Halts and Half-Halts

Halts   The Halt and half-halt are closely related. To halt, the rider pushes both seatbones down and forward, heels lowered, and both hands closed and held until the horse halts. Once the horse has halted, the rider quickly relaxes all aids (seat, legs and hands) If the halt is executed properly the horse will lower his hindquarters making the halt soft. If the rider just pulls back the horse will stop on the forehand and the halt will be jolting. The degree of pressure depends on the horse and also depends on whether the horse is paying attention or not. I always tell my riders if you can think it and it happens then that's enough, or do as much as necessary and as little as possible, always.

Half-Halts  Half-halts are applied in the same manner as the halt, but with less pressure. Some horses respond with seat and a closing of the fist and a quick relaxation, other horses need a little leg too. Again the degree of pressure depends on the horse and how closely he is listening to his rider. Half-halts are generally done with both hands, both seatbones, and both legs evenly applied. There are exceptions which we will go into in later sessions.