Equestrian Schooling Techniques - The Half Halt - By: Tammy Patterson

The half halt is a widely used and useful schooling tool when used wisely. Simply, the half halt is a check back of the forward movement, encouraging the horse to step under more with its hind legs in order to lighten his forehand. The clue is in the name, it is ridden as if you were to bring the horse to a halt without actually changing gait. It is almost imperceptible if ridden well except for the fact the horse improves his way of moving. If performed incorrectly the horse's rhythm in interrupted, tension is created and the horses confidence in moving forward freely becomes less.

The half halt should involve no more than the bracing back of the horses neck and a slight raising of your hands, both of which aim to encourage the horse to take his weight back a little onto the hind quarters. This can be difficult if the horse is very on the forehand, in this case stronger aids will need to be used. We must bear in mind that the aim of the half halt i s to engage the hindquarters, and therefore should be ridden from leg into hand.

Riding a Half-Halt

Close your legs, then close your fingers on the reins until you feel a check on the forward movement of the horse. Pulling too hard on the horses head without the action of your legs can cause your horse to either slow completely or fall onto your hands and you end up holding him up.

Then soften your contact on the horses mouth as you ride forward still with your legs, your horse should feel lighter in your hands.

Once these basic principles of the half halt are understood, it is not a difficult movement to perform and can prove an invaluable schooling aid.

About the Author

Tammy is a passionate equine rider who trys to advertise the best ways to be treating horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in Toggi footwear as well as Steri-7, Classic Leather Jodhpur Boot & Leather Long Riding Boot in the UK. For more info, read our equestrian articles

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