By Andrew Stennett
I know from our pupils and students that the term ‘half
halt’ conjures up all kinds of confusion! So what exactly is this mysterious
riding term? Essentially, it is the ability to shorten one stride of the horse’s
gait, be it in walk, trot or canter, and is a very useful skill to acquire for
riders in all disciplines. It can slow you down, re-balance you, prepare you
for your next move in dressage, and set you up for the right stride when
jumping. Here are some tips you may find useful:
Starting from scratch:
With either a new combination or a young or inexperienced
horse, begin with halting in an arena at a certain letter, and ensure that your
body is in line with that letter. You need to be able to do this to perfection
each and every time it is asked for, wherever and whenever you please. As you
ask for halt, you should slightly ‘grow taller’ with your upper body, using
body language to explain your instructions to the horse. Once this move is well
established, you can use the same technique, but as the horse responds to your
commands by coming back and listening, keep your lower leg on to support, so
that you actually maintain the walk. Continue the education until you can do
this at will, on either rein and at whichever place in the arena you choose,
whether it be on or off the track.
Moving on:
Repeat the same exercise in trot, asking for walk for a
half stride, then pushing back up into trot. Eventually you will be able to
merely slow the trot and not drop back into walk. Once this is established, you
are ready to repeat the task in canter. If well trained enough, your horse
should respond just from your upper body aids.
Applications:
When training in an arena use your half halt before a turn,
circle or change of rein, to help re-balance and set up your horse for a new
movement. This will improve your chances of smoother, well controlled actions. Practise
your half halt between two poles on the ground with at least five or six trot
or canter strides between them. Use it also before a series of trotting poles,
again to set him up and make him use himself to the best of his ability. Some
horses will benefit most from half halts on the turn before the exercise, and
others on the straight line approach – there is no right or wrong way; use
trial and error as to what works the best for your combination.
Jumping:
The half halt is invaluable in a showjumping or cross
country event, as it is vital to get the right take off point before a jump. Should
your horse be a little too enthusiastic, this skill can be applied either on
the turn before a fence, or if you have a long run up, on the straight setting
him up properly for his jumping effort. Should he land on his forehand, use
your half halt to re-balance him.
Horses tend to get a little quicker towards the end of a
dressage test or a jumping event, and this is where the half halt becomes
invaluable, to help maintain a level head, for both horse and rider.
Andrew
Stennett is a registered instructor, NVQ/UKCC Assessor & Verifier. He is a
Qualified Teacher of further Education specialising in Equestrian Learning and
Development, and is a British Equestrian Federation Elite Recreational Coach.
Andrew is a fan of Derriere Equestrian products, telling us they make a big difference
to his riding. “Derrieres enabled me to get back riding in comfort after a
break, and they are helping me compete at the same level as in my youth,” he
says.
When
you’re training and perfecting your half halts, the Derriere Equestrian Treviso
Training breeches are great breeches to consider. They’re designed to promote
optimal comfort and performance and work in harmony with the Derriere
undergarments, ensuring all fabric surfaces come together in a symbiosis that
completely eliminates chaffing, abrasions and discomfort!
Andrew offers group and private lessons from his base at Grove House Stables in Misterton, Nottinghamshire, as well as Covid-safe clinics and competitive events. Visit www.grovehousestables.co.uk. The team hosts BHS Pony Stars Junior Challenge Awards throughout the year, helping under 12s to discover, develop and nurture their love for ponies and the outdoors. “It ignites a passion for ponies, builds knowledge and cements friendships that will last a lifetime,” Andrew says. Visit Facebook for info.
The Derriere Equestrian range can viewed online at www.derriereequestrian.com
