Enrollment is now officially open!
You don’t “install” a Half Pass — you grow one.
Just like a tree doesn’t grow overnight… The Half Pass develops in phases.
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Foundation – roots in rhythm, balance, bend
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Development – growing gymnastic strength
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Expression – the crown: effortless, expressive, alive
Ready to grow your Half Pass from the roots up?
Training the Half Pass
A complete system for cultivating this movement from the ground up — with clarity, purpose, and partnership.
In this step-by-step course, you’ll learn how to train the Half Pass from the very beginning — by understanding the gymnastic development it requires, the rider’s seat and aids, and how to troubleshoot the common challenges along the way.
You’ll discover what creates that effortless feeling as if you are gliding on rails — and how to build it with your horse, from wherever you’re starting.
A beautiful Half Pass doesn’t appear out of nowhere — and it can’t be forced into place.
Too many riders approach the Half Pass like it’s a trick to be installed:
➡ Whack the horse sideways.
➡ Yank the head into bend.
➡ Hope it looks close enough.
It’s frustrating. It’s confusing.
And it rarely works — at least, not in a way that feels good for either of you.
You might feel like you're missing something — or worse, like you’re the problem.
...That your horse just "isn't talented enough."
...That you're not skilled or confident enough.
... That it’s... Just. Not. Meant. For you.
But here’s the truth:
The Half Pass is the result of what you've cultivated — not a shortcut, not a gimmick.It's what blooms when the roots are right.
So what does work?
And here’s what actually grows a beautiful Half Pass:
- Laying the right foundation first – rhythm, balance, bend, and communication
- Training with clarity – understanding how each gymnastic piece supports the whole
- Progressing at the horse’s pace – not skipping steps or forcing shapes
- Working with your horse – not against him
- Developing feel and timing as a rider – so you’re not just “riding movements,” you’re dancing together
- Knowing what to look for – and how to troubleshoot before problems take root
WHEN THE HARDER YOU TRY, THE WORSE IT FEELS...
You’ve probably seen those glossy videos — The ones where the horse glides sideways like butter and the rider just sits there.
And maybe you’ve thought, “Why can’t I get it to look like that?”
Or even worse: “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.”
We get it. And we’ve been there (believe it or not, we really have!)
But here’s what we know:
Most riders aren’t missing talent.
They’re missing the clarity that leads to confidence —
And the support that makes space for growth.
Here’s what we do differently...
- We don’t just teach the movement — we teach the process.
You won’t be guessing which step to take next or why it’s not working. You'll know what the Half Pass is built from, how to recognize readiness, and how to build each component with confidence. - We focus on the gymnastic development of the horse.
This isn’t about pushing your horse sideways until it looks good. It’s about cultivating suppleness, balance, and strength from the inside out. - We coach your mindset just as much as your mechanics.
We know how easy it is to get in your own head — to overthink, second-guess, or blame yourself or your horse. That’s why you’ll also get weekly mindset coaching to help you stay grounded, focused, and clear. - We support you — consistently and directly.
With biweekly Q&As, video feedback "Hot Seat" sessions, and a dedicated Facebook group, you’re not left to figure it out alone. We walk beside you every step of the way. - We believe the best Half Passes come from partnership, not pressure.
Your horse isn’t a machine. You’re not a robot. What we build here is a relationship — one that expresses itself through movement.
This isn’t traditional dressage instruction — it’s a method for becoming the rider your horse needs you to be.
What if you had a clear, complete plan — built for both you and your horse?
A path that didn’t just tell you what to do — but why it works.
One that respects your horse’s body and mind, while also supporting yours.
A system that:
🌱 Honors biomechanics and classical principles
🌱 Builds feel and awareness, not just obedience
🌱 Helps you problem-solve when things don’t go as planned
🌱 Strengthens the bond between you and your horse as you grow together
Yes — I want the full picture ➡
Let’s recap — because I want you to feel the shift already.
This isn’t about riding harder. It’s about riding smarter, with purpose and presence.
Because when you ride with understanding, you ride with confidence.
And when you ride with confidence, your horse rises to meet you.
INTRODUCING...
