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  Discussion on Training to Side-Step
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 21, 2001 - 1:16 am:

What are some ways to train a horse to side-step?

Posted on Saturday, Jul 21, 2001 - 5:25 pm:

Hi, Julie,

If by side-step you mean for the horse to cross over his front and hinds while moving directly left or right with no forward motion, you will need to teach the horse the cues you want to use to mean "move your front end to the left/right" and "move your hind end to the left/right." Depending on the age of your horse, you might want to start giving cues from the ground. Generally, the reins move the front end of your horse (nose left; nose right; shoulders left; shoulders right, front end stop) while the legs of the rider cue the back end (get under yourself and move forward; hind end left; hind end right; take off for canter lead) and your seat plays a part in cuing for forward, side to side and halt.

If cuing from the ground, use one rein just in front of the withers against the horse's neck to apply pressure to that side and ask the horse to move with a verbal "move" cue. As soon as the horse starts to lean away from the pressure release the cue. Gradually, ask for more movement, each time releasing the cue as the horse performs the maneuver. To move the hind end from the ground, place the front of your fist at the spot just behind where your leg would fall if you were sitting on the horse. Place pressure with your fist on the side of your horse and continue the pressure and verbal "move" cue until you feel the horse start to lean away from the pressure. Release the pressure, praise and continue until the horse is taking one step away from you with his hind leg. Whether from the ground or on top, you want to only ask for the leaning or one step when you are starting to teach a move. Don't expect five or six consecutive steps, although if the horse gives them to you, praise him immensely and he'll most likely do it again.

From on top, you will ask for shoulder movement to the right with a steady, shortened right rein which will be used to halt forward movement should the horse start to take a walking step. Your left rein will fall against the withers and apply pressure sideways against the shoulder of the horse. Release the pressure whenever you get one sideways step.

The left leg just behind where it usually falls for the forward cue, will apply pressure into the left side of the horse. The horse may immediately try to take a forward step. When you apply the halt cue, the horse may then try a back up step. Use both legs against the horse to tell him "no back up." When he halts, wait, take a deep breath, and quietly ask again with your left leg until you start to feel the hind end of the horse move to the right. Release pressure and praise. Repeat until you get a hind step to the right.

Initially, I find it easier to teach alternating front and hind steps until the horse is really proficient at moving each individually. As the horse's understanding and response improves, you can give both cues simultaneously and the sideways movement that results should look smooth and effortless.

Your hips play an important role in cuing the horse for sideways movement, also. When moving to the right, you may DrOp your left hip and also use your left thigh to apply pressure, or some folks DrOp the right hip as they use the left calf to ask for right movement saying the horse will come under the weight of the right hip, thus moving to the right. Whichever way you do it, just be aware of the weight in your hips and be consistent in the way you ask.

This works on my horses. I'm sure there are many, many other training techniques, but I have had success with this and hope it gives you a clear idea of one way you can use to teach your horse sideways movement.
Holly

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2001 - 10:09 am:

Thank you for such specific directions! We will give it a try and let you know if there are any problems. We are trying it our on an 18-year old that does about everything else but that.
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