Horse Academy

Step-by-step lesson

Walk + Halt Aids

Learn simple, gentle cues to start walking and to halt with your instructor.

Riding12 min5 steps

Before you start

Complete these lessons first

Pass this quiz first

What you need

Equipment

Step by step

  1. Start with your best position: eyes up, shoulders relaxed, hands quiet.

    Check: I feel balanced.

  2. To walk: squeeze gently with your legs, then soften.

    Check: Horse walks forward.

  3. To halt: breathe out, sit tall and still, and close fingers softly (ask your instructor).

    Check: Horse halts and stands.

  4. Reward the halt by relaxing your body for a moment.

    Check: Horse stays calm.

  5. Practice 3 walk-halt transitions with coaching.

    Check: Transitions feel smoother.

Common mistakes

  • Pulling back to stop
  • Kicking too hard to go

Coach cues

  • Squeeze then soften.
  • Breathe to stop.

Stop and get help if

  • Horse won’t stop
  • You feel scared

Key terms

Practice drills

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