A complete, step-by-step system to cultivate the Half Pass with gymnastic precision, mental clarity, and deep partnership — from wherever you're starting.
→ This is not a crash course in moving sideways. ←
It’s a developmental journey that:
✔️ Builds strength and suppleness in your horse
✔️ Deepens your seat, timing, and feel
✔️ Supports your mindset as a rider
✔️ And guides you through the why just as much as the how
Because the Half Pass isn’t just a movement —
it’s the visible result of what you’ve been building all along.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to…
- Train the Half Pass from the ground up — with a clear understanding of how it develops biomechanically and gymnastically
- Know exactly what to look for — and how to adjust when something goes wrong
- Troubleshoot common issues — like losing bend, resistance, rushing, or falling out
- Understand how your seat and aids influence the movement — and how to refine them for better communication
- Distinguish between leg yield, Full Pass, and Half Pass — and use each strategically in your training
- Feel confident introducing the Half Pass to your horse — or improving it if you’ve already started
- Recognize readiness — and avoid pushing your horse into something he’s not prepared for
- Ride with purpose, presence, and partnership — not just pressure
And you’ll do it with clarity, support, and a system that grows with you and your horse.
HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE:
You're going to
love
these
Video Training Library
Step-by-step lessons that guide you through the entire Half Pass development — from the earliest foundations to refinement and artistry.
Hot Seat Video Coaching
Submit your riding videos and get direct, personalized feedback during our biweekly coaching calls.
Weekly Mindset Sessions
Break through fear, doubt, and overthinking. Because success in the saddle starts with clarity in your mind — stay grounded and confident every step of the way.
Downloadable Exercises, Checklists, and Study Materials
Printable reference materials to help you review key concepts and apply them in the arena. Reference sheets and checklists that help you retain the key concepts and apply them in your daily rides.
Replays of Every Session
Can’t make it live? No problem. All coaching, mindset, and training calls are recorded. You’ll have access to everything on your own schedule
Private Facebook Group
Ask questions, connect with fellow riders with similar goals, and get support directly from us and our team of assistant coaches.
Gymnastic Exercises
Biomechanically based, classically correct riding exercises that systematically develop your horse step by step.
Feldenkrais Lessons for Riders
Targeted lessons to help you improve core stability, hand-leg coordination, balance, feel, and body awareness — so you can move better with your horse.
Lifetime Access
Go at the pace that’s right for you and your horse. You’ll have full access to the course materials forever — revisit them whenever you need.
I’m ready to grow the Half Pass the right way.
Give me access to the Training the Half Pass course – I’m ready to develop clarity, confidence, and connection with my horse.
“I really can’t get enough of the Ritter approach… at this point it is the BEST coaching & goal/objective setting program. After 4yrs, it is now how I think and feel and ride my horses. So - why not! I’ve done a number of Beta classes and love the concept of being immersed in it forever.”
Tracy Farrell
“The Ritter courses have given me my confidence back. A year ago, I was almost ready to give up and just be an owner and find someone who could ride my horse. We were stuck in a cycle of 1 step forwards 2 steps back in our training. I felt over-horsed and completely inadequate. A year later I feel so much more empowered and my relationship with my horse is so much better. I enjoy riding again and I know that he and I are on the right path, and I’ve found the right community of people to help us succeed. 😊” Katharine Trevelyan
“I've been doing Ritter courses for a few years now. Through their instruction and examples, I've transformed from a skilled but driven, frustrated, rider into one who is calm, happy, and analytical in my training. Despite having had decades of excellent instruction, it took the Ritters to teach me to be calmer, more analytical, and therefore much more effective in my riding. Everyone is happier AND we make better progress. My horses and I all thank Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter.”
Anne Zahradnik
“These course and the daily feldenkrais work has helped me to become looser and more aware and that has changed a lot for me. The horses really like it. Finally, after two years or more of "feeling" vulnerable, I no longer feel vulnerable. I feel uplifted and good about where I am, safe, secure and supported.”
