halfpasses

Half-pass is a dressage term for a highly developed lateral movement in which the horse moves forward and sideways along a diagonal line, with the forehand and hindquarters displaced together. The horse travels at an angle to the long side of the arena, maintaining a steady bend toward the direction of travel. In a correctly executed half-pass, the hind legs cross over the line of the front legs on the same side, and the horse carries more weight on the hindquarters, displaying increased collection and engagement.

Aids and technique are central to the movement. The rider uses a coordinated combination of leg, seat, and rein cues: the inside leg at the girth encourages forward motion and the correct bend, while the outside leg behind the girth helps support the lateral displacement and regulates the hindquarter’s position. The inside rein guides the head and neck into the desired bend without creating tension, and the outside rein helps maintain alignment and prevent over-bending. The horse’s shoulders usually move slightly ahead of the hindquarters, and the tempo remains steady to preserve balance throughout the diagonal path.

Role and context in training. Half-pass is a hallmark of advanced classical dressage and is used to test and develop suppleness, balance, and the ability to carry weight on the hindquarters while maintaining forward motion and precise alignment. It complements other lateral movements such as shoulder-in and travers and is progressively trained from collected gaits to more advanced stages, depending on the horse and rider.

History. The movement has its roots in classical riding traditions that emphasize harmony, rider influence, and athletic precision, and it remains a standard feature in high-level dressage practice and competition.