What different types of halters for horses are there?

Answer 1

There are many varieties of halters for horses. They can generally be sorted into the following basic types: Leather, rope, nylon, and show.

Leather halters are selected because they are 'breakable.' If a horse is tied and pulls away, or if the halter becomes stuck on something, it will break before the horse can hurt himself, or, for example, pull over your trailer or snap your fencepost. Leather halters are also attractive and can last a long time if the leather is properly conditioned and cared for and isn't allowed to dryrot.

Rope halters are made from knotted ropes and are generally used for training. They exert extra pressure on the nose bone, therefore preventing strong-headed horses from pulling as much. Rope 'slips' are unknotted and are made to gently lead foals and young horses without damaging their slender necks or fur by preventing the handler from pulling them.

Nylon halters are a popular choice because of their affordability and durability. They come in many fun colors and will not break. If your horse gets it muddy out in the pasture, they can be easily cleaned and they never dry rot and are very hard to break. However some nylon halters, if poorly dyed, will stain a light-colored horse's coat when wet. Also nylon halters DO NOT BREAK (unless made with a special breakaway snap or a leather crownpiece) so if your horse becomes entangled in a fence or pulls back from being tied, he will be stuck and could hurt himself or break whatever he's tied too.

Show halters come in many forms, from the silver-embossed western leather halter to the delicate Arab slip. They can be expensive and meant to make your horse look really really good, however they are more form than function and impractical for daily use.