Tack Box

Purchase:

• CONSIDERATIONS: When shopping for a halter, your primary consideration is when and how you’ll be using it. Different featuredetermine whether a halter is a suitable choice for turnout, shipping, showing, training or grooming. And, for many horsemen, having multiple halters on hand makes sense. • OPTIONS: A simple nylon halter is durable enough to stand up to daily use and turnout without regular cleaning. Just be certain it has a leather crownpiece or some other “breakaway” feature that will release if the horse becomes hung up on a fence or pulls back hard against ties. For shows, clinics and other “fancier” occasions, you might also want to have a heavier, all-leather halter. Grooming halters do not have the strap that crosses under the jaw, making them less secure but easier to slip on and off. For training purposes, many riders prefer rope halters with knots at strategic points, but it’s a good idea to receive instruction on how to use them if you aren’t already familiar. • PRICE: Simple nylon halters start around $15, while a higher-end leather halter can cost $150 or more. Rope halters range in price from under $10 to nearly $40, depending on the style. Grooming halters also vary in price, from under $20 to $60 or more, depending on materials.

Halters