If you’ve ever asked for a half halt and felt… well, nothing – you’re not alone! So many riders don’t really use the half halt in their riding because they find that it either doesn’t work, or it’s a little ‘too much’ for them and their horses!
I know many riders can feel a little daunted when they hear the phrase “half halt.” It sounds complicated, almost mystical! Like something only advanced riders can master. But that’s just not true!
A good quality, well-timed half halt doesnt’ have to be rocket science! It can be a simple communication tool between you and your horse. And because it’s part of the conversation, the timing needs to be right as well.
In this episode, we’re going to chat about why timing is so important for your half halts and a few common mistakes riders make when implementing it. I also want to touch on how lunging can be a change in perspective for riders working on their half halt and the timing of it.
By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how to sharpen your half halts so they actually work. And this will help set you both up for greater balance, responsiveness, and flow in your work together.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Think about a conversation with a friend. If they tell you a story and you interrupt too soon, your point falls flat. If you jump in too late, the moment’s passed. And if you constantly interject every two seconds? They’ll tune you out completely. Half halts work pretty much like this for you and your horse.
A half-halt is essentially a moment of ‘pause’ within the stride. It’s your way of saying to your horse: “Refocus, rebalance, and prepare for what’s next.” If you ask in the wrong place or at the wrong time, your horse may not be able ot respond. And if you are not paying attention and apply the aid too late, things will already have gone sideways! You’ll have missed the opportunity to rebalance before it all fell apart.
And keep in mind that the timing of the half halt is vital, but so too is how you ask. Too strong, and you’ll block the energy. Too light or badly timed, and you run the risk of becoming ‘background noise’!
Common Mistakes Riders Make
Most riders think they’re applying perfectly timed and executed half halts. However, that is often not what’s really going on! And, over the years, I’ve seen 3 common challenges and mistakes show up time and again.
1. Not Getting Your Horse’s Attention
The half halt is great. However, like most things in riding, it’s usually only as great as what came before it! And if you’re not first actually ‘focusing’ your horse’s attention to the fact that you’re going to ask a question, the answer will probably fall short! One of the key purposes of the half halt is to first get your horse’s attention. I chat more about that HERE.
When you fail to first get your horses attention, you end up “nagging” with constant mini half halts, every stride, that your horse is just completely ignoring!
Imagine your phone buzzing with notifications all day long. After a while, you don’t even notice them anymore. The same thing happens with your horse — they tune out. It’s only when your phone actually RINGS, that you’re reminded to pay attention and do something about it.
2. Too Late
This happens when you wait until things have already gone completely sideways before stepping in. It’s a bit like just ignoring the warning signs, wishing and praying that things will sort themselves out. Sometimes they do – but often they don’t! Picture riding on a downhill slope and feeling your horse becoming a little ‘more energetic’ underneath you. Instead of half halting and rebalancing so that your horse maintains the existing trot or canter, you find yourself barrelling down the hill!
At this stage, your “half halt” turns into a desperate ‘drop the anchors’ in an attempt to brake! And instead of helping your horse rebalance, you end up blocking energy and, usually, creating excess tension!
4. Too Strong
This is the overcorrection. Now, often this is in direct reaction to the previous issue of applying the half halt a wee bit too late! But sometimes this can also show up when riders fail to realise that there is a ‘balance of aids’. Riders know they need to do something, so they just ‘haul’ on the aid that ‘seems’ to be the one that will work. Usually the reins, but sometimes the seat!
The result? The horse doesn’t recycle energy through the body. Instead, it shuts down, hollows, or even stops! The flow of the energy is lost, replaced with resistance. And, you have to start from scratch to reestablish what you were originally doing.
Timing: From Awareness to Feel
So, back to our timing. Let’s be really honest here; timing isn’t something you can learn from reading a book or watching a video. You can understand it in theory, but to truly ‘get it’, you need to feel it. You need to begin to understand how your aids directly influence your horse.
You need to learn how to feel when the best time to apply the aids is, so that your horse can best respond.
