How to Ride a Half-Halt

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

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[@tubefishery]

Amelia, Thank you for the discussion of the purpose and application of half halts. For lower level riders, though, it would be helpful to give finer details on half halts, breaking down the technique of the average half halt into steps. For example, what is the sequence and timing of the use of seat and legs, and what type of rein action do you use (and how is that timed with your seat and legs)? Do you half halt with both reins or just the outside rein? Do you half halt once or multiple times? How quickly do you ask for a transition after applying a half halt (immediately, after a half stride or a full stride)? Realizing that each half halt is a bit different and has to be applied according to "feel", explaining all the steps you take to prepare for and execute the maneuver would still be beneficial. Details such as these are difficult to find online, and they would help many of the more inexperienced riders. I have enjoyed many of your videos. You have a keen ability to communicate in a pleasant and meaningful manner. Thanks again for your efforts.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Ok!! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ellen823ful]

Glenn Davis Yah. What are your hands doing.

[@roseoconnor179]

Yes Glenn, agreed! As a lower level dressage rider breaking down the technique would be helpful to see and hear. Thank you for your videos Amelia!!

[@riderbr772]

Yes!!! That's exacly what I need

[@ajhorse2008]

@@riderbr772 I am just learning half halts, too. So all information, as specific as possible helps!

[@kimberlysgroi8498]

Great explanation! Thank you. I always using to think of a half halt as a signal of a change but also incorrectly as a slowing.

[@stellachandler4719]

Another great explanation. Thankyou Amelia. I found half halt by accident in a riding lesson when I was a lot younger.Even my instructor wasn't sure what I'd done, but the difference in the horse I was riding at the time felt and looked almost miraculous. She was known for being lazy and she also poked her nose out,above the bit I remember my instructor saying. She was just waiting for someone to ask her properly to engage herself and when I moved my hand, she came onto the bit and it felt like floating. She was awesome.

[@leec5170]

Thank you, Amelia! What you said about feeling your horse is so spot on. I've got an older OTTB, and I'm older, so whatever I feel from him and he responds to from me is what makes me happy at this stage. Horses are a gift!

[@paolastoll4912]

I would like to know what exactly you do with your seat/hands/legs to encourage the half halt?

[@christywandover71]

I love how you explain things. Especially in this video. Knowing the aids may be more leg, seat or rein depending on how the horse feels that day. So many trainers are wanting a half halt every step...which make no sense. Thank you for this video.

[@danielabackstrom]

I like thinking of half halts as pressing down the clutch in a manual geared car, you either go up or down a gear or brake, the clutch (half halt) prepares for it 😊

[@MikaKotikoski]

Imo this is a very good general analog👍

[@sianadele3666]

Literally just thought this and clicked on comments to see my thoughts visualised haha! xx

[@Back_in_the_saddle]

Oh my gosh… this is such a helpful way to Visualise this .. thank you . X

[@ingalehto2087]

Hi Amelia! I found your videos few weeks ago, and eventhough i have the priviledge to train with one of the best trainer here in Finland, youve helped me with my riding tremendously! Im a slow learner and it really helps to see AND hear what is happening. You explain things so comprehensibly and in an order that builds a great path to some real lightbulb moments when ive tried them with my horse. So thank you from me and my poor horse who wishes i found your channel sooner :) he gets concerned easily and is super sensitive so especially your contact-connection video was a game changer for us. This video wasnt exactly as explicit as the ones ive seen from you before, but thats totally understandable, half halt is such a difficult subject! Maybe your next video could be about how you train it to your horses? Im riding one very green horse who doesnt yet understand them, he kind of just curls himself and goes forward faster and hollow to the leg. Transitions are unbeliavably difficult with him, because in his last home where he got broken for saddle, he got a heavy handed rider, absolutely no balance and a lot of speed to make up for that. Keep up the good work, much appreaciation from here!

[@ajhorse2008]

This was REALLY HELPFUL. I've been a bit confused/murky about half halts. This clarifies a lot.

