Defenses must be violent and cause maximal destruction to the adversary to ensure that you and your unit, compadres, etc. are safe from further attacks by that individual or individuals. Before getting to the 4 basics of HHC, footwork, positioning and stances must be incorporated. The horse stance is a simple stance, which provides both stability and mobility. There is no perfect depth for a horse stance. A shallower stance offers the opposite.
Hands are in front, protecting the body.
All weight should be in equilibrium and the body in good posture. This is a momentary, transitional stance, rarely ever to be held more than a fraction of a second. The front arm should be out at about stomach or belt level with the hand open and the elbow close to the body. The front arm should be the distance from your body equal to the forearm length. The back hand should be at upper chest level, either clenched or open.