Training and Maneuvers for the Halter Horse

Mark Arns, Ph.D., Mary Ann Papay-Harris, M.S., Libby Lugar, M.S., & Sue Webb, M.S.

The ability to have a horse stand square is not only important in the show ring (showmanship and halter)and sale ring, but is also important to the training process. Ground work introduces the horse to the concept of giving to pressure and develops the relationship between the horse and handler. If the horse learns to respond promptly and willingly to light cues on the halter, it will more readily respond to cues given by the handler in the more advanced stages of the horse's training. Being able to have your horse presented to judges and prospective buyers in an alert, correct manner, is part of the key of becoming a successful horseperson. Too many times young horsemen rely on "chance" when presenting horses in halter and showmanship classes. Some exercises and training tips which will help handlers develop a consistent "showmanship" horse include:

Responding to Halter Pressure

I) Horses must respond to light pressure from the halter before being asked to perform other maneuvers.

a.Proper fit of the halter is crucial in developing the horses response. Halters should fit snugly around the bridge of nose and under the throatlatch.

Correct Fit . ............................................Incorrect Fit

Figure 4. Proper fit of halters not only assures consistent presentation of halter cues, but is safer for the horse as well.

b. Horses must come forward freely (and back) and willingly when asked to do so by the handler.

1. If a horse is reluctant to go forward, ask him to do so nicely with halter cue (push with hand and lead - not a jerk). If response doesn’t come, drive him forward from behind with the end of a lead rope or with a buggy whip. Let the horse walk/trot forward, and relax. Then ask again. Only use lead/whip to reinforce stimulus when response is lacking. Don’t rely on them as a cue! Vocal cues aid in moving the horse forward.

2. Use a similar philopsophy when teaching a horse to back. This time, pressure is applied to the front quarter if response is lacking.

c. Chains placed under the chin can be used to reinforce cues. Chains can and should be used in a positive manner in order to receive a response with a lighter cue. However, many horses will respond to a chain with a timid reaction when the chain is first used. It is important to incorporate the chain in a slow and patient fashion so the horse will not respond in an undesirable manner.

d. War bridles can be used to sharpen the horse’s response and reinforce cues. They should be used by experienced handlers only. Misuse can hurt horse and/or handler. Often horses will strike out or lurch forward when pressure is applied for the first time.

Figure 5. The war bridle provides simultaneous pressure on the horse’s poll, nose, and chin.  When used properly, it sharpens your horse’s response to halter cues.

II) Leading the horse

It is very important when leading horses that the handler remain even with the horses’ throat latch (on the left side) at all times.

a. The handler must walk "with" the horse, being careful not to pull or push the horse forward.

1. Pulling a horse will result in a tense and scared horse that will respond by moving very slowly if at all.

2. Pushing a horse (standing at the shoulder while leading) will cause horse to "wait" until the handler catches up before moving at a faster pace.

b. The same position is crucial when asking horse to trot. Extend the right arm forward and cluck or kiss to the horse. The handler must wait for the horse to take the first step before he/she starts to trot with the horse.

Figure 6. Proper position (A) of handler while leading a horse. Too far ahead (B) or behind (C) the horse presents an unprofessional appearance, and does not allow for proper presentation of cues.

III) Setting up (standing square)

a. This process must be executed consistently each time horse is asked to stand square. Always set hind feet first. Generally, the horse’s left foot is stationary, and the handler aligns the right foot to meet the left.

1. It is very important that every time setting up is practiced, the handler only moves the right hind foot while the left remains stationary. Note: Selecting the foot to be stationary is up to the individuals preference as long as it is practiced the same way every time. To prevent nervous movement, pause between each movement to keep the horse calm. Eventually, the horse will naturally "search" for the proper alignment when handler begins to apply cues. When the proper alignment is achieved, the handler should say "whoa" to let the horse know to stop.

2. After hind feet are set, align the front feet. With logical thinking the handler can position the horse’s front feet by lifting the horse’s head (to shift the weight to the hindquarters) and moving the lead with straight forward or backward motions. The horse will respond by moving the proper foot.

Figure 7. Teaching a horse to stand square. Note, the handler may need to "help" the horse by placing a hand on the withers to shift the horse’s weight.

b. Once horse is set up, the handler should say "whoa" and take one step away from horse. This lets the horse know the handler no longer is trying to move the horse’s feet and that the horse is to remain in that position. This movement also gives the handler a larger field of vision around the horse.

IV) Pivots

When turnarounds or pivots are performed correctly, the horse turns over his hindquarters with the inside hind foot being the stationary pivot foot. The horse’s body remains relatively straight as the left front foot crosses over the right front while turning.

a. This maneuver can be difficult for some horses. Remember, start slow, let the horse become comfortable doing 90° turns before progressing to 180°, 270°, 360°, and so on.

b. The handler must be able to move the horse’s shoulder. Too many beginners try pushing the horse’s head around. As a result, the horse becomes over-bent and does not pivot. During the initial training period, it may be necessary to hold the lead with the left hand and encourage the horse to move the shoulder with the right hand.

c. The handler’s position during the turn is crucial. If the handler walks out, or backs out of the turn, the horse will do the same. Therefore, it is very important for the handler to stay on the arc of the turn.

d. Once the horse is taught the necessary maneuvers to complete a showmanship class, the next step is to put all maneuvers together so they may be performed in a smooth and subtle manner.

Working on these maneuvers every day is a must. The handler needs to make sure to keep the horse’s attention at all times and to never allow the horse to become dull or lethargic when working at halter. A key to good showmanship/salesmanship is to be able to get the horse’s attention when needed so that he is alert at opportune times.