The Halt over Pole and Sidepass obstacle at Preparatory level reflects a change in execution under the latest WENZ rules (v1.2). It is designed to prepare your horse for the full sidepass over pole required at upper levels by introducing a shorter, controlled lateral movement.
This obstacle combines the Introductory-level requirement of a relaxed, balanced halt over a pole with the added technical challenge of lateral responsiveness to subtle rider aids.
Judges are looking for:
✅ A transition to walk before the entry transition markers and a straight-line approach to the pole.
✅ A calm, balanced halt in the centre of the pole, with the pole positioned between the horse’s front and hind legs.
✅ Balanced, lateral steps using subtle aids, maintaining two legs on either side of the pole throughout.
✅ A steady walk through the exit transition markers and an upward transition to trot only after the last hind leg has cleared the markers.
Training Tips
➤ Practice the Introductory-level Halt Over Pole first
Begin by teaching your horse to halt calmly and squarely over a single ground pole.
- The pole should be centered beneath the horse’s body, with equal space in front and behind.
- This gives the horse room to step laterally, keeping two legs on either side of the pole.
- Master relaxation, balance in the halt, and correct foot placement before progressing to the side pass.
➤ Start from the ground
Once the horse is comfortable halting over the pole, introduce lateral steps from the ground.
- Apply gentle pressure with your hand at the girth area (where your leg would sit) to ask for sideways movement away from you.
- Ask for just one step at a time.
- Release pressure immediately when the horse responds with a good try, and allow time for processing.
➤ Practice under saddle without a pole — or use a visual line
Begin under saddle with the same lateral aids.
- Use single leg pressure at the girth, and reward the first correct step with a release.
- As your horse progresses, place a straight rope or visual line (e.g. hose, rope or line in sand) on the ground.
- This helps your horse maintain balance and focus, without the added pressure of stepping over a raised object.
➤ Introduce the side pass over the pole gradually
- Return to the pole and begin with just one or two lateral steps.
- The horse must keep two legs on either side of the pole throughout the movement.
- Slow, deliberate steps allow you to gently correct any forward or backward drift.
- Avoid the horse stepping over or on the pole. It is best to start over again from the halt while you are training if the lateral steps have been disrupted.
- The outside legs should cross in front of the inside legs (inside = closest to the direction of travel), without touching the pole.
- If the horse struggles to move directly sideways, return to earlier exercises to reinforce the aids.
- You can also place the pole in front of the horse as a visual barrier to help reinforce the idea of not stepping forward. Then retry with the pole beneath once the horse is clearer in the task.
➤ Focus on rider balance
Rider alignment is key to supporting correct side pass movement.
Look in the direction you want to go, and move your inside hip with the horse in that direction to encourage fluid, balanced movement.
Stay centered in the saddle — avoid leaning away from the direction of travel.
➤ Example training video
A snippet of a training session is shown below. There are no transition markers present, as this is early in the learning process. It shows a calm approach, a balanced halt, and patient sideways steps, allowing the horse to maintain balance throughout.
Virtual Working Equitation 