THE HALF-HALT (4) Introducing The Half-Halt In The Sitting Trot

In this video, Thana and I will show you how to get started with the timing, the mechanics and the felt applications of your aids in the sitting trot. Although the mechanics of the sitting trot are universally defined, as with many things in Dressage, you will find many variations on the described feel of the aids needed to create a harmonious half-halt in the sitting trot with your horse.
Watch and find answers to the following questions:
1. How do I apply the three components of the half-halt in the sitting trot?
2. What is a good starting point from which my horse can willingly receive my more pronounced half-halts in the sitting trot?
3. What are the benefits of engaging my horse through more consciously ridden half-halts in the sitting trot?
Watch and take your time as you are experimenting with the individual elements of the aids. Your horse will show you when the ‘dosage’ of all the ingredients is right by moving forward willingly, with a light, elastic contact and at a relaxed, regular rhythm while you’re sitting the trot.
Also, have a look at the previous video in this series:
THE HALF-HALT ( 1 ) Introducing The Half-Halt In The Walk - • THE HALF-HALT (1) Intr...
THE HALF-HALT ( 2 ) Introducing The Half-Halt In The Posting Trot - • THE HALF-HALT (2) Intr...
THE HALF-HALT ( 3 ) Introducing The Half-Halt In The Canter - • THE HALF-HALT (3) Intr...
Additionally, you may also find the videos in my ‘Riding On The Bit / Yielding to Aids’ playlist helpful: • Riding On The Bit / Yi...
Happy riding! :)
PS: Get your free Arena Pattern Guide at www.katjaelk.c....
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Horse: Thana, 22 year-old mare, Oldenburg/WB; Background: Imported from Germany; formerly ridden and competed as an upper-level jumper; Health: Carefully rehabbed and trained after a neck surgery to treat Wobbler’s syndrome in 2015, eye surgery in 2020, and age-related arthritis; Training: Careful Dressage and ground training. Temperament (0 being extremely calm/laid-back, 10 being highly excitable/hot): 7; Personality: Alpha mare; reacts to pressure by either pushing back or becoming overly forward, with a tendency to run and grind teeth when feeling stressed; Sweet spot: Loves to have an open two-way conversation; learns best when new things are presented in small, digestible pieces and likes to collaborate when no one asks too much too soon.
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Note: Viewers should consult a professional before adopting any of the training techniques shown in this video. Any activity you do with your horse is at your own risk and may produce varied results.
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California-based Dressage trainer, instructor, clinician and life coach, Katja Elk, provides gentle training solutions for riders and horses of all backgrounds.
“Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate enough to learn from many amazing human and equine teachers. In my videos, I share tips and pointers with people interested in expanding their knowledge about foundational Dressage and different types of groundwork. You will see me work with my clients’ horses of various breeds, levels and backgrounds, highlighting parts of the journey we call work/play-in-progress with our equine partners. None of the shown clips are flawless. In fact, they all show the many imperfections an active, aging rider faces who entered the professional field as an instructor/trainer later in life and who keeps on striving to show that Dressage can be an activity we all can enjoy with our horses at most stages of our lives and at varying levels of expertise. The videos are honest, heartfelt attempts to show you ways to nurture a kind, joyful and productive relationship with your horses as you are exploring and expanding on the many facets of Dressage and groundwork.”
Katja applies the concept of a friendly, trust-based, two-way communication system to riding Dressage, work-in-hand as well as groundwork such as halter-work, longeing/lungeing and longlining.
Additionally, Katja, a Martha Beck certified master life coach, works with people who are looking for relief from anxiety, depression and/or other challenges in their lives.
www.katjaelk.com
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Music by Ivymusic from Pixabay

[@reginaangele1083]

Thank you to help me understanding my riding...in progress 👍👍

[@katjaelk]

You’re welcome, Regina! So happy you find my video helpful. 😊