How to Make an Arabian Show Halter

Arabians are widely considered be the oldest breed of horse in the world. Originally bred in the deserts of the Middle East, the Arabian spread around the world and has been a foundation in the development of many other breeds. Arabian horses are often shown wearing light halters to accentuate the delicate, chiseled features of their faces, and many owners choose to make their own Arabian show halters to best enhance the beauty of this ancient breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • 60-inch section of ¼-inch diameter nylon webbing
  • 2 O-rings, 2 inches in diameter
  • 1 small buckle set
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Heavy work gloves
  • Large nail
  • Candle
  • Lead rope with 18-inch chain snap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the horse's head to get accurate measurements for the halter. Hold the measuring tape across the bridge of the horse's nose, measuring from the middle of one side of the muzzle, over the top of the nose and to the middle of the opposite side of the face to determine the size of the nose piece. Place the tape at the same starting point on the muzzle up to the top of the horse's head, directly behind the ears, to determine the size of each cheek piece. Write these measurements down.

    • 2

      Lay the nylon webbing on a flat work table and measure out three pieces of nylon: one that corresponds to the measurement of the nose piece and two that correspond to the cheek piece measurement. Add two inches to each piece to allow enough space to sew the halter pieces to the rings.

    • 3

      Pass one end of the nose piece through one of the rings and fold the end over, sewing the fold closed with a sewing machine. Sew the remaining ring on the opposite end of the nylon to complete the nose piece of the halter.

    • 4

      Sew the buckle to one end of one of the cheek piece sections, and sew the remaining free end to one of the rings on the nose piece. Sew the remaining cheek piece to the opposite ring.

    • 5

      Slip on a pair of heavy work gloves and heat a large nail over a candle, and poke five or six evenly-spaced holes in the free end of the cheek piece without the buckle. The holes should be approximately ½-inch apart to allow the halter to be adjusted for proper fit.

    • 6

      Lay the nose piece over the horse's muzzle and buckle the cheek pieces behind the ears. The rings should sit approximately halfway between the top of the nostrils and the bottom of the eyes. Pass the end of the chain snap lead rope through one ring, under the chin, and through the opposite ring to hold the halter on the horse's head.