[From the January 2012 Sho Times: Stacey Brown is a contributing writer to the Sho Clothes Sho News monthly newsletter]
A properly performed half halt in the trot or canter gait, gives the horse an opportunity to rebalance himself, and can be a signal that the rider will soon make another request. Properly performed half halts can be almost imperceptible and are important in both training and performance. High level performance literally depends upon them. But they are difficult to learn and timing is key.
A half halt is actually an advanced skill that is much more difficult than it sounds. The rider must simultaneously slightly shift weight to the seat bones, apply the lower leg, lift the sternum, secure her shoulder blades down and back, while giving a gentle squeeze to the reins. In the vernacular of biomechanics, this series of actions is best described as activating the core muscles, to secure the spine in a neutral position as an anchor, allowing for stabilization of the scapulae and pelvis, in preparation for precise control of the lower leg and forearm muscles. Just as it is important for the horse to meet certain criteria before a half halt can be successful, (forward energy, contact, rhythm), the rider must also meet some criteria.
Common rider faults lead to improper signals to the horse. For example, the rider who is too far forward on her pubic bone (anterior pelvic tilt) and therefore overusing her psoas, (unable to engage her core), will cause hollowing of the horses back as she takes more contact with the mouth through the reins. She will force the horse down through the spine directly behind the withers with her body weight, and the horse will not be able to use his topline oppose his abdominals in order to round himself. The result is the exact opposite of what a half halt should produce. The poll will often over flex, and the lower neck may further extend.
Similarly, the rider who sits too far back (posterior pelvic tilt) cannot lift her sternum. She has no place to go, in order to shift her weight to her seat bones, and over relies on rein contact. Her increased tension on the mouth will likely result in evasion of the bit and neck distortion as well.
Correct performance of a half halt depends entirely on the rider’s ability to activate the core and momentarily use her aids to influence the horse, without collapsing her own posture or that of the horse. To break this down, we will review the core muscles and their actions:
The multifidus is a group of deep spinal extensor muscles that connect individual vertebrae, and allow the shape of the spine to be stabilized in the desired position. The transverse abdominis is a muscle group that is deep to the rectus abdominis and the obliques, and is able to directly oppose the multifidii, (spinal extensors), by increasing inta-abdominal pressure, reducing the volume of the abdominal cavity. The two muscle groups together, give the “stack of bones” of the spine, a solid and strong support. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for stabilizing the pelvis and initiating the process of spinal stabilization communicating with both the transverse abdominis and the multifidi, (spinal extensors). The diaphragm must be able to contract and relax, during this entire process in order to allow controlled and relaxed breathing.
Once these muscles are doing their job correctly, the rider can learn to use the outer movement muscles, such as the latissimus, the hip adductors, the scapular stabilizers, and the biceps, without disrupting the ideal rider posture.
There are many conditions that interfere with this process. The spine can have stiff or hyper-mobile segments from old injuries or years of altered posture and use. The pelvic floor can be weak from sacral and spine positional faults, and neurologic causes. The multifidii require specific re-education and retraining after any spinal injury or pathology. There are many muscle balance issues from tight hip flexors from sitting, to overstretched thoracic extensors the list goes on.
If any of these issues exist for you, a physical therapy evaluation and treatment program to specifically address use of the core and simultaneous dissociation of the extremities may make half halt a more successful tool for both you and your horse.
If you would like to schedule treatment, have questions, or suggestions for future informational columns, please contact Stacey at: info@animalrehabinstitute.com or (971) 226-0010 mobile. You will find directions to her clinic on the web site www.AnimalRehabInstitute.com.
Stacey Brown PT CERT received her degree in physical therapy from Pacific University and is a native of Portland Oregon, where she practiced human physical therapy for 30 years, and equine rehabilitation for 7 years. She has a strong background in both neurologic and orthopedic treatment, and combines her experience in a unique and effective approach. Stacey now practices in the Wellington, FL area, and specializes in the assessment and treatment of equestrian athletes. She is an athlete, rides herself, and has a life long interest in nutrition and wellness. Through movement analysis and physical evaluation, Stacey designs individual treatment programs to enhance performance, as well as treat injuries. She is skilled in muscle balancing techniques, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and uses a cold laser to speed healing and enhance nuero-motor retraining. She is also certified in equine rehabilitation, and uses her skills to improve the performance of horse and rider pairs.
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