Horse Skills: Tying a Rope Halter Knot

 

Rope Halter Typing & Fitting Tips

 

 

Most people using this type of halter are not tying the knot correctly. If incorrectly tightened, the halter slips and loosens after a short while. This can become dangerous if the bottom section gets "stuck" around the horse's jaw and he panics.

 

Another common issue from "standard" size store-bought rope halters is that the pressure points on the horse's face the knots on the halter should sit on, are often lying incorrectly. If the cheek section is either too short, it causes the knot to sit above the lower end of the horse's cheekbone. If the length is too long, the knot and nose piece too low sits in the sensitive soft tissue pocket above the horse's nostril.

If the circumference of the nose piece is too small, it can limit the rest of the halter fit.

 

I'm also seeing the lead rope connector knot frequently is a massive knot under the horse's jaw, but with a 5-6" length between it and the loop to attach the lead rope. Depending on the lead rope snap or connection style, add the two lengths together and people have a 8"+ length of "deadspace" under the horse's jaw. This limits the timing, specificity, and quality of communication.

 

This makes the halter not only ineffective for the initial purpose but also creates continuous unintentional pressure elsewhere, leading to defensiveness in the horse.

 

I personally do not use rope halters when I'm trailering horses. Especially if hauling long distances, there is continuous pressure and often causes raw spots and discomfort.