This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Tack and Training » Questions on Training Aids »
  Discussion on Rope Halters
Author Message
Member:
mcbizz

Posted on Friday, Feb 16, 2007 - 7:42 pm:

I purchased a rope halter last summer after a long time of consideration and now use it for both horses. I like how well the bridle fits over it for trail riding and I can see there is a better ground work communication with the horse with less effort than with a flat halter. Before I bought it, I researched and all manufacturers and trainers emphasized NEVER TIE A HORSE IN A ROPE HALTER but never gave their reasons. Yet every person I know says they ALWAYS tie their horses with this type of halter, when trailering as well. One trainer said maybe it's because the rope halters WON'T break. Or, can the knots tighten if pulled hard by a horse? I can certainly see why that would be very dangerous. Any opinions out there?
Member:
christel

Posted on Friday, Feb 16, 2007 - 9:28 pm:

Carolyn, I too use them, love em. Have used them for more than 10 years.
I too tie and trailer with them. I have heard that because they put more pressure on the poll it is dangerous to tie with them. I have found horses don't set back or pull on rope halters for very long, and once trained or use to them they know better. I have yet to have had a problem with one while a horse was tied.
One problem I have found with them is when I liberty lunge a horse with one on, it hasn't happened yet but I could see where it might and that is they hang down so far underneath I fear a horse could accidently get a hoof in it, if they were being a little rambunctious- so I take the halter off.
I like the fairly stiff ones more so than the flimsy ones. All my horses have them except for the foals, and thats because I have never seen a rope halter that was small enough.
I always leave rope halters tied, never untie them just let out slack, once on horse take up slack. Most of my friends, farrier included, always untie them completely- pet peeve. This has an advantage too in that my young horses are easy to bridle- they are use to the headband going over their ears if you never untie the rope halter.
Chris

Yes- the knots do get tight if a horse does pull back on them.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Friday, Feb 16, 2007 - 10:19 pm:

Nothing to back this up but my own feeling, but I wouldn't tie a horse with a rope halter that wasn't well broke to tie. The smaller diameter of the rope halter works well for ground work because it exerts more pressure than a flat halter. For the same reason, if a horse really sat back on one when tied I think that small diameter could do nerve damage in the poll area. That's a lot of psi in a sensitive area when you have a horse fighting being tied. Maybe there's nothing to worry about and Dr. O will set us straight. Julie
Member:
christel

Posted on Friday, Feb 16, 2007 - 10:48 pm:

Julie, you make a good point. I usually have my foals where they stand tied long before I put them in a rope halter, they don't get rope halters till late in their yearling year. That may be why I have never had a problem with them when tied.
Chris

I don't see much use in a halter one cant tie a horse up with, I have never felt unsafe in tying up a horse with a rope halter- each to his own, I suppose. I've never heard any first hand horror stories either, all I hear is hypothetical- would like to hear from someone whose had a bad experience with a rope halter.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 8:36 am:

Sorry to let you guys down but I am not sure I have an answer to the question: should you tie a horse with a rope halter on. I have not ever heard of a horse injuring itself in a rope halter but on the other hand they are not that common locally and a horse determined to hurt itself could hurt itself in a well padded room. You do see more of them nowadays than you use to.

I would certainly tie a well broke horse in one but should it be used to break a horse to tie....hmmm I wouldn't but that is just me and a good rope halter in the right hands might be effective at teaching horses.
DrO
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 9:00 am:

I think of a rope halter as a training tool only. Just like a bridle; don't leave it on, don't tie with it. I use it in cross ties though, but that's because I always put the bridle over it. That way I can do some ground review at any time. I guess maybe it's not a good idea to keep one on riding through the woods with the loop hanging there.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 10:58 am:

I use the Parelli rope halters and the Parelli twelve foot rope.

I remember two bad experiences with my mare, Moonlight. Once I had her tied to my trailer in an unfamiliar place (near an arena where my friends and I were going to have a Parelli lesson). Something spooked her and she pulled back hard - nothing gave or broke. After she had settled down, I had a heck of a time untying the rope bridle - although tied correctly, the knot had tightened up considerably. The snap at the end of the lead rope is supposed to break, but, that did not happen.

