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Front Range Frenzy Home : Horse Information : Horse Halters
"Horse Halters"
About Haltering Your Horse & Making Your Own Halter
A horse halter is headgear used to guide your horse. It fits over the back of the neck, just behind the ears and across or around the muzzle. When a handler pulls on the muzzle end of the halter, the horse's head turns toward the handler. Unlike a bridle, a halter does not have a bit that goes into your horse's mouth.
Putting a Halter on a Horse
1. Before beginning, make sure the horse halter is already unbuckled and the lead rope is attached. Check both halter and rope for wear.
2. When approaching your horse, approach from the front so he can see you and walk toward the shoulder of the horse while speaking to him. Don't walk straight toward him in case he should happen to bolt-you want to be able to get out of the way easily. Never approach your horse from behind. A startled horse can jump or kick.
3. While standing on the left side, pass the lead rope under your horse's neck with your left hand and grab it 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.
4. Transition the lead rope to your left hand, and grab both sides of the of the horse halter down near the nose band. Then slide the noseband around your horse's nose.
5. Bring the halter strap over the horse's head just behind his ears and then fasten the buckle while keeping hold of the lead rope just in case your horse decides to bolt before you have a chance to finish.
Note: The horse halter should not fit too loose or too tight. A rule of thumb is you should be able to fit two fingers underneath your horse's cheekbone and the noseband.
6. Remove the lead rope from around your horse's neck, and you are now ready to lead.