And while there are many exercises and ways to do this in the saddle, I’m going to suggest starting off on the ground. Before you ever feel it, educate yourself by actually seeing it happen. And that’s where lunging comes in.
Lunging Helps You ‘See’ Timing
When you’re in the saddle, your brain is juggling a lot: your position, your hands, your legs, your seat, the arena, your horse’s balance… the list goes on. Throw into the mix trying to figure out when to half halt and when best to time it… It can feel overwhelming!
On the lunge, a lot of the overwhelm drops away. You’re not working on a million things and hoping that you’re feeling it all correctly – you’re simply watching your horse move.
And when you watch closely, you’ll notice something important: the rhythm of the stride. Every stride has a natural moment where your horse is best able to respond to your influence. This will depend on what you want to ask for or do… But, if we think of half halt, the best time to balance is when your foot is firmly on the floor, yes? So, apply this to your horse as well.
By observing this over and over on the lunge, you train your eye to recognize timing. And once you see it, you can start to anticipate it. Then, when you’re back in the saddle, your body learns to match that rhythm almost automatically.
You and Your Riding
If your half halts aren’t working, don’t beat yourself up. Most riders are either too late, too strong, or talking to the wall when it comes to half halts. And often, because they haven’t developed the timing piece yet. The takeaway here is that timing is a skill you can train. It’s not about being a “natural rider” or having some magical gift. It’s about practice, observation, and awareness.
Start with lunging. Watch your horse move. Identify the sweet spot of the stride for the question you want to ask. Then, begin experimenting. What happens when you ask slightly earlier? Slightly lighter? Less heavy handed?
Over time, you’ll start hitting that sweet spot more consistently. And that’s when your half halts become powerful. Not because they’re bigger or stronger, but because you’ve learned to refine them by applying the aids at the right time.
Timing Your Half Halts
Half halts are the foundation of so much in riding: transitions, balance, collection, even safety out on the trail. And yet, so many riders miss out on their potential simply because of timing. If you can learn to assess the “when” before you ask, you’ll unlock a whole new level of communication with your horse.
That’s exactly what we’re working on inside Connection this month. We’re starting with half halts on the lunge — the clearest way to train your eye and develop timing — before moving into half halts under saddle later this year.
Because when they’re done well, a half halt feels almost magical: your horse shifts balance, lightens the front end, and tunes in to your next aid.
And it’s a skill you can learn, step by step. Start by seeing it on the lunge. Play with it in the saddle. And remember: every time you refine your timing, you’re making it easier for your horse to understand you.
Happy Riding
Lorna
The Your Signature Ride Challenge
Here’s the idea: you use only your seat and leg aids to “write” your name in the arena. Sounds simple, right? But what it really does is sharpen your awareness of timing and clarity. You’ll learn when your aids actually make a difference. And you’ll have fun doing it. All while creating a pattern that’s uniquely yours!
You can sign up by CLICKING HERE
It’s free to join, and every rider who participates gets access to a guided audio lesson to help them through the challenge. Plus, you’ll have a chance to win 3 months inside Connection (a $66 value)
Restart & Reschool
And if you would like a little more 1-to-1 coaching, explore Restart & Reschool Private Coaching. It is perfect if you’re starting your practice – or if you’re looking to turn your existing practice into something ‘real’ for you and your horse. I’ll guide you step by step on the way! You’ll not only get the full ‘OTTB; From Racetrack to Ready Program’, but also fornightly private lessons with me to move you forward in your riding.
We can work on anything you would like; from groundwork, to lunging, to riding, to jumping… With the virtual private lessons, we can do all of these things – and more. If you would like to find out me, you can let me know a little more about you HERE and I will then reach back out and we can chat!
This is the support, training, and accountability you’ve been missing to finally follow through and start seeing progress. No fluff. No overwhelm. And as flexible as you need for your lifestyle.
Online Training & Coaching
Connect with Lorna online:-
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- Connect in the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast
- Connect with Lorna on Instagram @lornaleeson or @stridesforsuccess
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