Sharon Gallagher
“This is the first time I’ve started to understand this crazy confusing sport! Turns out it’s not so complicated after all.” 😂
Julia Ackland
“The art of learning the craft is the goal and I am seeing that the lightness and balance my horse has developed so far its just amazing “
Aidan Campion
“I have done most Ritter courses and love the teaching style. Thomas and Shana are amazing at getting into the reason of everything, the Why. They have helped me to decode what I feel at the end of the rein. Now any contact issues are simply information about the horse's body and as soon as I fix the cause the contact is back to being fab.” Morgan Laura Osborne
“You won’t be sorry if you enroll. The Ritters’ courses are so detailed and they allow you to ask the questions you were afraid to ask. You can send videos of your problem areas and get personal instruction. You will find so much support and a community of fellow riders to develop lasting friendships all over the world. It’s really a no brainer to at least try the course. The Ritters are genuine and are really interested in you succeeding. They give you tools to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it and give you lots of options. So take the course, there is nothing to lose but much to gain.”
Marci Handley
“The courses are definitely useable on any level of horse and rider, Shana and Thomas do suggest different level exercises for each problem.”
Tiana Famos
“The courses are motivational and give structure as well as being supportive and fun. Lots of positive energy in the group.”
Eldur Saudadalsa
“It is amazing how much I learned in the online course. So much more detail about theory then is able to be addressed in a ridden lesson. LOVED it!”
Amy Barnes
“The Ritters’ courses are amazing. I cannot recommend them enough.”
Fran Griffith
“For all of you who are still doubting to sign up - just do it. It can be life changing in your riding journey. I was member of the first beta-course and learned so much. Going a second time through it made the foundation and understanding even deeper. So for me it was a 10-second decision to also sign up for the upcoming course about horse and rider.”
Nan Brünig
“Besides the course material, this is THE most supportive, encouraging, warm group of equestrians you will ever encounter in your horsemanship journey. It truly doesn't matter where you're at in your horsemanship journey, EVERYONE is welcome and treated with respect. <3 My FAVORITE part about the way the Ritters structure their courses is that you can tweak practically every principle and exercise they present to suit the individual needs (and limitations) of you and your horse.”
Laura Comotto
Training the Half Pass Course
A complete, step-by-step system to cultivate the Half Pass with gymnastic precision, mental clarity, and deep partnership — from wherever you're starting.
- Full access to the Training the Half Pass course – step-by-step instruction that takes you from the foundations to a flowing, expressive Half Pass
- Biweekly Hot Seat Coaching Sessions – submit videos for direct feedback and personalized guidance
- Weekly Mindset Support – ride with more clarity, focus, and self-trust. Right when you're feeling like you can't do it, we are there with the encouragement and inspiration you need to keep seeing the way forward. Taught by Thomas, Shana, and Catherine.
- Private Facebook Group – a supportive space to ask questions, share wins, and stay inspired
- Biweekly Q&A Sessions – All your questions answered, whether you can attend live or not
- Feldenkrais for Riders Lessons – develop your own coordination, timing, and feel. Taught by Catherine McCrum.
- Biomechanically-Based Gymnastic Exercises – to systematically build your horse’s strength and suppleness
- Downloadable Exercises, Checklists, and PDFs – easy-to-reference notes and visual aids
- Lifetime Access – revisit any part of the course anytime, at your own pace
2025 Course Price: €497
Let’s make it work for you. You can choose a payment plan starting at €60/month, and you'll see options in your local currency at checkout.
You don’t need to ride harder. You need a clear path forward.
YOU. CAN. DO. THIS.
If your Half Passes have felt awkward, sticky, or like you're just not “getting it” — you're not alone.
We’ve helped hundreds of riders go from second-guessing to gliding into the half pass with ease.
And once you have the structure, the feel, and the flow?
You’ll wonder why it ever felt so confusing.
You don’t have to figure this out alone — we’ll show you how.
You don’t need to master it overnight..
You just need the right starting point — and support you can trust.
Every rider’s path is different, but clarity comes faster when you’re not doing it alone.
And just who will be teaching you Training the Half Pass?
That’d be us — Thomas & Shana Ritter.