[@luciemarinov9909]

Very helpful. Always had thought it was to slow the horse down, this will help me to prepare her for transitions I guess rather than to just tap with my heel and wish it was effective!

[@lindav3747]

This video along with what you presented in your email are going to be my focus this week. My horse and I really need improved communication in half halt. Thank you, Amelia!

[@lindaliestman4397]

Nice job on this topic Amelia! Thanks for all your efforts to share your knowledge in these videos.

[@shawnwild6719]

Thank you for my first real lesson on half-halts! It makes perfect sense to keep the horse in front of the leg for that smooth transition. You make it look SO easy!

[@christinesmith7335]

Thanks very much Amelia,that’s the best explanation of a half halt I’ve ever heard,along with all the aids it’s an evolving growing learning technique ,truly inspiring and helpful.

[@LauraCoffey12390]

Excellent ! I never thought about the half halt in quiet that way. Thank you.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! Awesome!!

[@joannatuczynska3508]

Half halts are absolutely fundamental in communication with a horse... When combined with the seat they constitute the perfect medium to control the gaits and transitions.

[@vamppanic]

i rode a very sensitive horse yesterday and it was a first for me to have to use half halts that were more "slow down and come back to me" than "pick up and come up to me" like it is with most horses. it was an interesting learning experience especially as i have not ridden in so long and kind of forgot that feeling you need for a half halt.

[@cindynoble2037]

Great reminder about the half halt not necessarily being a slowing down as that is what often tends to happen to Adonis and I. Out to ride and think about all this elusive half halt business once again!!! :) Thanks, Amelia

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

😂😂😂

[@CariO-z1b]

The imagery I strive for with a half halt is.. a moment of perfect balance : )

[@Diemastro]

Your video’s are so important for me so many thanks ingrid

[@riderbr772]

Okay, half halt is kind of a "hey, we are about to do something different". But what exacly do I need to do with my body? What do I do with my seat? What I do with the legs, the reins? I need this to be clear. :/

[@ipsitadey5114]

Exactly my question

[@Justjack613]

When it comes to "Half-Halts" I teach it as concentrating on bringing yourself to a Halt from any gate. And then change your mind halfway through it. After that it's easier for me to teach the Half-Halt as "neutral" position when changing gears(gates).

[@amandafrench8047]

Like your use of the language to explain the HALF HALT CONCEPt; not being in stark black n white but a scale ogf greys. Cool thanks.

[@Compixiert]

I have such a sensitive horse that sometimes just lifting my head to look straight (unfortunately I do look down often...) and sitting in heavier is enough. The image in my head is that at every moment I need to have the feeling that if my horse would disappears under me I should be able to land on my two feet without any imbalance. This might not be a typical half-halt image but works for me well to stay relaxed and not "force" a halt.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@chanteldrago1769]

Hi Amelia! Your videos are great, I have learned so much. Thank you

[@melaniegagnon3835]

This was such a great explanation! Thank you!! Super helpful

[@meretesrheim4867]

Very good explanation! Often the focus is in the gathering of the energy and not in the creation of energy first. Looking forward to practice this 👍 l tend to think of the half halt as a gathering/ rebalancing/ reconnecting action where I straighten own position in the saddle whilst collecting with the reign- increasing the demand until the horse responds

[@michelekanefsky7511]

Thank you for giving me a different approach to looking at the half halt!

[@donnawells9782]

Thank you so much Ameilia. Half Halts, so elusive. Thank you.

[@sharonperkins448]

Fantastic explanation and demonstration.. thank you!

[@melaniehalpin1422]

Thanks Amelia! This was very helpful-“gathering the energy”and “telling them something is about to happen”-👍🏻😀

[@marymargaretkaminsky4718]

Thanks Amelia! That was very helpful in demystifying the half halt!! Great job of explaining!

