Another new horse question - halting!

[Marnie]

I rode Poppy again this morning, just 20 odd minutes round our short block and again she was good as gold except a reluctance to halt sometimes! I am not 100% sure what she actually does, but it feels as though she just grabs the bit and walks through you trying to stop - she does eventually, but once or twice it seemed to be a case of hauling at the end. If you actually say 'whoa' she seems to be a bit more responsive - I suppose that comes from driving. I am riding her in a cyprium double jointed snaffle with lozenge and cheeks, and don't really want to go stronger, but wondered if she may be better in a different mouth piece, any thoughts? I am of course doing lots of practice in the time we are out and it is getting better, but any thoughts welcome!

 

[mintaka04]

My wee mare did this, very frustrating!
What I find works better than anything is clenching my bum cheeks. Not your legs, just the bum.
Try it in short "pulses". Most horses respond well to this signal.

 

[Booboos]

I would say that if this is a new horse and she's only just getting used to the hacks that she may feel more confident walking on and may be finding it a bit too stressful to halt. I would let her move on really until she is relaxed enough to listed (as it does not sound like she is taking off with you or anything like that). Ask her to halt when she is a bit more chilled and try to use your seat only which squeezing with your lower leg.