Fergus, ON N1M 3V4
ph: 519-400-4901
dressage
THE RIDER'S NOTEBOOK
THE RIDER'S NOTEBOOK was first developed by Leslie during the 1980's. It became apparent to her through teaching in remote areas that riders would benefit by having written lessons broken down in a simple, step by step easy to understand format.
THE RIDER'S NOTEBOOK was a series of written reference articles in a clip out format
designed to assist
the rider between lessons.
Each rider could customize their "Notebook" by choosing the relevant articles.
THE RIDER'S NOTEBOOK will continue with written reference articles online and soon be available in AUDIO FORMAT.
PHOTO
Star and Leslie warming up
Dutch Warmblood Stallion
Owners
Dave and Judy Johnson
Travis Hall
Rockwood, ON
THE RIDER'S NOTEBOOK
Back by popular demand!
HALF HALTS
The Rider’s Notebook
Leslie A. Kennedy
Half halt is a term which is often heard but frequently misunderstood. The half halt is one of the most important exercises which is used throughout the horse’s training. During the half halt, more weight is shifted to the hindquarters permitting the forehand to become lighter consequently improving the balance.
A half halt is a collecting and balancing action brought about by the simultaneous use of the rider’s seat and back, legs and hands. The half halt should be applied before and after each transition, before each turn and also as a preparation before beginning two track movements. Essentially the half halt says “pay attention, I am going to ask you to do something different”.
To perform a half halt, you must drive your horse forward into your hands with both legs. Your hands must remain steady without pulling or giving.
- create the energy,
- contain the energy (without blocking it)
- allow the energy to flow out again with more power and balance in a forward and upward way
Once your horse has responded by balancing himself you must give with your hands. If your horse does not give, take a light, steady contact and try once more.
The main reason for a horse not responding to a half halt is contingent upon the rider. You must use your seat and back, and both legs in conjunction with the hands. Merely pulling on the reins without use of the driving aids will cause your horse to lean on the bit or go above or behind the bit in order to evade the action of the bit.
Take the time to learn to execute the half halt correctly. It takes some practice but is well worthwhile learning. Your horse will thank you!
COMING SOON IN AUDIO FORMAT
See Distance CoachingFor More Details
SAMPLE
THE RIDER'S TRAINING SCALE
The success we have with our horse is determined by the effectiveness of the rider. Just as we have a training scale for the horse, we have a training scale for the rider consisting of 6 steps. The first 3 are listed below.
- Balance in the seat
- Efficiency and elasticity of the seat
- Understanding the basic aids and combination of aids
NOTE: AUDIO FORMAT NOT YET ACTIVE....COMING SOON!
THE RIDER'S TRAINING SCALE
The success we have with our horse is determined by the effectiveness of the rider. Just as we have a training scale for the horse, we have a training scale for the rider consisting of 6 steps. The first three steps are listed below.
- Balance in the seat
- Efficiency and elasticity of the seat
- Understanding the basic aids and combination of aids
A step by step check list is included throughout the session along with exercises to master the first 3 steps.
UNDERSTANDING THE LEG YIELD (excerpts)
WHAT IS A LEG YIELD:
The leg yield is the most basic of all lateral movements and is the building block for further lateral work....
WHAT SHOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
The leg yield does NOT have bend......
THE PURPOSE:
Loosening, balancing and suppling, understand the sideways driving aids for both horse and rider...
Fergus, ON N1M 3V4
ph: 519-400-4901
dressage