Another time I had her tied in my corral - somehow she got her leaDrOpe tangled with a plastic "toy" that was attached to the rail and supposed to keep her happy. She pulled back in a panic, the "toy" broke and she went over backwards. I thought I might lose her, but, she did not hit her head, jumped up and was OK. I would like to add that she will follow the slightest "feel" on the lead rope when I am working with her - she is very soft and responsive. But, when panic sets in she forgets all that.

Since then I am extra careful - since I mostly ride from home, I really do not need to tie her when grooming or saddling. However, I did by 2 blocker tie rings (as recommended by Clinton Anderson) to use if I should trailer to the arena or to a friends place. Obviously,the rope halter does not break, and the snap on the lead rope did not either.

Just my experiences. I think I need to invest in a couple of leather halters, in case I am gone and my husband has to halter the horses for any reason - he never got used to the rope halter.

Lilo
Member:
jerre

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 11:58 am:

Some of the pure natural horsemanship folks will insist that tying in a rope halter is the only way, especially if there's a breaking point -- such as the snap on the rope that Lilo mentions. It is supposed to break.

Also, I've learned quick release knots for the lead rope. (Hey, DrO, that would be a good article -- knots!)

I wouldn't tie fast with a rope halter until my horse was trained to tie, and of course, there are lots of ways to do that. I like to train to tie in some way (such as the blocker rings) that allow a little slip at first.

BUT, I always use a breakaway halter in the trailer. If there's an accident, I do not want my horse hanging from her halter. Not that a million other horrible things couldn't}} happen, but that's one I feel I can avoid. Plus, I use a head bumper in the trailer.

Other than that, rope halters are the only ones I own.

Jerre
New Member:
kibsy

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 12:28 pm:

I have been using rope halters for several years and find that they are a great teaching tool when used correctly. When I start tying new horses or youngsters, I never leave them unattended. I also do NOT tie my youngsters when introducing a new activity or item (ie clipping, bathing) as I have had negative experiences in the past. I have seen very good results in horses that pull back when I use the rope halters, especially in horses who have had a history of breaking halters. Again I do not leave problem horses, new horses or youngsters unsupervised. One point that I would like to make is that it is more comfortable for horses to be trailered in web or padded halters. I try not to trailer my horses any distance with rope halters. Hope this helps.
Trisch
Member:
lynnea

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 1:31 pm:

I have never used a rope halter...so cannot attest to anything regarding them. But, I have always used leather halters on my horses for over 35 years and have NEVER had an experience with injury with pulling back or otherwise. I have trailed my horses in leather halters also and find I am comfortable with knowing they will break if a horse is in trouble and can be easily cut with a knife if necessary. I never leave a halter of any kind on a loose horse, and never on a foal. I have heard all the horror stories of foals getting a leg through the halter and breaking their neck. My belief is to never take chances......be as careful as you can, think about what COULD happen and I know if it could, it might. Even with every precaution you can take, horses can manage to do the most unbelievable things.
Member:
wgillmor

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 2:15 pm:

My Thoroughbred (Atom) was a confirmed pullback horse when I got him. For no apparent reason he would suddenly jerk or rear back, breaking his halter several times.

I had one of the local trainers that I admire (Marty Marten) look at him. After working with Atom, his advice was two-fold, use a rope halter and never tie him. He advised dallying the lead rope, but alternatives were a Blocker Tie ring or tying through a loop of bailing twine. (He also thought that a horse that pulled back at his age, then 16, would probably always pull back on occasion. All I could do was make it better.)

The reason for the rope halter was that it would put additional pressure on him during pull back. The reason not to tie was that the rope halter would not break and he might panic and injure himself.

Based on this, I would think you should never tie any horse with a rope halter unless you are going to stay with the horse and are prepared to release him or her in an emergency. Even the best halter broke horse may need to get loose.

