s body to the right, while keeping the right leg passive to allow the movement. The reins are used to keep the horse straight — a common error is allowing the horse to lead with its nose, which breaks the straight body alignment. The horse should move with even, deliberate crossing steps, forefeet and hindfeet moving in coordination.
Most horses learn the sidepass progressively, beginning with a leg yield before the forward movement is gradually reduced until true lateral displacement is achieved. Working alongside a fence is a useful technique — the fence prevents forward drift and makes the body position easier to maintain.
Practical Applications
The sidepass earns its place as a fundamental Western skill because of its sheer usefulness on the ground and on the trail. Opening and closing gates from horseback is the most obvious example — the rider sidepasses the horse alongside the gate, unlatches it, pushes or pulls it open, sidepasses through, and closes it again, all without dismounting. It is also used to move a horse precisely into a trailer, alongside a mounting block, or into a position at a water crossing.
In Western trail competitions and reining, a controlled, fluid sidepass over poles demonstrates the rider’s finesse and the horse’s responsiveness. See lateral work for a broader look at sideways movements across disciplines.
Building the Sidepass Through Training
Horses that struggle with the sidepass often have tension through the back or insufficient response to the lateral leg. Groundwork — using a longe line or in-hand work — can be valuable in teaching the concept of moving away from pressure before asking from the saddle. Patience and clear, consistent aids produce better results than drilling the movement repeatedly when the horse is confused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sidepass hard for horses to learn?
It depends on the horse’s existing training and natural body awareness. A horse that is already comfortable with basic lateral work — leg yield, shoulder-in — will generally pick up the sidepass with relative ease. A stiff, unschooled horse may find it challenging at first, particularly maintaining straightness while moving sideways. Breaking the movement into small steps and rewarding any sideways movement initially helps build understanding.
Can English horses learn the sidepass?
Absolutely. While the sidepass is a Western staple, there is nothing preventing an English-trained horse from learning it. The movement requires the same muscular engagement and responsiveness regardless of the saddle type. It is an excellent suppleness exercise for any horse.
What is the sidepass used for in trail classes?
In Western trail classes, horses are asked to sidepass over poles laid on the ground, around cones, and alongside simulated gate obstacles. The movement is scored on straightness, cadence, and the horse’s willingness — a horse that rushes, drifts, or hits poles will lose marks. A well-executed sidepass reflects the quality of the horse-rider partnership and the depth of the horse’s training.