Correctly half halting

[parsley]

I have just been reading about half halting and the importance of timing.

Now here comes the technical bit! For a half halt to be effective it has to be timed correctly - it's not just a case of following the above instructions. You have to be aware of when each hind leg is coming forward and when it's on the ground. "When it first touches down in front of the vertical, it carries, i.e. the haunches flex. That is the correct moment for the half halt.

This could be why my half halts are rubbish - the embarresing problem for me is that I have no idea how to tell when his leg is in the right position.

Has anyone got any tips?

 

[kerilli]

tbh i think this is a bit too technical... if you think how long it takes your horse to process the aid you're giving (at least a second for a half-halt, i'd say, because a half-halt is often done in two slightly separate parts anyway), his legs will have moved anyway. i concentrate on the balance, softness, throughness, acceptance and engagement, and if they're all there, the half-halt works its magic no matter what the timing imho.
*prepares to be shot down in flames*
btw my trainer says the same thing...

 

[Llwyncwn]

Pmsl. I had a lesson with Partoow a few months ago and this is something we did. I had absolutely no idea that you needed to know where and when the hind leg was, before you performed a transition

I think its just a matter of time. Partoow told me that you should be aware of how your horse is moving at all times and to be aware of where you are going too! The importance of 'setting up' each movement and transition. Its still not 100% with me, but I suppose its a little like knowing what diagonal you are on without looking - it happens with time if you are trying to become aware of it.

I know Partoow has moved house and not sure if she is online atm, but try PMing her - she is fab at explaining. If we cant raise her, Tierra is brilliant option too. Im sure there are hundreds on line who can answer so I will be watching with interest (so please make it simple for the old and bewildered amongst us)