The half pass is a beautiful and challenging lateral movement seen in dressage, where the horse moves forward and sideways at the same time, with a bend in the direction of travel. This movement can be executed in both trot and canter and is a test of the horse's balance, suppleness, and obedience to the rider's aids. It also demonstrates the rider's ability to coordinate those aids to guide the horse fluently across the diagonal of the arena.

Half Pass in Canter

Description: Similar to the trot version but performed in the canter, this movement requires the horse to maintain the canter's three-beat rhythm while moving diagonally across the arena. The bend is the same as in trot, directed towards the line of travel.

Execution: The horse should demonstrate a smooth, flowing motion, with the inside legs crossing over the outside legs. The alignment of the horse’s body should show a slight leading with the shoulders to facilitate the correct dynamics of the movement.

Purpose: The canter half pass is particularly demanding because it combines the lateral movement with the need to maintain the canter's impulsion and rhythm. It tests and improves the horse's agility, strength, and responsiveness to aids.