Halter Your Horse in 10 Steps

When it comes to control of your horse, a suitable halter is a horseperson's best friend. But getting the halter onto your horse isn't always easy. Some horses don't like to be haltered. Others may not mind their halter, but just might be feeling a bit unruly that day. With a little patience and attention to your horse's disposition, however, haltering your horse can be easy. Here's how:

Ten steps to halter your horse
Haltering your horse can be easy if you follow these simple steps. The same steps apply whether you have a small mare, an average horse, or a large thoroughbred. The key is to remain calm.

1. Ensure the halter is clean.
   
   
2. Before you approach your horse, unbuckle the crown and attach the lead.
   
   
3. Stand on your horse's left. Pass the end of the lead rope under his neck.
   
   
4. Reach over your horse's neck and take the end of the lead rope.
   
   
5. Form a light loop with the lead to help prevent your horse from escaping.
   
   
6. Align the noseband with your horse's muzzle.
   
   
7. Lift the halter into position and slide the noseband around the muzzle.
   
   
8. Place the crown strap over your horse's head, directly behind the ears.
   
   
9. Fasten the crown strap buckle.
   
   
10. Release the rope end to undo the loop around your horse's neck.

Haltering your foal
With the youngest of horses, begin haltering him as soon after birth as you are able. This allows the foal to get used to both the haltering process and the feel of the halter. To better familiarize him to his halter, remove and replace the halter frequently, such as before grooming or clipping his coat.

Ensure the perfect halter fit
For any sized horse, ensure the halter is neither too tight or too loose. The best fitting halters allow you to slip two fingers between your horse and the noseband. The noseband should also rest approximately two fingers below your horse's cheekbones.