Many equestrians have experienced riding the “All go and no whoa” horse who gallops for miles; mane flying in the wind. While other riders prod their horses into a trot, the riders of these energetic horses are hanging on for dear life as they try to gain control. In fact, it is that hanging on the reins that is part of the problem. Many horses will try to stretch their necks to relieve the distress of too-tight reins. As horses attempt to pull their heads forward, riders pull the reins backwards even harder and horses try to run away from the discomfort.
There is a variety of well-tried methods to slow-down these galloping dynamos. Some riders longe their horses in circles for twenty-minutes or more before riding in the mistaken belief that their horses will tire and become manageable. But, this actually, over time, builds strength and stamina so that they are able to run further and faster than ever before.
Thousands of dollars are spent yearly as riders hunt for that ever-elusive, miracle bit that can put control back into the ride. However, horses’ mouths continue to become insensitive and more severe bits must be found.
Of course, a month or two of retraining with a professional is an option. But after a brief honey-moon stage when the horse returns home, bit-by-bit, things return to normal and the old tug-of-war begins again.
It is best to teach your horse the verbal commands for each gait, for the half halt, and for transitions within gaits. The verbal command I use for the half halt is “Aa-nd.” It is used to get horses’ attention and let them know that they are going to be asked a question or to collect and prepare for movement changes. Without a half halt, they may have difficulty rearranging their balance. Interject the half halt before you ask the horse to do anything, whether you are standing by his side, mounted, or longeing him. Simultaneously a squeeze of the lead-rope, longe line, or reins is a good signal to use, as well as inhaling and drawing up the sternum.
First, teach him to do three-strided walk-halt transitions with a half halt between the walk and the halt. Begin these exercises inhand (on the ground while walking beside your horse), as you match feet with him. Encourage your horse to relax and remind him that he is doing well by saying “Good.” When he halts with you, say “Nice” and offer a little edible reward.
Repeat the exercises while using a 30-foot longe line. Use verbal commands, including a half halt, as well as increasing and decreasing your energy. While he is walking a 60-foot circle, match feet with him but walk an interior 10-foot circle. When you and he can perform three-stride walk/halt transitions on a longe line correctly, insert three strides of trot. Continue to match feet with him by running along the 10-foot circle. The sequence is: halt, half halt, three strides of walk, half halt, three strides of trot, half halt, three strides of walk, half halt, and a halt. Later, you can increase the number of strides to walk/trot strides to five. As he becomes balanced, you can add five strides of canter. In order to match feet with him at the canter, you must perform a unilateral skipping motion around the circle with your front (leading) leg toward the center of the circle (i.e. your right leg is in front if you are skipping to the right). But be careful that your horse maintains his relaxation and focus! Always say “Nice” and reward him amply for his successes!
It is important that your horse learns the verbal command for canter and develops the balance and collection necessary to do smooth walk/ half halt/trot/ half halt/ canter/ half halt/ trot/ half halt/ walk/ half halt/ halt transitions before doing these transitions when mounted. It will take your horse some time before he develops the balance he needs to shorten his stride and round his back under him to transition from a canter to a trot in five strides. In fact, it may take him several additional strides to make the transition. Just be sure to say “Nice” and reward him for his efforts! It is important that you do not scare or chase him into a trot or canter. That defeats the lesson! Take your time so that his transitions are relaxed and effortless.
When he can do these transitions inhand, you are ready to do the exercise while mounted. At first, ask an assistant to stay near the center of the circle and match feet with your horse while holding the longe line as you practice communicating by using your verbal commands, energy level, and soft, even contact with the reins. This helps to ensure that the three of you stay in unison.
To retrain yourself not to pull the reins, relax your upper arms straight down, bend your elbows and rest your hands on your thighs. Leave them there as if they were surgically attached to your upper legs. To make downward transitions, half halt by saying “Aa-nd” while lowering your energy and squeezing the reins (don’t pull). Say “Whoa” while continuing to deflate your energy and gently slow your body movements into the halt. When he halts with your body movements, enthusiastically say “Nice” and offer him a caress on his neck or an edible reward.
After he masters three strided walk/halt transitions, increase the walk strides to five, and then ten. If all remains perfect, as you did inhand, you will be able to add several trot strides into the equation and later, if he remains focused, relaxed and responsive you can add five strides of canter into your series. If your horse ignores your “whoa” go back to three-strided walk/halt transitions until he relaxes and focuses again. He should not be excited when he trots or canters. If he is, he needs more time learning these transitions inhand.
When your horse achieves this goal, he will be lighter in front. You will feel the power of true collection as his hindquarters and legs reach under his belly causing him to spring forward and up in balance, lightness, and control. Now, an array of new possibilities are within your reach including extended and collected strides, and flying lead changes.
Starting with short transition sequences is the best way to teach your horse to move with you; to balance, collect, and focus. Balance and collection do not happen overnight, those skills must be learned. Do not rush! It was by rushing that your horse developed the problem! On this point, keep these sessions short, no more than twenty minutes at first with five minute breaks!
Best wishes,
Chris Forté
For more information about teaching your horse to “whoa”: