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Tip/Quote of the Day # 3803
Any excessive closing of knees or thighs takes the rider's lower leg off of the horse. It is more correct to wrap the entire leg around the horse for half halts and downward transitions - as if giving the horse a hug with your legs. This encourages the horse to keep the hind legs stepping under in the downward transition, and invites the horse to keep their back up as well. A tight upper leg will stop the horse, but it will tend to make them stiffen their back and stop their hind legs. Almost as much as pulling on the reins.
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