DRESSAGE – THE HALT and HALF-HALT
When the rider uses the halt the horse prepares itself for a new command. There are halts and half- halts. The half- halt is used to signal the horse to slow down or to change into a slower foot sequence or pace. The half- halt is executed by sitting down into the dressage saddle with straightened back and driving legs. The reins are slackened and then tightened slightly in a smooth transition hardly noticable to the observer. The horse recognises that a command is soon to be executed due to straightened back and the simultaneous slight driving of the riders legs. The half- halt is also used to tell the horse to to perform a more ordered movement. For example the half-halt prepares the horse for a change of leg or a change of tempo.
Halts are used to stop the horse and make it stand more correctly. Stopping a horse is just as important as learning to brake in a car. If you do know how to stop a horse you will be subject to the horses will until the horse stops by itself. Fortunately, stopping is one of the easiest lessons in horse riding. The halt is carried out by sitting down into the saddle, staightening your back and a slight tightening of the reins, pulling the hands back slightly or leave them standing (thumbs upright) and if you apply slight pressure to the sides of your horse with your legs as if you are driving it forward, a well trained horse will stop immediately. If these aids are applied together the hind legs of the horse will stop under the centre of gravity of the horse and thus soften the momentum. If you pull the reins too tightly it will not have the desired affect.
If a horse does not react to the aids when you are introducing the halt a sequence of half-halts will surely convince it to stop.
Reward your horse when he does well and always finish on a positive note.
ENJOY!
