How to Apply a Rope Halter

A halter is a specially designed headgear that helps you move a horse in the direction you want it to go. The halter loops behind the horse's ears and has a second loop that goes around the horse's muzzle. Halters are very similar to bridles except that, unlike a bridle, a halter doesn't have a bit that goes inside the horse's mouth -- it simply slips over the horse's head. Whether you have an expensive leather halter or a simple rope halter, putting a halter on your horse is a relatively simple process.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the horse's rope halter to make sure the lead rope is already attached to the halter, so you can maneuver the horse as soon as the halter is in place.

    • 2

      Approach your horse from the front, allowing him to see you approach. Speak to him gently and walk slowly so you don't startle the horse.

    • 3

      Stand on the left side of the horse and drape the lead rope over the horse's neck. Grasp it from underneath with your right hand, so your horse will stay near you as you put the halter on.

    • 4

      Move the lead rope into your dominant hand and then slide the nose band of the rope halter around the horse's nose. Next, bring the halter strap up over the horse's ears so it sits just behind the ears.

    • 5

      Bring the tie strings of the halter through the back of the tie loop and hold your fingers so they are under the loop. Finally, bring the strings around the back of the tie loop and then through and back under the strings to secure the latch knot. When you go to remove the halter, these knots should come undone quite easily.