[@hossammosbah5295]

So clear. and very helpful. Thank you very much dear Amelia. 🎩

[@phburdett]

Thank you! Such a difficult topic! You did a great job of explaining.

[@patstouter8309]

Excellent explanation! Thanks!

[@pariahmouse7794]

Very nicely explained! I just don't think I am at the point of being able to influence the gaits yet, but this was very informative, thank you!

[@falizianme5846]

i use different images depending on what im working on... sometimes i thik if it as bouncing the energy up and through... maybe like jumping them back to front... or sometimes i like to think if an airplane landing keep the front up and bring the hind legs under! Great video!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Love that imagery! Thank you for sharing these great ideas!

[@jwolf2141]

Ah, I was waiting for you to do a half-halt video, but I get why you were procrastinating... they're so mysterious! Well, they are for me, given where I'm at! This was helpful, thank you, we're just starting to work on "on and back" within the gaits as a prelude to half halts I guess! BUT I have a video request - I have two horses, one "rounds up" beautifully, but the other does not, we battle with the contact and its still inconsistent. Meanwhile, my other horse is "head down, rock steady". We've ruled out pain/health issues. So I'm often frustrated that what works and feels easy with my "round" horse, doesn't work with my "not round" horse... and I know they're not robots, they're all different, but I would LOVE a video on strategies for getting (and keeping) a "tricky to put together" horse on the bit... or how to deal with contact issues... for "not Grand Prix people/horses"...

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Jennifer!! Ok. I’ll work on that!

[@susanndye6374]

I have that tough second horse and my friend has the first type of horse. If only they all would just give you their back and give you a place to sit, what confidence builder that is. That being said I relax more on my friend’s horse because I know he will offer me that on the bit feeling. In fact I just rode him again last night and I concentrated on relaxing me and he offered more. How cool. I need to remember that feel and try it with my horse. I have been so tense with my horse because it is always a struggle to even establish contact and we both anticipate it. Gave up finally, relaxed me to the point of even letting it feel like I was bouncing while trying to get contact in the out side rein and he gave up to and gave me his back. It felt like I was bouncing but I was moving with him according to my instructor. I felt sloppy and the imagery was act like a noodle but my horse relaxed and gave me a place to sit and my connection became nice and steady. We will make it look pretty later. It was a relief not be struggling and he was relaxed. We have a long way to go, but I think with my sensitive horse Less more even though because he hollow, I want to over manage him all the time.

[@jwolf2141]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage Thank you! Love your videos (also your brothers, but yours are more practical, and practical is what I need!)

[@kathrynboeddik6459]

Loved this video. Thank you so much!

[@TheGirlscoutkooki]

I still have a little bit of confusion, not with what a half halt is used for, but what the aids are for a half halt. I know they would vary as described depending on the horse and being in front of the leg, but I just am curious what I am supposed to do as basics with my aids to ride a half halt. like is it outside rein , or both reins, what is the motion? this is my only confusion with this, if someone wouldn't mind, or Amelia if you wouldn't mind telling me that I would be forever grateful and it would be immensely helpful. your videos are phenomenal and have helped me improve so so much, thank you a million!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

The half-halt is definitely a complicated aid!! This video might be helpful: amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/how-to-half-halt-from-your-thighs-and-seat/

[@mawadahabbaker5906]

I love the way you demonstrate and you make it easy😊😊😍

[@zariafourie4183]

Thank you so much this helps so much😍😍can you please make a video on rounding the horses neck

[@lyndaburch9381]

I loved this video. Can you say what you are using for the half halt…Your seat, breathing in and out, outside rein, abs….? Your husband’s video did that and that is helpful to us beginners who are just beginning to get the feel.

[@patriciagiuliano7318]

So helpful, it was very clear

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@postureprepping6079]

What about using your breath? Breathing as we do with upward and downward transitions? Breathing out facilitates the contraction of abdominal muscles.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

For sure! you just want to make sure you don't get tense within your breathing

[@jenbulger4645]

Thanks this was great. I look forward to seeing the next video on the most common mistakes.❤️😁

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Next Wednesday!!

