Half Halt for Rhythm & Balance
returning to the original trot through half halts gives even more of a suppling effect,” says Tubman.
“The key is short duration to start. Ride forward for five to ten metres and return to your original trot, then repeat. Eventually five to ten metres evolves into ten to twenty metres. The key is that the transitions are on the aid and well-balanced and straight.”
“If I gave an analogy, I would use a standard transmission in a car or truck,” Tubman continues. “The original trot is first gear. More forward is second gear, lengthened is third, medium is fourth, and extension is fifth. Always go progressively through the gears and make each one correct, and then reverse through the gears back to first. Don’t skip gears – that gets you in trouble. Who shifts from first gear to fifth?! Or from fifth back to first?! You would never do this in a car without serious consequences – it’s the same in training a horse.”
Half Halt at the Canter
Riding a half halt in canter is no different in principle than in trot, although the timing of the rider's aids must accommodate the three-beat gait. Begin in a normal canter for the level of the horse. Whether this means you’ll be riding a working canter or a collected canter, the horse should be moving forward and freely with straightness and energy.
“By increasing the degree with which you sit, and increasing the size and duration of the half halt, gradually begin shortening the strides until you feel the croup lower and the forehand elevate. Normally this should occur within three to five strides,” says Tubman. “Establish the degree of collection you’ve requested and then relax gradually and return to your original canter.” Perform this exercise about a dozen times in each direction.