Wiley
Member:
hwood

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 2:54 pm:

Excellent, Wiley. Thank you for your input.
The longer I work with horses the more I hate to tie them.
I try to do all the work (worming, trimming, grooming, tacking up) with my horses, even new ones of whose training I'm not sure, without restraint whenever possible. I try to use my body language and voice to set the boundaries. It may take longer, but will eventually pay off as the horse learns that when a person is working with him, he needs to wait until he's asked to move. I shudder to leave a horse tied and unattended. Maybe I've seen too many wrecks over the years . . . even when I've been WITH the horses, I've seen them spook at chipmunks or bees or leaves blowing by . . . and have had them pull back and fall over with necks outstretched and ropes pulled to the limit, or have had them break the ties or halters and flip over backward, or had them pull up posts and run off with them bounding and bouncing along the way. The Blocker Tie Ring is an invaluable tool to help teach a horse to not panic when tied . . . and will prevent him from getting hurt from pulling back. Usually, I throw the lead over the horse's withers and know that it's there for me to grab if necessary . . . I hold it, don't jerk it, and let the horse find the end of the lead, and that seems to help the horse decide he doesn't need to "get away."
I have a very expensive rope halter and lead that is used for training. All the other halters are soft, layered, nylon web with snaps at the throatlatch so I can put them on the horses one-handed . . . and as someone else mentioned, sliding over the ears is extra desensitizing for bridling if one has a horse that is particularly sensitive to having something go over his ears. I do love a leather halter, but with lots of horses it is easier and less expensive for me to go with nylon. Not only do they not take the extra care of soaping and oiling that leather ones do, but the various colors make them more efficient and easy to identify for fitting purposes. (Sundance's is faded green, Dixie's is tan, etc.)
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 7:55 pm:

I forgot to add in my post above that although I do use cross ties, they are not solid. I have 2 lead ropes looped a couple of times through rings is all. They offer resistance but the horse can pull them completely out if they were to keep going! I decided on that method after having one of the "anti pull" rope halters that tightened on the nose if the horse pulled back. One horse did just that, and ended up sitting down, his nostrils pinched tight shut. Scared the heck out of me and I was afraid to get close to him to undo the ropes because I knew he'd either pass out from lack of oxygen or start scrambling to get up! He did figure out that getting up would solve his breathing problem! And I don't think it cured him completely as any horse can pull back any time.

I've had the knots on the rope halters get really tight just when working with a horse if we have a battle or if they got away and stepped on the line.
Member:
wgillmor

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 8:32 pm:

While I said in my post above to never tie in a rope halter unless you are going to be with the horse, I really agree with Holly Wood that you should never hard tie at all. Do you really want to broken metal flying around if you tie with a conventional flat halter? Do you really want to have to depend on a "quick release" knot or your ability to cut the rope while your horse is flailing around? Better, to use a Blocker Tie Ring or bailing twine. With my current horse, I just wrap the rope once around the rail. He'd much rather hang out anyway.

Wiley
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 8:57 pm:

Learned the hard way all that Hollywood said is good. First time back into horses had the gelding tired to rail while grooming he spoked at truck coming down gravel road too fast he left and so did the rail he was tied too! I now work as Hollywood does nothing my horses are very good at just hanging out and I can do what ever I need to. However my husband fell in love with the rope halters but I made him read all these posts and he is re-thinking ! Thank you Cindy
Member:
sureed

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 9:03 pm:

I agree with Jerre, I use the rope halter for training on both horses and weanlings, but I would never tie with them. I haul in the breakaway halters. The other thing I would never do is round pen a horse with a rope halter (or any halter for that matter) on. Even if you tie them tight, there is enough rope loose under the chin to catch on a rail upright at the joints, even if the uprights at the end are flush with the top rail. But I really do believe in them for ground training. I own a bunch.

Suzanne
Member:
christel

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 8:28 am:

Hollywood, thats great that your horses will ground tie so well.
I often work with young horses, with usually limited time, and I like to work (grooming saddling etc.) with them while their buds are close by. The grass is always better outside my pastures where I work with horses, it would be impossible to have them both out there and expect em to stand there and not try to graze.
I am the 'someone' also that suggested the rope halter gave the advantage at bridling time- a good thing but not good enough to keep 'my name' with the advice.
This is main reason I don't post often here. I usually read the posts, bite my tongue, and chose not to post, as I'm either ignored or lambasted when I do post.
Dr O, there have been several times I wish I could reach you by email, with questions I have and dont want the whole world reading them, as I usually feel like a fool for asking the few questions I do ask. Thanks for your great site, I will continue to be a lurker and hope like hell I have a question that is already answered somewhere else- I have found if I look long enough it usually is. Awesome site DrO, I really appreciate what you are doing for the horses.
Cindy- hope your hubby gets it rethought. I have had horses for 19 years. I have healthy happy horses that the vets and vet techs always compliment me on on how easy they are to work with- but I don't know nothing in most everyones eyes here, even tho I have strived all these years to learn all I could. Guess I have just been lucky that I have'nt had a horse pull back on the rope halters and either injure or kill itself- I will continue to use rope halters.
Chris
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 9:43 am:

Chris I like yur idea of putting the halter on over the ears.
Angie I am not sure what you mean by loop hanging, the rope halters I use fit closely.