We’re Thomas and Shana Ritter — a husband-and-wife team passionate about helping riders bring more clarity, feel, and harmony to their work in the saddle.
Thomas Ritter, a classically trained dressage instructor with over 40 years of experience, specializes in biomechanics, rider education, and turning complex ideas into clear, practical steps.
Shana Ritter, an educator, lifelong student of the mind-body connection, and the creative force behind our course experience, helps riders build the clarity, confidence, and emotional resilience that carry over into every ride.
Together, we’ve helped thousands of riders unlock more ease, joy, and gymnastic power in their horses — without pushing, forcing, or getting stuck in the weeds.
We believe the best Half Passes come from understanding — not tension. And we’re here to walk you through it, one stride at a time.
And who else?
I’d like to introduce you to Catherine.
Catherine McCrum is an accredited Feldenkrais practitioner and Gestalt psychotherapist who brings a unique depth of insight to our rider training programs.
With a background in sport and movement education since 1986 — including years as a ski instructor and personal trainer — Catherine has dedicated her work to helping people understand how their patterns of movement and perception shape their riding.
In this course, Catherine contributes Feldenkrais lessons designed to improve coordination, stability, and feel in the rider — while also helping you uncover how unconscious habits (both physical and emotional) may be influencing your progress. Her calm, thoughtful guidance has been a deeply valued part of many of our courses.
"I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!"
I would highly recommend it, It will help train your eye and mind to knowing what your goal should be. These courses are amazingly suited to all levels of learning. It can save you and your horse from poor trainers and training styles by knowing what you should look for and do.
Nathalie Latendresse Ferrato
Let's Talk Modules
The breakdown
What's inside each module?
Each module is designed to guide you and your horse through the process of developing a balanced, expressive, and biomechanically sound Half Pass — from the ground up.
Every module includes:
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Clear, step-by-step theory instruction
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Feldenkrais-based rider lessons to improve coordination, balance, and feel (taught by Catherine McCrum)
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Gymnastic riding exercises to build strength, suppleness, and confidence
MODULE 1
Half Passes: Foundations That Matter
Bending in motion, diagnostic value of the Half Pass, and why it matters for long-term development. Set the roots before you grow the tree.
MODULE 2
Readiness & Rhythm
How to know if your horse is ready. What to look for, what to strengthen first, and how to build the groundwork for true lateral movement.
MODULE 3
Introducing the Haunches-In
Explore the haunches-in as a movement and a feeling. Learn to position the body without tension — for both horse and rider.
MODULE 4
Supple Through the Body
Deepen bend, control, and clarity through renvers, shoulder-in/haunches-in patterns, and dynamic transitions within lateral movements.
MODULE 5
Half Pass Fundamentals
How to introduce the Half Pass from a rider-seat perspective. When to begin, how to feel it, and what your horse needs to understand before stepping sideways.
MODULE 6
Coordinating Aids & Lines
Refine the quality of the Half Pass by layering seat, leg, and rein aids. Patterns support precision and fluidity.
MODULE 7
Practicing with Purpose
Establish fluency and lightness. Use targeted variations to bring more expression and understanding into the Half Pass.
MODULE 8
Strength & Suppleness in Motion
Build muscle memory and dynamic balance with progressive gymnastic variations. Explore Half Pass in curves, shapes, and transitions.
MODULE 9
Common Pitfalls & Fixes
Is it losing flow? Lacking engagement? In this module, we’ll dissect what’s going wrong and how to correct it compassionately.
MODULE 10
Mastery in the Details
You’ll integrate the pieces into full-body conversations. Clean up rough edges, improve timing, and bring artistry to your Half Pass.
You’re Not Late.
You’re Right on Time !
You don’t need to be an upper-level rider.
You don’t need a fancy arena or a perfectly trained horse.
All you need is a desire to grow — and a willingness to learn the why behind the movement.
This course will meet you where you are — and help you create beautiful progress from the inside out.
We’ve got you. Let’s grow the Half Pass together.
📦 Immediate access to all modules
🔁 Go at your own pace
🧭 Rewatch, revisit, refine — anytime
You Won’t Be Doing This Alone
We’re not just handing you content — we’re walking this path with you.
