Horse Halters & Leads

A halter and lead are two of the most important tools when it comes to training your horse or pony. It is the first thing they learn to understand as foals and the last thing they have to obey when retired. A halter can also be called a head collar or headstall. The lead is what hooks with a snap to the halter and allows you to lead your horse.

Halters and leads can be made out of leather, rope, or nylon.   A halter is all about what you prefer your horse to look like. Many people use nylon halters at their barn in multiple colors and even embroidered and then use the classics leather halter with the bronze name plate at shows or when shipping.  Leather halters or nylon halters with a leather crown piece are the safest to turn your horse out in since leather will break in case of a snag. It is much better for your horse to break his or her halter than his neck or your fence line!

The lead style and material is also according to taste. However, you can also get a lead with a chain on the end for more control or to show in hand.  The lead is attached to the halter most often at a point under the jaw. A good lead rope is a necessity at any barn when you go to catch your horse, groom or do anything with your horse that requires control.

Tying your horse is something you should talk to your trainer about. In the case that you do, again a leather halter or leather crown piece is recommended so it will hold your horse but also break in case of an emergency. Along with the safety precautions it is good to learn to tie a slip not that you can release with one pull in case of emergency.

Pick out a halter and lead that are best for you and your horse!