Every horse owner must have an essential piece of equipment, but it’s often the most overlooked item in the tack room. We use them daily, and when one breaks or gets lost, it will be replaced without a second thought. This is the horse halter. All halters have the same primary function of controlling the horse's movements while handling them, but not all halters will fit your handling techniques. Equally, not all halters will fit your horse perfectly. When shopping for a new halter for a show or everyday use, it is essential to consider what the halter will be used for, your tastes, and the safety and comfort of your horse.
Fitting a Halter on Your Horse
The fit of your horse’s halter is the priority when choosing a new one. There are four places to measure for a proper halter fit:
- The noseband should sit halfway between your horse's eyes and nostrils. Measure around the entire circumference of your horse's nose, and add 1 to 3 inches. When trying the new halter on your horse, you should be able to fit three fingers under the noseband.
- The cheek pieces should parallel your horse's cheekbones and ensure the hardware isn't putting pressure on their face.
- The poll strap should sit behind your horse's ears without pinching, and you should be able to fit three or four fingers underneath the halter. Ensure that the hardware of your chosen halter isn't too snug and isn't applying pressure to your horse's face.
- The throat strap. Like the poll strap, you should be able to fit three or four fingers underneath the halter. This piece shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
After finding the perfect size for your horse, consider what you need a halter. Is your horse turned out with its halter on? Do you use a halter while doing groundwork? Are you trailering your horse often? Are you looking for a halter to show in a halter or another in-hand class? Do you turn your horse out and throw the halter daily on the ground next to the gate? Answering these questions about your equestrian style will help you choose your new halter!
Types of Halters and Their Uses
With the number of options available, shopping for a new halter can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most popular types: leather, nylon, breakaway, shipping, rope, and show halters, to make your decision easier. Keep your answers to the questions above in mind as you explore which halter is best suited for your horse and your needs.
Leather Halters
Leather halters are timeless and widely trusted by horse owners across disciplines. Known for their durability and classic look, they are a top choice for turnout because leather naturally breaks under extreme pressure, reducing the risk of injury if your horse gets caught on something. While they tend to be a more premium option, leather halters are long-lasting and considered one of the safest halters for horses.
Key Benefits:
- Naturally breaks under pressure for safer turnout
- Ideal for shows, barn use, or everyday wear
- Polished, professional appearance
Breakaway Halters
Breakaway halters are a smart hybrid solution. Typically made of nylon or cotton webbing, they feature a replaceable leather crown piece or breakaway tab that will release under pressure. This makes them a great turnout choice, combining synthetic materials' strength with leather's safety.
Key Benefits:
- Safer for turnout thanks to breakaway feature
- Affordable and easy to maintain
- Available in many styles and colors
- Combines durability with peace of mind
Shipping Halters
If you trailer your horse often, a shipping halter is essential. These halters are typically leather and lined with sheepskin or synthetic fleece to prevent rubbing during long hauls. They help cushion sensitive areas and reduce irritation caused by movement or leaning during transport.
Key Benefits:
- Fleece or wool padding prevents rubs
- Adds cushion to sensitive areas
- Comfortable and secure for long-distance hauling
Nylon halters are durable, versatile, and available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and customizations. They're ideal for daily handling and training, but not recommended for turnout since they won’t break under pressure.
Key Benefits:
- Tough and long-lasting for daily use
- Budget-friendly and easy to clean
- Available in vibrant colors, patterns, and custom options
- Great for heavy wear-and-tear needs
Rope Halters
Rope halters are commonly used for training and groundwork because they can apply focused pressure without hardware. While not suitable for turnout, they’re popular among natural horsemanship practitioners for their lightweight, minimalist design.
Key Benefits:
- Excellent control for groundwork and training
- No hardware - secured with a specialized knot
- Available in different rope thicknesses and knot configurations
- Ideal for horses needing firm communication
Show Halters
Show halters are made to show off in the show ring. They help create a polished, breed-specific look highlighting your horse’s conformation. These halters are built to impress and typically reserved for in-hand classes like showmanship or leadline.
Key Benefits:
- Designed for presentation and competition
- Breed-specific styles and adornments
- Not intended for tying or everyday use
- Elevates your horse’s appearance in the show ring
What Type of Halter Is Best for Horses?
The “best” halter depends on your use case:
- For everyday use, breakaway halters offer both durability and safety.
- For travel, shipping halters provide comfort and protection.
- For groundwork, rope halters offer better control.
- For turnout or barn use, nylon halters are a tough, low-maintenance choice.
- For shows, leather or show halters elevate your horse’s presentation.
The key is matching the halter to your horse’s needs and your daily routine.
How to Clean a Horse Halter
Cleaning your halter depends on the material. Here is a quick run-down on how to clean your horse’s halter:
- Leather halters should be wiped with a damp cloth, cleaned with leather soap, and conditioned regularly to maintain suppleness.
- Nylon and rope halters can be soaked in warm, soapy water, scrubbed gently, and left to air dry.
- Breakaway halters require both: clean the nylon body as usual and conditioning the leather crown separately.
Regular cleaning keeps your halter looking great, extends its life, and protects your horse from skin irritation.
If you think your old halter looks a little worn and is showing wear and tear, or you want to put your best hoof forward in the show pen. Your needs have changed; maybe you got a new horse or are starting the two-year-old. Perhaps you simply want something new! Whatever your reason for halter shopping, everyone has their preferences, but finding the best fit for you and your horse is the most important in choosing your new halter.
