To cue for a halt, close your fingers and squeeze backwards. The horse should stop as he feels the backwards pull on the reins.
As you gain skill and refine your aids you will push your seat deeper into the saddle, stiffen your back, close your legs on the horse slightly, and squeeze back on the reins. As soon as the horse responds and comes to a complete halt, the cue should be stopped.
Sometimes you will need to apply a stronger aid, pulling backwards if the horse is reluctant to stop. "Give and take" as the horse takes strides, squeezing back and easing up until the horse halts. You can also ask your horse with your voice to "whoa". Your cues for the halt should be smooth. There should be no 'dead pull' or jerking and jabbing on the reins.
If the horse has halted correctly he will have his nose down, will not swing to one side, and will be standing more or less square (a leg 'in each corner'). If the horse flips its head up, you may have applied the cue too sharply. If the horse swings or turns, you may not be holding the reins evenly.
Tip: Don't forget to breathe! As you are concentrating hard you may find you are holding your breath. Breathing naturally will help you stay relaxed in the saddle.
Once you've come to a complete halt or stop, you may be asked to walk on, trot or jog or even canter or lope depending on how advanced your instruction is. If you have come to the halt because your ride is over, give your horse some praise, perhaps a scratch or pat on the neck. The dismount and loosen the girth or cinch, and if your ride is over run up the stirrups.
