It is not hard to mess up a half halt. So much can go wrong in that split second when you think of gathering up the energy of the horse with a half halt for the next movement. The half halt is a very important moment of communication between the horse and rider and it is important that it is ridden correctly and has the correct effect on the horse.
Some of the most common mistakes that riders make when riding a half halt are:
- Too much rein, not enough leg – when most riders think of a half-halt, they think of slowing down or stopping and will go first to the rein to stop the horse. This is incorrect as a half halt should be a gathering of the energy.
- Incorrect timing of the half-halt and not releasing the half halt. The half-halt should be done in the rhythm of the gait. Often riders half halt at the wrong time or hold the half halt for way to long without getting an effect.
- Incorrect rider position – in order to make an effective half- halt, the rider must maintain the correct position and alignment. The shoulder-hip-heel must stay in a line and the rider’s seat must stay connected in the saddle.
Beware of the common mistakes as you are riding this week. If your half half are ineffective or they are not having the desired effect, it could be that you are making one of these common mistakes! In dressage and with dressage horses, half-halts are so important. This video goes over what is a half-halt, how to ride a half halt, the importance of the half halt in dressage riding and dressage training. The video also includes common mistakes in half halts including rider position flaws, the chair seat and incorrect timing of the aids.
