A half-halt is a riders way to rebalance a horse while in the saddle. As you may have read in various instructional manuals, there are many ways to apply and utilize this aid, but the end result should always be the same. The intent of the half-halt is to weight the hind quarters of the horse and to soften and lighten the forehand. To perfect this aid can require many years of practice and timing. If done correctly, you will notice immediate, positive response from your horse.
To break the half-halt down into simple terms, it is to pause the escape of your horses forward energy and to activate energy from behind, transferring the weight to the horses hind quarters. Now your probably asking the question “How do I do this?’.
First and foremost you have to think of riding your horse from back to front. Application of closing your leg has to be the first step in the half-halt. At that point in time, you have three ways of utilizing your hands in the aid. You can half-halt with:
- An inside rein only
- An outside rein only (this is my 2nd preference)
- Both hands equally on both reins (first preference)
By trying all three of these methods for half-halts, you will find which one works best for you and your horse. But, remember training is ever-changing so what method works well now, may not work well later. Always be ready to adapt and make changes. However, be kind to your horse and don’t try all three methods in the same ride. You are likely to confuse him.
A proper half-halt is the closing of your leg, stretching tall through your body and closing one or both of your hands individually or simultaneously. This will most often take practice on your part as a rider, to learn how to properly apply and utilize this aid. At the same time, it will take your horse time to understand and gain clarity of what you are asking. Consistency is of the utmost importance as you implement the aid, to insure your horse gains a clear understanding of it.
Now remember, I stated earlier in this article, the word “pause”. Pause doesn’t mean to hang on the reins. The word pause means to close your fingers, create slight restriction with your hands, while your leg is actively asking for forward motion. When the horse softens, it is really important that you soften in return. You soften through your arms and shoulders, rewarding your horses positive response.
In conclusion, a half-halt is an aid by which the rider rebalances a horse by transferring the horses weight from its forelegs to its haunches. It’s purpose is to pause the escape of your horses forward energy and to activate energy from behind, transferring the weight to the horses hind quarters. The half-halt is implemented by closing both of your legs around your horses rib cage and utilizing your hands one of three different ways. The more you learn to utilize this aid, the greater your riding experience will be.