Space to Breathe. Thoughts on the Half-Halt and My Latest Article on Your Horse Online

There’s something quietly powerful about the half-halt.

It’s subtle, almost invisible when done well but this simple shift in balance and intention can completely transform how you and your horse communicate. I’m delighted to share that my latest article for Your Horse is now live, exploring exactly that: how to ride better half-halts, and why they matter more than we sometimes realise.

📰 Read it here:
How to Ride a Half-Halt – with Equestrian Coach Alison Kenward

The Heart of the Piece: Space to Breathe

I share a quote in the article that really resonated with me:

“Every half halt implies the need for greater animation.”
—Erik Herbermann

That phrase speaks of lightness, of a moment suspended between energy and cadence.

It’s a reminder that the half-halt isn’t just about rebalancing it’s about communication. About finding shared moments of understanding with your horse, whether in the arena or out on a quiet hack.

Inside the Article

Here’s a little of what you’ll find in the full feature:

• A fresh perspective on the half-halt as a moment to shape energy not to interrupt it

• Reflections on artistry, emotion, and the way horses speak through movement

• A straightforward ridden pattern to help you explore the feel of the half-halt

• Coaching insights on how this one aid can deepen connection without complexity

For Your Next Ride

Next time you’re schooling, see if you can find that space to breathe a small shift where things feel clearer, softer, lighter underneath you.

It’s often in these quiet moments that the real conversation begins.

🗞️ Read the full article in Your Horse here:
👉 How to Ride a Half-Halt