Halter Heaven

Halters are a most essential tool in horsedom.  Control the head, control the horse.  Safe stable practices revolve around well-fitted, useful headgear when it comes to leading and moving horses.

(Double braided rope halter by Lydia of Northern Breyers)

In models we see them in showmanship classes but they aren’t necessary for everyday use.
I love the wide variety of styles, materials, color, and fit.  As a tackmaker, they can be fun and simple to create.  Barn Halters range from colorful to padded to personalized.

From the simplest of nylon or rope Halters to the blinged-out or ornate native or show Halters, they should always fit properly and complement the horse rather than detract from it.

Crown pieces should be the right length to accommodate the poll.  Cheek pieces should be the correct length so as to avoid a noseband too low (use the cheekbone as a guide!), and buckles shouldn’t be out of scale or too close to the eye.  Color and fit should accentuate a nice head.  Some Halters can make a head look too long or coarse.  Show ring trends change, but proper sizing never goes out of style - consider this and think about how the equipment is used.  Again, with feeling: FIT matters!

Model horse showmanship requires a halter and lead along with a doll handler, all appropriate for the breed and style being shown.  Here is an example of stock horse lead shank attachment and handler movement.

Lots to study and understand about these classes for all breeds and types, displaying horses for conformational study as well as the execution of patterns and handling strategies in showmanship.

More on Halters another time!