Half halt--stupid question

[momofsix]

I have a really stupid question. What is a half halt?

[raggydoll]

I think theres been quite a few posts on this and there was a really good link on one of them im sure someone will add it here.

Its a squeeze on the outside rein to sort of get the horses attention and to let them know that you are about to ask them to do something. Somone else will explain it much better im sure!

[galadriel]

Half-halt:
http://lorienstable.com/articles/riding/900-half-halt/

[danielle:>]

A half halt is were you squeeze on your outside rein, but keep puting leg on so that the horse won't completeley slow down. It can be used quite alot, one of the main reasons is to slow down, but it can also be used to speed up a bit, as this will get the horses the horses attention. Yoiu just have to figure out the balance between your leg and rein aids. eg. Figure when you are using to much rein and you are slowing down, and vice versa with leg aids and speeding up. I also use it before a transition, to let him knowthat something diferent is about to happen, and also to let him find his balance. Also before a turn, and once I've just came onto a circle, so that he can balance up. It sounds confusing written down, but once you start doing it it will become a second nature to use a half halt at the right time. Hope thsi has helped :) :) :) :)

Danielle
xxx

EDIT:Well, Galadrials atricle will explain it all alot better than I can. Was hoping she'd show up and post here :D :p :p :D

[virtuallyhorses]

Absolutely NOT a stupid question :) it's possibly one of the hardest to define of all riding terms - ask 100 people and you'll get 100 variations on the answer ;) At it's most basic 'theory' the half-halt is literally half a halt - you ask the horse to halt but as soon as he begins to respond you allow him to move forward again. The purpose is to rebalance the horse, to bring the hindquarters under the horse, to slow it down a little or to bring its attention back to the rider in preparation for a new movement.

Usually described as driving forward with the leg into a closed hand or a small outside rein 'halt' command with the rein just after pushing forward with the leg.

[finski]

virtuallyhorses has the right of it in an easy, short explaination!!!

[momofsix]

Thank you guys! I think that is exactly what I need to practise with my speedy mare!