The half halt is possibly one of the most important, and yet most underutilized tools, particularly where novice riders are concerned.
This weeks lessons are designed to make you more conscious of how often you are using your half halt and improving every ride by doing so.

So, firstly, why do we use the half halt?

The half halt can be used for a couple of different reasons;

1. Balancing or 'steadying' your horse
2. Letting your horse know or indicating to your horse that something is about to be asked of him
3. Bringing your horses attention back to you and what you are asking him

It is a vitally important movement that should precede all other movements and tasks from transitions to bending, from jumping to halting

What becomes confusing about the half halt is the fact that the word 'halt' is in its name... It really has nothing to do with halting and has everything to do with regrouping you and your horse before each new movement.

The half halt, when applied, should only be used for a split second and then released.  You can use multiple half halts one after each other to achieve what you want, but as I just mentioned, it is vital to release each one immediately, otherwise your horse will learn to lock himself against you and become heavy in your hand.

In Monday's lesson this week we are setting our foundation for the basics of half halting and how by performing this simple movement correctly throughout your ride, you will improve the overall feeling and success of your time spent in the saddle.

We also touch on how your basic position being correct is paramount to a successful half halt.

On Tuesday, we begin to incorporate the half halts into our transitions and have a good schooling session including halt, walk, trot and canter during the full lesson with school movements included as well.

Wednesday, as always, is Jump-Day and we are practicing using the half halt to set ourselves up better and make changes within related distances.

This weeks Monday audio horse riding lesson is available to listen to and download at the top of this post.  All our lessons are created to be listened to while you ride your own horse, using your phone or iPod. stridesforsuccess.com

If you have any ideas for future lessons, you can send me an email to lorna@stridesforsuccess.com outlining what you like to hear about and we can take it from there!

Have a super day, get lots of riding in and, as always, Make EVERY Ride Great!

Lorna xx