Have you given much thought to the halter you have chosen for your horse? And when you needed to buy a replacement, did you just get the same kind thinking that it is good enough or did you try looking for a better one? Do you prefer headstalls and lead rope made in a design you prefer, or do you value comfort and quality over style? If you are one of those people who put a lot of thought into choosing horse tack, then awesome! You have nothing to worry about. But, if you weren’t aware of the differences between the various types of halters, then continue reading for a few tips and tricks which will help you in choosing a quality halter for horses.

This piece of equipment it is used for tying up and leading your horse. A halter is one of the first things you buy when getting a horse.

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Halter-breaking means teaching your horse to respond to cues, in order to move in the indicated direction. So, let’s say you want to lead your horse forwards. You need to apply gentle pressure to lead the horse forwards and then release the pressure once he moves forward. If you aren’t gentle, you may have the opposite effect – the horse will start pulling backwards even harder. Experienced trainers can better use this technique as it involves a punishment when the horse doesn’t move in the right direction.

There a few different types of halters for horses, depending on the material they are made of. These are the main ones:

If you are looking for elegant, yet quality and durable horse halters, then leather ones may be perfect for you. Almost any equipment made from leather can last you a lifetime - provided you take good care of it. You can use a damp cloth to clean the leather. Some types of leather require oiling it, some don’t. All you need to do is make sure that the leather doesn’t crack, as then it becomes more likely that it will break. Leather horse halters usually have a lot of buckles and clips, so they will fit your horse better.

Web halters are usually made from nylon and in general, they are cheaper than leather. However, they are still durable as nylon is a strong material. And the best thing about a nylon horse halter? There is a wide variety of colors and patterns. And seeing how they aren’t that expensive, you can a few different colored ones. That way, you will have a backup just in case.

If you do decide to get a nylon horse halter, there is one thing to note. Make sure it has metal hardware, such as buckles. It is almost impossible to break nylon, so in case your horse gets stuck you would want to have something to unbuckle.

Another common option is getting a rope hose halter and lead. Like the nylon ones, these aren’t as expensive as leather. These also don’t have any hardware, such as clips or buckles. They can be adjusted by tying and retying the knots. When you first buy the rope hose halter and lead, you will find it easier to adjust the knots. With prolonged use, the knots get stiffer and it is harder to readjust them.

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Size definitely matters when it comes to equipment. A headstall or anything else that doesn’t fit right will be uncomfortable for your horse. So, before you look for a halter online, try to measure your horse and then look at the sizing chart.

The noseband should be somewhere between the eyes and nostrils, or about two fingers below the cheekbones. Then measure from the area behind the ears to the area behind the jaw – to determine the size of the throatlatch.

Bear in mind that neither the throatlatch nor the noseband should be too tight or too loose. If they are loose, there is the possibility that they will get caught on something. And always make sure that the throatlatch isn’t too restrictive around the neck. Your horse should be able to swallow comfortably. The same goes for the noseband, eating and drinking shouldn’t become a chore.

Lastly, check the sizing chart in the product info. Manufacturers usually specify the size and allow you to choose. If it is a rope one, it will probably say that it is a ‘one size fits all’. You will be able to adjust the knots for a right fit. However, an adjustable halter for horses is usually your best option. Even if you choose the right size, it might not fit perfectly. Having the option to adjust the buckle will give you more leeway in terms of size.

If you aren’t sure about the size, don’t be embarrassed to ask an employee or representative and enquire about the sizing chart. You can provide the employees with your measurements and they will know best whether their product is a good fit for your horse.