The Importance of Halters

Horses are introduced to halters at an early age, some as early as one day old. With the introduction of the halter, they will learn the most basic of skills…to lead. Every horse should be fitted properly with a halter; it must be comfortable and never leave rub marks. Halters are sized foal, weanling, yearling, cob, full size and oversized. The type of halter you choose is a matter of safety and control. If your horse is on pasture, do you leave a halter on? Is your horse hard to catch, needing a halter on at all times? What are the rules of the barn? If stabled, is there an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency? Leather halters have been a long standing favorite of horsemen for many years. Known for their durability and longevity, leather halters also add a whimsical touch of class. Quality and strength offer control and are great for trailering, turnout or at a show. They are also safe in the event your horse should get caught and struggles, the leather and hardware will break. Good leather halters will have a brass buckle adjustment on both sides of the crownpiece while the throatlatch has a brass snap that allows the halter to be put on quicker. Accessorize your halter with a brass name plate. Billy Royal Keeneland Deluxe and Billy Royal Saratoga has handcrafted exceptional leather halters for over 50 years. Using only the best American tanned leather and solid brass hardware, the supple halters are perfect for every need. Joseph Sterling Aachen Dressage halters are made of the finest Sedgwick’s of England leather. This stunning black halter is the epitome of superior quality and will turn heads while showing in hand with the matching plaited lead. Premier Fort Worth and Premier Belmont leather halters are an affordable quality buffalo leather with all of the features of the more expensive halters. Nylon web halters are an economical choice in many barns and larger stables. Available to match most barn colors, nylon halters provide strength but will rely on break away leather pieces or hardware failure for safety. Dura-Tech Fully Padded Safety Turnout Halter and the Comfort Plus Turnout Halter have the break-away features and replaceable repair parts available. Nylon web halters are machine washable and come with one buckle on the crownpiece and some styles have an adjustable curb strap. Rope halters generally have a lead attached and are handy to have on hand at home. Rope halters have no hardware and will not break in the event of an emergency. They are ideal for leading horses to the pasture (removing for turnout), moving from stall to stall, trailering or taking along on trails. Rope halters slip on and off quickly and are machine washable. Dura-Tech Rope Halter and Lead is the perfect example of a one size fits all halter. If rub marks are noticed at the poll, cheek or nose, synthetic or sheepskin tubing kits are available. These kits simply Velcro to the crownpiece, nose band and cheek pieces to provide comfort.