A halter is a basic piece of equipment. Every horse needs one, whether she is in training or not. For a foal or a retired horse, you will need a halter in any case. But how to choose the right size and adjust the halter properly?
To choose the right size, you need to measure your horse. There is no standard size chart that all the horse tack manufacturers in the world use. So, if for example, you can have a Full halter of one brand and a Cob halter of another for the same horse. Most often, you need to measure the horse for three straps: the noseband, the headpiece, and the cheekpieces.
For European-style halters, this is usually enough. But if you choose an American-style halter (with a short throatlash and a high seat), and if you have a horse with some specific characteristics, for example, a roman nose, a very wide head, etc., then it is better to measure the horse for both the throatlash and the connecting strap.
Every horse is different, and it is normal for standard sizes not to fit your horse perfectly.
Headpiece
The length of the headpiece (crownpiece) will affect the position of the entire halter. It should fit close to the poll of the horse, close to the back of the ears, but not press on them. A soft padding makes the headband more comfortable for the horse and that is why all our Lazypony halters have it.
The buckle should rest below the zygomatic process to ensure comfort for the horse. Some halters have buckles on both sides of the poll, while some have only one buckle on the left side. With two buckles, it is best to use symmetrical holes when installing the crownpiece.
How to measure
Measure the horse from a point 1-2 fingers below the zygomatic process, across the head and to the same point on the other side of the head. This will be the length of the headpiece to the middle hole(-s).
Cheekpieces
The cheekpieces should be ideally parallel and below the cheekbones. If they are too high, they will rub, cause pain and damage of the coat.
How to measure
Measure from the center of the eye to a point 1-2 fingers below the cheekbone. Remember that you are measuring for the leather part, and the halter also has hardware.
Noseband
The noseband (its fittings) should be 2-3 fingers below the cheekbones. The noseband should be loose enough for the horse to eat comfortably, but not so loose that the horse cannot catch it on something. Usually 2-3 fingers between the noseband and the bridge of the nose is enough.
How to measure
Measure the top of your horse’s nose, 2-3 fingers below the cheekbone. Measure from the cheekbone to the same point on the other side.
In our sizing chart, we ask you to specify this length, not the nose circumference, because it is very important that the top part is not too short. But if your horse has a wide head or a roman nose, or you just want to be 100% sure that the size will fit perfectly, you can also tell us the circumference of your horse’s nose in the comments to the order.
Throatlash
The throatlash in European-style halters is located between the middle and the bottom of the cheek. This distance gives the horse complete freedom to eat, bend, etc. In American-style halters, the cheekpieces are usually longer, and the throatlash is shorter and is located between the middle and the top of the cheek. You should be able to fit 3-4 fingers between the throatlash and the horse’s cheek. This distance will allow the horse to breathe and swallow freely but will not allow her to catch her hoof on this strap if she lowers her head.
Connecting strap
The connecting strap in European-style halters is usually more or less the same length as the cheekpieces. This allows the halter to maintain the correct angles between all the straps.
We do not recommend ordering this strap shorter than the cheekpieces, as it will then pull them.
The halter should fit comfortably, not cause any pressure, but not be too loose, as this is unsafe. All horses are different. Neither breed, nor height, nor weight, nor gender say what size will suit your horse.
The only way to choose the right halter is to measure your horse. To do this, you only need a couple of minutes of your time and a tape measure. The comfort and safety of your horse are worth it. At the Lazypony workshop you can order any custom size (and it will not change the price!) so that the halter fits your horse perfectly!
Some useful tips
– Regularly care for your leather halter so that it stays strong and beautiful for many years.
– Try not to get your leather halter too wet. Try not to wash your horse in it or leave it in the rain. If it happens that the halter gets wet, wipe it dry and then dry it completely away from the sun and heaters, in a place with good ventilation.
Regular applying with leather conditioner creates a water-repellent cover on the leather, but it will not protect the leather if the halter is placed in the shower or in the rain.
– Do not leave your horse unattended in any halter. Leather halters are safer in this regard than nylon ones. However, the horse can still be injured if the halter gets caught on something and horse starts to panic. If you need to let your horse out into the fields in a halter, use only halters with a special quick-release mechanism. This is where one strap near the headpiece is replaced with a thinner leather strap that is riveted (not stitched). It is strong enough that you can lead and tie the horse, but if there is a big load (the horse gets caught and starts to panic) it will break and free the horse before she can injure herself.
Pamper your horse with custom made, perfectly fit leather horse halter Lazypony!