When to tackle the square halt?

B

Bounty

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 February 2006
Messages
4,231
Location
Gloucestershire
www.freewebs.com
Am I right in thinking the halt will sort itself (become square) once the horse is truely working forward and straight?

My 5yo is very low mileage when it comes to schooling, and so is still at the weak and wobbly stage. She halts consistently trailing (one fore and one hind) , so should I try and tackle this now before it becomes a habit? If I ask her to tep forwards she just steps forward and trails with the other fore and hind. If I persist too much then she gets shirty and won't stand at all - when I first got her she'd never stand at all so I don't want to get back to that situation.

Any suggestions?

*Added by admin*: See how Michael Eilberg teaches his horses to halt square every time at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/michael-eilberg-how-to-achieve-a-square-halt-video-509813
 
My mare hates standing square. Im constantly having to remind her. Shes 11 so should know better! Try to practise asking for half steps from the front legs to square them up. I usually tap the hind leg with my stick to make it come underneath. If she starts to get upset then send her forwards then try again.
 
I've never pushed for square halts, I believe they are a result of correct work and a balanced horse. Remember to always ride forward into the halt though, more often than not its a hind leg left, and they need to be stepping through and equally with both hinds to get square behind. It would not worry me in the slightest if a green 5 year old was finding this a bit tricky.
 
Thanks all!
smile.gif

Was sure that it was something that would come with time and schooling, but just had to check I wasn't supposed to be doing something about it now before she got into the habit of doing it.
If I still have trouble in a few months time then I'll employ your tips Nat!
 
Another little tip my pony (Welsh C) was always prone to leaving her bum somewhere in next week whenever we halted and so would therefore leave one leg right back. What my instructor told me to do was everywhere you stop them (on the ground) to ask them to stand up properly using your voice. Now (after 4 years mind!) i only have to say up even on the lunge and she knows to bring her trailing leg up to stand square. Up to you but just a little stress free trick i learnt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top