- Bi-Weekly Q&A calls
- Bi-Weekly Hot Seat Coaching Sessions
- Video feedback opportunities
- Supportive community of like-minded riders
- Mindset coaching with Thomas, Shana, and Catherine to keep you clear and grounded
Whether you're working through sticky spots or celebrating breakthroughs, you'll have the tools and the team to keep you moving forward.
A dressage background is not necessary for this course (or any other Ritter Dressage course). This is the basics that any horse should have no matter what discipline they will be used for. I have gaited horses, a Quarter Horse, and an OTTB that have competed in Mounted Shooting, Hunter Paces, and 2 are currently used for fox hunting. All have been trained using what I have learned from the Ritters.
Sandy Morrissette-Kern
These courses are just the very best thing I’ve ever done, in terms of how much I’ve learnt, how much better and more confident I am, how much more balanced and happy my horses are and how much fun we’ve had, and are still having, along the way. There is nothing else out there that comes even close to all these courses have to offer - go for it, you’ll be so thankful that you did!!!
Helen Whitaker
The Ritter courses benefit everyone from beginner to upper level. The earlier you get correct advice and exercises that help you and your horse develop, the better of you'll be!! Thomas is very easy to understand and always willing to help. Go for it!!👍
Lynn Stokking
I would go for it. You will learn SO much, irrespective of you and your horse's experience level!
Vicki Armstrong
I'm ready to learn
I'M INStill Got Questions?
Let’s make sure you feel confident before you hit that signup button.
Do I need to be at a certain level to take this course?
Does my horse need to be advanced to benefit from this?
What equipment will I need?
How long do I have access to the course?
What’s included in each module?
What if I get stuck or have questions?
Can I do this without an arena?
Will this help if I’ve already been working on the Half Pass?
Training the Half Pass Course
A complete, step-by-step system to cultivate the Half Pass with gymnastic precision, mental clarity, and deep partnership — from wherever you're starting.
- Full access to the Training the Half Pass course – step-by-step instruction that takes you from the foundations to a flowing, expressive Half Pass
- Biweekly Hot Seat Coaching Sessions – submit videos for direct feedback and personalized guidance
- LIVE Weekly Mindset Support Sessions – ride with more clarity, focus, and self-trust. Right when you're feeling like you can't do it, we are there with the encouragement and inspiration you need to keep seeing the way forward. Taught by Thomas, Shana, and Catherine.
- Private Facebook Group – a supportive space to ask questions, share wins, and stay inspired. Lifelong access.
- Biweekly Q&A Sessions – All your questions answered, whether you can attend live or not
- Feldenkrais for Riders Lessons – develop your own coordination, timing, and feel. Whether you're brand new to bodywork or already experienced, the Feldenkrais lessons are simple to follow and powerful in effect. Taught by Catherine McCrum
- Biomechanically-Based Gymnastic Exercises – to systematically build your horse’s strength and suppleness
- Downloadable Exercises, Checklists, and PDFs – easy-to-reference notes and visual aids
- Lifetime Access – revisit any part of the course anytime, at your own pace
2025 Course PRICING: €497
Flexible pricing, no stress.
Payment plans start at just €60/month, and you’ll be able to check out in your local currency — wherever you are in the world.
This isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about training smarter.
You don’t need force. You need strategy, support, and a path that actually works... with tools that make sense (to you AND your horse).
WHAT ABOUT A GUARANTEE?
You’ve got 30 full days to ride through the materials, test the exercises, and feel into the flow of the course.
If it doesn’t feel like the right fit — for any reason — just let us know within those 30 days and we’ll give you a full refund. No hoops. No guilt trips. No awkward vibes.
This course is here to support clarity, not create more pressure. We want you to decide from experience — not from doubt.
MY LAST PIECE OF ADVICE
If you're feeling behind, confused, or just unsure what the next step should be — you're not alone. But you don’t have to stay stuck there.
This course isn’t about pushing harder.
It’s about seeing the whole picture, feeling your way through it, and riding with confidence in both yourself and your horse.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a plan, a bit of patience, and the right support.
