Teaching the side pass?

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Teaching the side pass? Moderators: luluwhit, gotothewhip, cindyt, crossspur, ForumAdmin Jump to page :	Last activity 2014-01-27 4:29 PM 2 replies, 2683 views View previous thread :: View next thread
General Discussion -> Barrel Talk


mtcanchazer Reg. Apr 2012	Posted 2014-01-27 4:08 PM Subject: Teaching the side pass?
Total Germophobe Posts: 6437 Location: Montana	After reading the post about a horse that over bends and/or noodle necks, it got me thinking, which can be dangerous. :) I can sidepass my mare one direction (to the left, away from my right leg), but cannot get her to sidepass to the right (away from my left leg). My right side is my dominant side, so I am imagining that this has something to do with it and I am cuing her incorrectly with my non-dominant left side. But I seem to some how be giving my mare the cue to spin instead of side pass. I have faced her towards a fence, and have not gotten anywhere. We either don't move or spin away from the fence. I know I'm doing something wrong and I have plans to hopefully work and take lessons with someone this spring on riding and barrel racing. Any advice will be greatly helpful on how to teach her to sidepass to the right! Thanks!
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geronabean Reg. Sep 2003	Posted 2014-01-27 4:23 PM Subject: RE: Teaching the side pass?
Queen Bean of Ponyland Posts: 24953 Location: WYOMING	I take teaching a side pass in steps. I use a cone or bucket or something and as I am walking directly toward that object I will pick their front ends up with the reins, move my off/outside leg away from their body so their shoulder can move in the open direction and use both my inside leg (at their shoulder) and hands to move them over one step in the front end. If they want to stop thats fine but as long as the move their shoulder and front legs over then I win. I find this teaches them the start of a side pass and also direct and indirect rein pressure and shoulder control. I do this repeatedly until I can move their fronts over pretty easy - both directions... then I add in the hindend (provided they understand to move their hindend away from leg pressure). I find getting one to step over while they are walking is easier FOR ME than getting one to step over from a stand still. They use the step over to get away from the pressure. I find it you are staring at a fence it tenses them up more instead of giving them the option of taking that step to avoid and object. Edited by geronabean 2014-01-27 4:28 PM
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mtcanchazer Reg. Apr 2012	Posted 2014-01-27 4:29 PM Subject: RE: Teaching the side pass?
Total Germophobe Posts: 6437 Location: Montana	Thanks very much geronabean. I don't have trouble getting her to cross over on the front both directions...I can get her to do that, although it can be better. A spin (or turn), slow but sure, results. My main trouble is getting that hind end to move over. When she wants to turn or spin in that direction, I let her because I know she thinks that is what I'm asking her to do and I try to train (as I should and don't always ao a 100% job) off the pressure and then release when they give to you and am trying to reinforce good things. Your information is very helpful, gerona, and I appreciate it. I will be trying to work on some of the things you suggested! :)
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