First it all starts on the ground. Building softness in the halter is a lot like building softness in the bridle for a young horses first time with a bit. Flexing left and right while standing is step one. Step two is long lining with the halter (I prefer rope halters at first since they have training knots to help promote softness). Once your horse is soft to a feel it’s time to try it in the saddle! Be soft with your hands, ask softly and add outside leg. Don’t pull with steady pressure use little bumps. If the horse doesn’t respond then increase the pound of pressure in your have slightly until they move in the direction you’re asking and release immediately. I enjoy the figure 8 pattern to help them understand this. Only at a walk until you feel they’re proficient at the walk you can then ask for the trot and keep them either circling or figure eight.
I hope this helps! Once your horse is soft to a feel bitless they won’t tell you but you’ll notice they’re happier 🙂
J Randol horse training 