Like someone mentioned if there is any possible way to get into trouble some horses will find it.
In themselves I see nothing wrong with the rope halters.
Personally I have seen more rub marks on a horses nose from flat halters, either from improper fit or from the horse rubbing themselves. I suppose a rope halter moves out the way easier.
As far as not breaking if there is a wreck some of the flat nylon or heavy leather ones won't break either.
As far as tying; I hate to open that can of worms, I would never tie a horse in any halter in any circumstance without a quick release knot.
Sometimes when I think the horse may pull back I will put an extra loop through the knot, not all the way through just a loop of rope into the knot, I know that probably doesn't make sense, but if the horse does pull, I can pull this loop out and the(quick release) knot is easy to release.
Holly, you have put into words what I was thinking, thank you.
Member:
hwood

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 10:07 am:

Gee, Chris, I didn't scan back through all the posts that I read to find out which one of the members mentioned about how sliding the halter over the ears is good training for bridling, but I was trying to affirm that member's (yours) training suggestion. I don't ever remember seeing you lambasted in the posts and recognize your name as one that expresses sound advice.
Also, my horses don't "ground tie," per se. If I weren't working on them and being there to give the signals to stay with me, I'm sure they'd head off across the lawn or pasture to eat or play with their friends. My desire is to have my horses stay with me when I'm working on them, but they often have other ideas, so I have to work at it . . .
My personal preference is to use the web nylon as I can put them on the horse without thinking, out of habit, and I have trouble "seeing" which end is "up" with the rope ones and don't want to take the time to figure them out.
Member:
ilona

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 10:52 am:

Regarding the 'quick release' knot.
Something I have found is that the halter rope must be slick and supple for the quick release to be just that, quick.
We had some old cotton ropes that had 'hardened' and made the release aspect less effective. What I do now is tie and check the release and then tie again. I use both rope and traditional halters, and have never personally had a tie problem, but must confess, it is one of my great fears. I have seen horses tied with too much slack and get their legs over the rope and their heads pulled down, or fall over. Twice I have intervened as the rider was no-where to be seen . Both times the horse was glad for the help. I had to cut one rope. I try to keep a knife on my person and this time it really paid off.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 11:35 am:

NOTE WELL: As I have often written on these pages, I have seen and heard of more horses killed and people injured, one where both the horse and person killed when the horse ran out into the road, by a horse that broke a tie than I have seen by tying horses so they cannot get loose.
DrO
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 12:15 pm:

Chris, everybody idea's have great value as far as I am concerned! Horses are ALWAYS a learning curve.What you have done/learned thru the years may not always be what I chose but at some point what you have said and stays in the back of my brain leaps to the front when I so need it and mutter under by breath Thank God Chris provided that bit of info. This holds true for EVERYONE on this site, each horse, each person and each moment we spend with them is different. Have learned so much here and will never agree with some butthen again down the line might have to change my mind and will be ever grateful the information was in this old head. So Chris don't lurk too much as it might be your information that saves me and mine grief! Thanks Cindy
Member:
ilona

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 4:10 pm:

Dr O.,
Your raise a most important warning, and one I have been most aware of. I have a cattle grid where my driveway accesses the road. My horses, and therefor my riders are at least safer from that eventuality. I do however have a secured gate on the fence-line in case of fire or other emergency and can get the horses off the property, if needed, without needing to trailer-load them first. So much to think of. I tend to do prevention over-kill. What I have said when people ridicule me for this (and believe me they do), is " I would much rather you laugh at me now than I find myself crying because I didn't consider these possibilities"
Member:
mcbizz

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 4:38 pm:

