Do not pull on the reins. You’ll probably notice the horse lighten the bit and stride more evenly – however, this is most likely not a true half-halt (where the pace is maintained in the hind legs), but rather a disengagement of the hocks and consequent disruption of energy. If the horse hollows his back and raises his head, these are also signs that you need to continue to adjust your signal by engaging other aids.
If your elbows are hanging at your sides, the slight change in your back should travel through your arms into the reins, giving the horse enough of a signal that you do not need to manipulate the reins at all. [3] X Research source
Push your seat in a forward motion. Apply pressure with your leg lightly at the horse’s side. Keeping your legs lightly against the horse’s side throughout the half-halt helps ease the transition into driving forward. [5] X Research source
If your half-halt was unsuccessful, try again in another stride, this time with a little more emphasis.
In a seated position, push downward with your lower back and rear end as though you were on a swing and pushing it forward. This helps you get used to the half-halt signal. When you’re ready, practice on the horse in a walk: squeeze your seat and apply just a light pressure to the reins. If the horse halts, reward it by gently scratching him and praising him. Keep practicing this until the horse responds to the seat aid with minimal (or no) rein pressure. When you’ve mastered that, repeat those steps from a trot. If the horse is confused, you can return to the walk-halt exercise to reinforce the meaning of the signal.
In a dressage arena, ask for a transition from trot to walk at A, E, C and B. Walk a few strides only, move back to a trot. Repeat this for a few circuits. The horse will quickly learn the pattern and expect to slow down at the given letters. Next, at those letters begin to ask for a transition to walk, but at the last minute change your mind and stay in the trot. This method lets you give a small suggestion of half-halt, and since the horse is expecting the signal, he is likely to respond. When you tell him to continue, he’ll rebalance and move forward. [8] X Research source
Signal a full halt and let the horse rest for two minutes. Trot about 40 yards (37 m), then signal another full halt, resting again for two minutes. After trotting another 40 yards (36. 6 m), start your halt signal, but as soon as you feel the horse shifting downward, drive him forward. [9] X Research source
