The halter is probably the most frequently used piece of equipment on a horse. The horse wears it on his head. The main function of a halter is like using a collar and leash on your dog as a way to control him.
Halters and lead ropes are used to lead a horse in it’s daily activities, including going from place to place, tying them, or training them.
Some horse’s may also wear a halter to secure other things like fly masks or grazing muzzles. However, for safety, most halters should not be left on an unattended horse unless they have a break away feature incase the horse gets it caught on something. Wearing a halter for long periods can also cause pressure sores.
Flat Halters
These are made of either leather or material like nylon webbing. They have wide flat straps. Usually a handler with clip a lead rope under the horse’s chin, but there are also rings on the side. The wider straps help distribute any pressure coming from the lead rope.
Rope Halters
These are made of various thickness of rope. The thinner the rope the more severe as it concentrates any pressure, especially compared to a flat halter. They are, however, very light weight on a horse’s head.
Like all other equipment we use on a horse, remember there is a way to use it to create clarity or to instill fear.
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