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Halters and More
Remember the days when you asked for a halter at your local tack shop and they had a bin of "one size fits all"? Well, those days are gone. Now there are several different styles and sizes to select from. This week's tip provides information on different styles of halters, as well as considerations for safe use.

Why so Many Styles?
The original intent of a halter was to facilitate control. Halters are training tools, control devices and show equipment. Which halter you select depends on how you intend to use it. Halters range from simple knotted rope to soft lined leather. Silver adorned leather halters illuminate the Western show ring. Felt lined nylon affords comfort. Halters with breakaway devices insure safety. Knotted rope halters apply pressure for training. Still others are specifically designed to apply poll pressure on horses that are difficult to restrain.

Turnout
Turnout halters are available in several different styles and prices. The standard economical turnout is single ply nylon with plated hardware and little in the way of adjustability. They often lack the convenient throat latch snap. Sizes are often limited to pony and horse. Sometimes referred to as a shipping halter, it is often the halter of choice when a horse goes to sale or is transported. It is easily broken (generally the hardware breaks) and therefore offers some factor of safety if a horse gets the halter caught.

One step up from that is the double ply nylon halter generally with better quality hardware. This model usually offers an adjustable noseband and sizing from foal to large horse. Not as easily broken as the more economical models, but the hardware often breaks when enough pressure is applied.

Next in this line is a variety of felt lined nylon halters. These are the most expensive of the nylon models. They are available in several sizes and styles. They offer adjustable nosebands and brass hardware. The felt lining helps prevent rubs and other problems associated with other halters. Some brands provide a replaceable throat latch snap - the piece that generally breaks or wears first. Some models offer embroidered cheek and nose pieces. Dressed up with matching leads, these are sometimes acceptable for use at local shows.

The ultimate turnout is made of leather. Some models offer soft leather or other padded linings which prevent rubs. Quality leather halters generally cost 3 times as much as their nylon counterparts. Nylon is more durable and generally only deteriorates where hardware is attached. However, leather retains moisture or becomes overly dry from exposure to the elements and begins to attract fungus. It eventually weakens and breaks at the most inopportune times. It is more suitable for show or stable use rather than turnout.

Show
Halters designed for show are generally leather and do not have a snap on the throat latch. Preferably, the throat latch is rolled to afford a closer and least obstructed view of this area during judging.

In Western classes, silver bars adorn the nose and cheek pieces. They are often fastened with etched silver buckles. In English classes, there is no adornment. In both classes the halter should fit snug against the head to provide a clean look and show off the attributes of a well shaped head. Matching leather leads with chains are attached.

Training and Control
Knotted rope halters, once a cheap "cowboy" halter, are carefully designed so that when properly tied, the knots rest on particular pressure points on the horse's head. Originally made of cotton rope, they are now offered in high tech climbing rope in a variety of diameters and colors. The diameter determines the severity of the halter when used for control. A smaller diameter applies the same pressure per square inch in a smaller area, thus making it more severe. Generally, the horse responds quickly when pressure is applied to these halters and the handler doesn't have to be forceful.

Another form of control halter is a little confusing to apply, but works very well for horses that are difficult to handle or try to break halters and leads when restrained. This style of halter applies pressure to the poll when the horse pulls back. If correctly designed and adjusted, the halter should provide immediate release when the horse gives to the pressure. The ultimate response training tool, this feature of instant release generally demonstrates success within a few minutes. Most horses pull back about three times before they submit and stand quietly.




Halter Safety Tips
select a suitable halter for your intended use
check often for correct fit
remove halters from unattended horses
check for rubs and hair loss
Halter Safety Tips
Halters are intended to be used as control devices. They can easily get caught on tree branches, fence posts, and door latches. There are no guarantees that they will break when a trapped horse struggles . . . even if there is a breakaway device on the halter. Think of all the things in and around your horse's stall that a halter could get hooked on - bucket hooks, salt block holders, feeders, hay racks, tie rings and latches. Even though it seems impossible because all the horse has to do is step forward or put its head down to release itself, your horse doesn't think in those terms. Resistance and then flight will be the most common responses. When the horse cannot move away, it will struggle - sometimes to its death - trying to free itself. When a horse gets excited it raises its head. When it feels trapped, the response is to pull back in an attempt to free itself. While some horses have been known to wait quietly or drop their head and relax, that is not common..

Although halters are called "turnouts" and are often left on to facilitate catching the horse, it is not considered "good horse sense". If you feel the need to keep your horse haltered during turnout, then an easily breakable halter is recommended. One that has a breakaway device (generally a weak leather poll strap or other breakable piece) is safer than heavier styles.

A halter that doesn't break under pressure is a potential death trap for an unattended horse. If they should get caught, the horse can become cast or possibly strangle itself while struggling to get loose. Both can result in permanent damage or death. The irony in this is that a halter used as a control or restraint device should not break under pressure because if it does, the horse will soon learn that it can throw its weight backward and break loose when it is tied. This can become a dangerous and annoying habit that is difficult to remedy.

One of the dilemmas to turnout halters is fit. Generally, the halter should be loose enough so that it doesn't inhibit normal functions such as opening its mouth. However, it should not be loose enough to afford accidental entrapment. In foals, it must be tight enough to prevent a hind foot from getting caught when the foal scratches its ears or cheek with a hind foot. But, it must also be loose enough to allow for comfort.

One of the most unfortunate issues that arises from constant haltering is found on growing horses. Halters left on for months without removal or readjusting for fit can become embedded into rapid growing tissues. This often causes permanent scaring or damages the tissue so that there can be a recurring problem when the horse is haltered. As with any tack, halters should be inspected periodically for fit, wear, and rubs that may become infected.

In Short . . .
Select your horse's halter by design and purpose, not by cost or looks. Consider your horse's needs as well as your own. Your horse prefers comfort rather than looks.

Halters are temporary control devices, not permanent fixtures. Remove and readjust as needed to insure the health of the skin under the halter. There is always an element of danger when a horse is wearing a halter. Exercise common sense when haltering and you can help provide an element of safety and comfort for your horse.

© Sue Baker, Russo's Tack Shack 2004


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