How to half halt in light seat.

[Mule]

Hello. I am looking for help at half halting in a light seat. When I am sitting in the saddle I half halt using my seat and my outside rein.

When I get in a light seat on xc my horse takes it as a cue to go forward. I really need my half halt on xc but without my seat I am reliant on using my hands. I find this far less effective.

Does anyone know how I can train a half halt in a light seat without being over reliant on my hands? Thanks everyone.

 

[paddi22]

i find i use my shoulders to half halt xc. I kind of grow up and back and the feeling is like opening a sail on a ship if that makes sense. I also more weight in my heels and hold my weight back slightly, so it feels like im pausing myself and opening up my shoulders.

 

[be positive]

Usually when you just need to half halt xc on approaching a fence to get their attention you sit up and the horse comes back to you, if they are not strong sitting for the last 5 strides or so should be enough to set them up and as soon as you land you go forward again, obviously if they are taking a stronger hold you may require some hand but with work this can be reduced, we train at home by going in and out of 2 point, doing a set amount of strides, sitting up for a set amount then forward again, sometimes just as flatwork sometimes incorporating fences or poles.

 

[Mule]

Thanks. I understand what you both mean. I think I will practice both techniques on the flat, at home and learn exactly what he responds to before we are in an adrenaline type of situation.