Issue: wobbly halts
The halt is the last movement in every test, but it’s not time to relax.
“I see many riders throwing away easy marks because the halt is not square,” explains Kirsty. “I expect to see both pairs of hooves, front and back, aligned. Riders need to be pickier and train the halt at home to prevent them losing marks on an easily trainable movement.”
How to fix it
■1 Initially, have someone to tell you which legs need attention, or use mirrors.
■2 If the halt isn’t square, ask your horse to take one step forward, lightly tapping him with the whip in the most appropriate place to encourage him to move the offending leg. Tap him on the left shoulder if it’s the front left leg or behind the left of the saddle for the left hind, for instance.
■3 Repeat until the halt is square, then praise your horse. Never let him step backwards. Don’t let it turn into an argument and upset your horse if he doesn’t understand your aids at first. It’s better to reset by moving forward and trying a new halt in a different spot.
■4 Keep your leg on and don’t grab with the reins as you ride into halt. This will support your horse and encourage him to bring his hind legs under him to halt square.
■5 Pick a point to ride towards and don’t look at the judge or down at your horse. Keep your focus until the end.
■6 Learn to feel which leg isn’t square so you can correct it quickly at competitions.
■7 Be consistent and ask for a square halt every time you ride — even when you’re not schooling.