The Halt

You need to ride the halt on a straight line and the horse should stand straight, attentive and still. He should feel ready to move off the moment the rider indicates.

The most important thing is that the forward movement is balanced with a half halt (read last week’s blog,) that softens the horse so that he can “sit” into the transition and stay off the forehand. The novice horse needs to make progressive transitions using the trot or walk steps. Several half halts will help and you can make the progression less and less. Remember the horse must not lean on the bit or against the hand so the rider must keep the wrist and elbows loose. Stay long enough in the halt (immobility) before moving off so the there is no anticipation.