How to Fit a Horse Halter

A halter is one of the horseman’s most basic essential tools. It is a simple headpiece designed for controlling and transporting a horse while the rider is on the ground. Halters come in a wide variety of colors, materials and designs, but even the most extravagant halter is fitted to your horse the same way.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Catch the horse and work with him in a secure area. It’s easiest to fit a halter to your horse if he’s contained in a small area.

    • 2

      Place the lead rope around the horse’s neck. This will hold her still while you get the proper fit on your halter.

    • 3

      Slide the unbuckled halter over your horse’s head. Be sure that you place the halter fully up on his head with the noseband portion lying directly across the bridge of his nose.

    • 4

      Secure the buckle at the top of your horse’s head, making sure that it sits directly over her poll. This is the correct placement for the crownpiece of the halter.

    • 5

      Adjust the cheek pieces of your halter if necessary. Most cheek pieces have a small buckle or a set of screws, so be sure that you loosen them completely if you need to make any adjustments.

    • 6

      Look over the throatlatch of your halter. The throatlatch should fit under your horse’s head at the junction of his head and neck. You should be able to fit at least three fingers between the throatlatch and your horse’s neck to ensure it does not cut off his airway.

    • 7

      Check the fit of your halter. The crownpiece should fit firmly against the horse’s poll, and the nosepiece should be centered between her muzzle and forehead.

    • 8

      Reattach your lead rope to the connection ring on the bottom of your newly fitted halter and enjoy working with your horse in safety and comfort.