Haltering Your Horse

A horse halter is headgear you put on your horse to guide him. It fits over the back of the neck, just behind the ears and around your horse's muzzle. Unlike a bridle, a halter does not have a bit that goes into your horse's mouth.  Halters are used to help retrieve, lead, or hold your horse.  Once the halter is fastened around your horse's head, you can then lead him by pulling on the muzzle part of the halter.

Halters are made of varying material and workmanship (and of course, a wide range of prices).  Leather halters tend to be the most expensive, but are the most durable if you take the time to keep them in good condition.  Rope halters are made from braded material such as cotton or sometimes nylon and are generally very inexpensive.  You can buy premade rope halters or make your own (they are fun and easy to make).  Rope halters tend to stretch or shrink requiring frequent readjustment.  Nylon halters constructed in a flat web design are cheaper than leather halters and last a great deal longer than cotton rope halters.  Nylon horse halters cleaned easily and are not usually subjected to rotting or mildew.

The type of horse halter you use is simply a matter of preference.  And regardless of the kind of halter you use with your horse, you put it on the same.  

<b>Putting a Halter on Your Horse</b>

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<li>Before placing a halter on your horse, you should first check the halter and lead rope for any damage or excessive wear. Start by making sure the halter is unbuckled and attaching the lead rope to the tie ring on the halter.<br /><br /></li>

<li>Speak to your horse and approach him from the front so he can see you. Walk toward his left shoulder.<br /><br /></li>

<li>Loop the lead rope around your horse's neck by passing it under his neck using your left hand and grabbing the rope with your right hand over the top of his neck. Gather both ends of the lead rope together in your right hand to keep your horse from wandering.<br /><br /></li>

<li>Changeover the lead rope to your left hand, and grasp both sides of the halter near the nose band. Slip the noseband around your horse's muzzle and slide it up and around your horse's nose.<br /><br /></li>

<li>Wrap the halter strap over your horse's head just behind his ears. Fasten the buckle so it is not too tight or too loose. If you can fit two fingers between your horse's cheekbone and the noseband, then the halter is adjusted about right.<br /><br /></li>

<li>Unwrap the lead rope from around your horse's neck. You are now ready to lead your horse.</li>
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Randall Holman, site owner of FrontRangeFrenzy.com and horse enthusiast, is the author of this article. You will find other <a href="http://www.frontrangefrenzy.com" target="_blank">easy and practical basic horse care information</a> on his website.