Sidepass Trouble

[ManyMinisFarm]

My mini can side pass to the right and I lead him from the right...I am having trouble getting him to side pass to the left..I don't lead him from the left. What can I do to get him to side pass to the left?

 

[poniesrule]

You need to work with him more on the left. I believe (my opinion) that you should be able to do everything equally well from both sides. What I would do is start at the bottom, using whatever method you use, and get him used to you being on the other side. Start with leading. Once he does that, try pivoting. Once you can control the front end & the back end individually, try side passing. It won't happen overnight, it will take time. Go slow, be consistent. Keep in mind there may be physical challenges because he hasn't had to work that side as much. My guy doesn't like to bend to the (his) left, it's a suppleness issue. We work both ways, but I work to the left differently than the right because he needs more work building the strength up.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

This sometimes works.

Stand facing the shoulder. If he tries to turn his head toward you, use your thumb to push his jaw away from you. Put pressure on the shoulder with your thumb and add some body pressure if you need to. Be sure his front feet are in a good position to cross over.

Also, turning into him while on the lead or on walks, asking him to move out of your space, may work to help him be more flexible. Just one step at a time, then praise.

If he knows your verbal or physical cue for side passing, he should soon figure it out.

I believe all horses should lead on both sides. When we go for walks, I lead on one side going and the other side coming home.

 

[ManyMinisFarm]

OK I'll try some of theses, thank yall.