[@ruthkeeling-holt2031]

Thanks for such a great video.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

What imagery do you use when you half-halt?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

For me I think of a circle of energy between my seat, leg and hand that keeps the energy of the horse flowing from their hind leg through the back and to the hand when I ride a half-halt.

[@jominola4328]

I’m working on half-halts and transitions now, so this is very helpful. I like the image of a “circle of energy” because it reminds me to keep the energy moving through the horse so that the transitions can be smooth and the horse more relaxed and focused.

[@annahunter3632]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage this comment just helped me so much!

[@carlosbeirao6070]

Awsome expalanation!! Tks alot.

[@iwanttovote6053]

So, I never heard Amelia say what exactly the half halt IS. That is, what exactly do you do with what part of your body and when? Thx

[@simons1543]

Thnx Amelia :)

[@MaRia-sp8kg]

It seems to me that your intro and extro (?) of your videos are nicer :)

[@kathryngrauert3490]

Hi, AMelia, This was great for transitions - what about a crooked and unbalanced horse?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Depending on what's happening, you want to think back to the training scale and go through the levels to see what you're missing below straightness.

[@sandrawheeler1521]

Are you using a slight squeeze on your little finger? Then what are you doing with your legs and seat. Sorry novice dressage rider here...unlike uou Amazing Amelia.xx

[@jillycannan6243]

Great video thanks for sharing 😊

[@silky2204]

Yes. Needed this video.

[@N2Dressage001]

What exactly are you doing with your seat when half halting?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

It depends!! Haha!! I am still following the motion of the horse with my seat in a half halt. But I may move a bit less or sit heavier to gather the energy

[@robinclift1504]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage what about the rein aid? I've heard only use outside rein, and also heard use both reins. Is it just a little squeeze of fingers, or something harder.. Or does that depends on the horse?

[@mjlincke]

Excellent!

[@faibishclassical]

Well done

[@debflint7630]

Agree how do you know what to do with my body. Did this today ... totally discouraged!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Try this video, I think it will help:kzbin.info/www/bejne/opbEfY2cet6hocU

[@alicetagesson4815]

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!💞😍

[@patsmythe]

very helpful, thank you

[@chandorequestrian]

Love this!

[@Pferdecoach]

So ..... Robert Dover says so wisely in dressage we are riding from half halt to half halt and my beloved sentence of him "the half-halt is the end in itself " or as he said between the most collection and the most extention is only a thought ....Jane Savoie said also so wisely it - the half-halt - shall better be called half-go .....so a half halt is to collect energy , its not only to change in other gaits , the common mistake is that people use all aids they have learned in same moment and so horses dont understand/ filter ....my former instructor Ellen Bontje said horses understand only white or black and not grey ! So why do people use leg and rein aids in same moment then ???? ha ha ha .......think and feel about.....but there is a so important precondition to understand truly , its knowing/ feeling the right timing for impulses ......smile

[@donnalegere3082]

loved this

[@maryellenlock4050]

I think the half-halt will help our mare during a test so she will know a halt is coming up, especially at centerline. On her own, she will not stop square, so if we ride her into the halt, I think she will do a more square halt if she knows exactly when I want her to halt square. Can you please demonstrate that. She is a very forward mare on her own, and very obedient. Thanks!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I have a video on the halt! Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpSufXhsgLmmjtE

[@animallover4101]

I totally agree with what you’re saying! I noticed when you did your opening dialogue you were sitting very crooked. Falling to the right , stirrups are uneven. Just my eagle eye observation .

[@michaelallen7997]

many moons

[@kmiklaszewski]

He might not have been standing quite square in the hind. I believe his right hind was a little bit more forward and when a hind leg is forward their hip drops so the riders hip drops at a certain point. Either that or the tech is a little off but I think his right hind leg is a little bit more forward than the left.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes. I noticed that and he was resting a hind leg. Thank you for pointing it out though! Probably not the best shot I will need to talk to my camera man!

