A method of analysis is presented for evaluating the arching phenomenon in soil created by rigid piles placed in potential slides. It is based on the strength of soils along failure planes. The earth pressure is transferred to the piles by the shear strength similar to Terzaghi's horizontal trap door. It illustrates that experiments conducted support the predicted arching phenomenon. This method can be used as a first approximation to evaluate load acting on piles placed for the purpose of stabilization of sliding slopes.