Asking for Halt

Here you will find a collection of short videos with a description on some tips when beginning to work with your horse in hand. This is a skill which for some people (like myself) can take some time to master, so be patient and kind with yourself, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE (even if it’s for only for 5 minutes!)

A quick and brief one but not any less important!

Make the halt for each leg, I like to count to four in my head to allow time for each limb to stop under the horse.

Don’t stop abruptly and expect the horse to stop balanced, they have four legs and a big body with a lot more momentum than you, they need preparation.

Keep your body soft and halt together , engage your core, lift your chest, keep your chin up, we want an upwards halt not a downwards one.

Try let the halt come from the body rather than bracing against their head (this may take time to achieve to begin with so be patient!).

If they plough into you, you can either apply pressure to the chest or sometimes I may just wave my arms around in their face to tell them to give me space. This way I am not applying pressure to the head and inviting the horse to fight against me.

Remember to breathe! Breathe into your belly for the halt (even when they resist you!).

Voice cues can also be added (that helps you think to breathe )