Halters

Halters are most commonly found in three types: rope, nylon and leather. Each have advantages and disadvantages.

A rope halter has the advantage of being inexpensive and adjusts to fit several size animals. It should be noted that the knots in these halters apply pressure to the delicate nerves on the head, and should be used with caution.

The leather halter is usually the most expensive but with proper care will last the life of the horse. The best leather halters are triple stitched, 1 - 1 1/4 inch wide with solid brass buckle on the crownpiece. A special lighter halter, called a turnout halter, is used when a horse is turned out to pasture. These turnout halters will break more easily if a horse gets its foot caught while scratching or rubs its head on a fence post.

The nylon halter doesn't require the care of a leather one, and can be easily laundered, if dirty. A good nylon halter should be double or triple-ply with extra stitching at stress points, and with a tongue buckle and eyelets. Nylon halters with snaps at the throatlatch are more likely to break if the horse pulls.

WARNING: Never leave an unattended animal with a nylon halter on. If the animal becomes caught, a nylon halter will not break and can become a death trap.