Putting on a halter

Goal

Fit the halter neatly and safely without pulling on the head or rushing the horse.

Before you start

• The horse accepts being approached and touched on the neck and head
• The horse is standing calmly

What you need

• A well-fitting halter
• Lead rope

Step by step

1. Approach the shoulder and lay the lead rope loosely around the neck so you already have a hold.
2. Hold the halter ready with the noseband open in your hands.
3. Slide the noseband gently over the muzzle.
4. Bring the crownpiece behind the ears and fasten the buckle.
5. Check the fit: about two fingers should fit below the cheekbone.

The horse's body language

A cooperative horse keeps its head at a calm height. Raising the head or turning away means give it more time and never force anything.

Common mistakes

• Pulling on the head to bring it down
• Fastening the halter too tight or too loose
• Trapping fingers between strap and head while fastening

Safety

• Stand beside the head, not directly in front of it.
• Never pull the head down by force.
• Work calmly; a halter should never pinch nor slip off.

Stop at once if

• The horse throws its head high or walks away
• The horse becomes tense or threatens to bite

Supervision

The head is a sensitive area. Young riders should do this with an experienced adult guiding them.

Variants

• Buckle halter
• Rope halter (knots instead of a buckle)

More about this

Laying the lead rope around the neck first gives you light control before the halter is fastened. A well-fitting halter is firm but does not pinch and cannot slip over the ears.

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