HALTER FIT

Learn how to fit and use this crucial piece of tack.

- CONNIE JEHLIK

There is one piece of equipment that is crucial for horse ownership. A halter is used to handle, lead, and tie a horse. They should be clean and fitted properly.

Halters come in many different styles and materials, but the most common materials are leather or a synthetic material, like nylon. It's advisable that any halter you use should always have a breakaway component, except in certain special situations.

HALTER SELECTION

Depending on what you are doing with your horse, you'll want to select the correct halter for the situation.

Here are some examples:

* Use a leather show halter along with a nice chain-end lead shank for showing in a halter class.

* For daily haltering to groom, a grooming halter can be used. Because there is no throatlatch, it's easier to reach the cheeks, chin and muzzle.

* If a halter is left on in a pasture or stall, then a full leather or a breakaway halter is recommended. This way, if the horse gets his halter caught on something, he can easily break the halter and get free.