[@shirleybroady]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage I think (almost) EVERYONE sits to one side or the other from time to time regardless of the position of the horse, although I love that explanation. We're hard wired to favor one side or the other, just like horses. I think we spend a lifetime adjusting our balance.

[@jenprior1406]

I find when doing transitions she anticipates and runs through hand , and gets heavier , exercise s to resolve ? Thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Try this amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/downward-transitions/

[@catherinecarden4581]

So in my show one of my teachers said “ half halt “ I had no idea what to do 😓 and I still don’t get it because I’m really dumb to understand something

[@pamelarbray]

How do you teach the half halt to the horse?

[@lisafraser5837]

Hi Amelia, Off topic I know but I’m looking for a saddle exactly like the one your riding in. Can you tell me what brand and series it is 🙌. Please !! 💕💕💕

[@susanwingblade1799]

It's probably a Custom Saddlery Wolfgang. I have one exactly like it and it's a fabulous saddle. If you look under Custom Saddlery you should be able to find a representative in your area that will come to your barn. Good luck!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Custom Saddlery! Yes!!

[@lisafraser5837]

Amelia Newcomb Dressage I thought it was a custom, I had them out last weekend but I didn’t like the type of saddles I was trying.. I did try the Wolfgang, I liked it but it had a seem right in a spot that was irritating me 😔

[@lisafraser5837]

Amelia Newcomb Dressage thank you so much for replying 😁😁

[@lisafraser5837]

susan wingblade thank you for replying, I figured it was custom !

[@brookelynn3627]

So a half halt is stopping for just a second not really stopping then just applying an aid to go foward?

[@WendyLCKerns]

Hi, what is the horse being in front of the leg? Thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

it means that they are reactive off of the leg!

[@debbiehattan890]

Hi. I would have loved you to use the word ‘rebalancing’, which is the purpose of a half halt.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! True. Thanks for adding this.

[@KM-lu7nh]

But what do you DO with your seat, leg and hands?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opbEfY2cet6hocU this video might explain things better for you

[@naunettemartin7450]

I like the video

[@Liv-gl6fw]

I’m still confused 😐

[@ianmason2964]

But what are you doing for a half halt? Everyone is commenting that it is clear but it’s not explicit what you are physically doing? What does in front of the leg mean?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great questions. The half halt can seem so mysterious until it clicks. In front of the leg means that your horse is on the aids and responsive - when you ask for a transition, they are able to respond right away. Here's some more info on the half-halt and a breakdown of how to ride it: amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/the-half-halt-explained/

[@Miss-Laine]

"In front of my leg" what does that mean?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hey there, so "in front of the leg" just means that they are moving off the leg rather than being lazy and having to kick them on!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@susieqwiedeman547]

Lol did that person in the background just walked in, turned around, then left

[@stefanpatatinis9568]

2:33 whose Beth? 😂😘

[@annabergen5440]

cool

[@Lynne2106]

We should call it gather instead of half halt.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great idea!

[@tomeks666]

I can only see a girl making circles on a horse. I have no idea at which exact moment these half halts are executed. What should I look at? Is it visible in any way?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Try this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opbEfY2cet6hocU

[@katyadawson9997]

No idea still what I just watched. I’m a new rider and for now it’s another fancy word in my vocabulary. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

HI Katya! Welcome to the page and thanks for watching!!! So happy you're starting on your riding journey. I have almost 400 videos on my youtube and they cater for all levels so there's loads for you to check out and I promise you you'll learn and it will be the best thing you do! I release new content every Wednesday! If you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@samerghazwan]

✌️🙏🙏🙏

[@elham2740]

I always ca ter

[@JJhaze]

This stuff is hard..... 🤔🤨😖🤦‍♀️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

it's a lifelong journey!

[@ne8116]

In this video you didnt explain it very well

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Let me know if you have questions!