How to Make a Calf Halter

A halter is a type of headgear worn by cattle to increase control for the handler. Calves need to be broken to the halter and taught how to wear it calmly and without pulling. Doing so also allows you to tie calves up for treatment, grooming or traveling; if you participate in livestock shows, a halter is a must. Halters can be easily damaged in the early stages of haltering your calf, so making your own halters can be economical.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-foot length of 1/2-inch diameter rope
  • Work table
  • Electrical tape
  • Tape measure
  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the rope on a table. Calves have more sensitive heads than adult cattle, so use rope that is thin and soft to minimize rubbing. Bind both ends with tape to prevent them from unraveling while you work.

    • 2

      Measure about 15 inches from one end, and open the strands of the rope at this point by pulling them part with your fingers. Feed the short end of the rope through the gap to make a loop. Open the rope up again at a point about half an inch along, and push the short end through again to fasten the loop firmly in place.

    • 3

      Take the short end of the rope, and knot it firmly to the main body of the rope at a point a couple of feet down (this can be adjusted later). Take the slack of the rope and feed it through the loop. Hold the halter up; it should fall into two loops -- nose band and head stall, with a lead rope attached to the nose band. Tie a knot in the end of the lead rope to prevent it from unraveling if the tape comes off.

    • 4

      Fit the halter onto the calf, and make any necessary adjustments.