How to make the perfect stop

Some helpful tips on how to get the perfect square stop from five-star eventing rider Coral Keen.

Credit: Lucy Merrell / https://www.horseandhound.co.uk

1. When you first start introducing stops into your work, it is important to remember that the most important part of this element is that the horse stands still in submission. At first, you should not make too many adjustments when trying to make a “square” stop, as this can cause the horse to will start to get nervous at a stop, and this will become a problem in the future.

2. When working on stops, do it progressively. Start with stops along the way, gradually reducing the number of steps between them. Don’t expect them to be perfect right away. straightforward. Give your horse time at the beginning of the movement to develop balance, this may take a long time at first, but will allow the horse to stop “in the square” later on.

3. Walk and trot quality before stopping is extremely important. Your horse must be active, because when you group and prepare him for a stop, he must keep weight on hind legs. Your task is to keep the momentum and activity of the hind legs working under your horse. Remember that, as with any downward transition, this movement forward, and you need to save it to the last tempo.

4. Straightforwardness is the key to success. Try to work on squaresto test your straightness. Also do “under-transitions” after passing corners. Turning will help the horse bring the back leg under the body, after which it will be easier for her to make a “smooth” stop.

5. Your balance and position in the saddle will contribute to a good stop. Help in stopping will be to drop your heels, sit very nicely, straight and deep in the saddle, and let the body “fall through” even deeper. Do not forget look up and forward, not down.

6. Once your horse is ready to be tacked at the halt, use your legs to correct the position of the horse’s legs. So, if it’s the left side, use your left foot, and if it’s the right side, use your right foot. Get the horse to take one small step. Try to hold on to the reins to keep your front legs from moving. If the horse reacts to this, even if it is not a perfect stop, praise her for the correct answer. Then the horse will begin to understand that when he stops, he needs to switch his legs and stand in a “square”.

Source: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk