High Pat on Horse 高探馬
Gāo tàn mǎ
How to do it
Sit back, then rise slightly; the right palm pats forward over the left hand, which draws back palm-up to the waist; the left foot rests lightly in front.
Step by step
- Sit back, drawing the left hand back palm up to the waist
- Bring the left foot in to an empty stance
- Rise slightly and push the right palm forward over the left
- Look forward
Breathing
Exhale as the palm pats forward.
Health focus
Balance in a narrow stance.
Common mistakes
- Leaning forward
- Raising the shoulders
Martial meaning
Pulls an arm down while striking to the face.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Empty stance, palm at head height. |
|---|---|
| Chen | Followed by Rub Foot kicks. |
| Wu | Appears many times; left and right versions. |
| Sun | 'Higher horse'. |
| Seated | Push one palm forward over the other palm drawing back. |
Where it appears
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 12: High Pat on Horse
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 36: High Pat on Horse
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 89: High Pat on Horse with Palm Thrust
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 30: High Pat on Horse
- Chen Practical Method Yilu – 81 Movements – step 70: High Pat on Horse
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 28: High Pat on Horse
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 63: High Pat on Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 33: Left High Pat Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 35: Right High Pat Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 41: High Pat Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 50: High Pat Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 89: High Pat Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 102: High Pat Horse
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 105: Step Up High Pat Horse
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 31: High Pat on Horse
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 59: High Pat on Horse
Animated 2D guide (front view). The highlighted leg carries the weight, the faint trails show the path of the hands, and the cue at the top suggests the breath.
Video demonstrations 影片
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Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.