My sincere appreciation to all of you for your input on this question. It took me over 30 years to decide to buy a rope halter, took another six months to decide which brand! There are many variations; mine is a Silvertip, with a double strand noseband and poll "strap". Not much of a loop hanging down and it fits closely. It is more stiff than many I've seen; I like that, to me, more effective and easier to handle. My horses shove their noses into it with no hesitation. I don't leave my horses tied unsupervised either, although there is that occasional exception for a few minutes.
I was not aware of the Blocker tie ring, have researched it and will get one for the inside of my trailer. Thank you! Outside the trailer I clip a trailer bungee to the halter with a panic release on the trailer. Both horses stand very well with this and respect it's "give."
So, in conclusion, I WILL tie my horses with this halter, for as Chris stated, "there's not much use for a halter you can't tie with..."
Again, thanks for your help.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Monday, Feb 19, 2007 - 9:40 am:

Ilona,

I read about your set-up with the cattle grid. I just wanted to mention that last summer a horse on a neighboring property escaped into our development.

My friend Wanda made sure this had a happy ending - the horse was temporarily contained at her neighbors property, she contacted the owners, who came with a trailer and picked up the horse.

Now - Wanda and I tried to figure out how the horse got out - since there was a cattle guard at the entrance, and all gates were closed. The only way that horse could have gotten out was across the cattle guard. The horse was not injured in this case, but friends of mine had a young horse seriously injured when trying to cross a cattle guard. So, bottom line, I would be worried if the cattle guard were they only thing keeping my horses from getting off the property.

Lilo
Member:
muffi

Posted on Monday, Feb 19, 2007 - 11:15 am:

I only just started using a Rope halter in the last year and LOVE IT. I bought it at silverdollarqh.com Same stuff you see from Parelli or others, smooth CUSTOM made think rope with a nice 12 foot cotton lead with a leather popper at the end. 1/2 the price of those name brands. When I rode with a plain snaffle (D ring) I just left it on all the time - convenient for trail riding. but I switched to a Full Cheek snaffle and took started taking the rope halter off after the first ride as it got stuck in the halter once - once is too much. As for tying - I just loop thru with out at secure tie - I guess like Holly but with an actual loop on the Barn Tie thingie. but no knots - Usually.
Some time he is a pain in the butt literally - He bites my butt if he is in a mood so I do tie him with the ol' quick release knot. works no, more butt kissing...
those halters I noted above at that web site are awesome - and so is the rest of their stuff. The guy is a great customer service person too. Quick delivery in less than a week!
Member:
ilona

Posted on Monday, Feb 19, 2007 - 3:52 pm:

Lilo.
No, the cattle guard is not the only thing, we have an electric gate over the cattle guard. In addition the horses are all in closed corrals. As a child I used to jump my horse over cattle guards on my grandmothers farm...it was the only way to get to the places I wanted to ride, so I am aware that a determined horse will jump them...heck my dogs sail over the grid as if it is there simply for their enjoyment. The guard does stop most horses, or at least gives them pause. We tried to walk our horses over the guard as a test and none would cross it. I'm sure if a mountain line were in pursuit they would find a way...nothing is ever one hundred percent certain...we can only do the best we can.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Monday, Feb 19, 2007 - 7:39 pm:

Ilona,

With an electric gate of the cattle guard, I think the risk of them trying to cross is extremely small.

I did not realize that you had the gate in addition - good idea.

Lilo
Member:
erika

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 20, 2007 - 6:54 pm:

Hey Chris, like so many others here I often enjoy your posts and do consider them some of the more sound opinions. So please don't be afraid to let it out! I agree, though that sometimes one can feel a bit blasted, but there's also usually many to come to one's rescue, too.

As for the rope halters, I can't believe it took me so long to discover them. Like Dr. O, I have seen many a runaway/injured loose horse. But I can't think of anything I've seen worse than a rope burn on a horse that fought a tie that didn't give.

Key is to make sure they are trained to respect the tie rope, and don't leave them unattended.
But then, you all already know that...
Member:
christel

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2007 - 9:46 am:

Thanks ladies for your kind words and putting up with my whining, I probably should of bit my tongue on that one too, but its a done deal now.
Holly Wood, apologies to you, when I read your post about never tying up horses, it just hit a nerve I guess. I work alot with my young horses without a halter on (of course we are either in a pen or in the pasture). I feel horses can develop more trust if their flee system is still intack, but I learned a long time ago that even the ones you think you can trust to not run off, will if they get that chance- especially outside of the pasture. I guess I was a little envious your horses will stay put, none of mine will for long anyway- but that is something that never occurred to me to work on. I would like to work on that tho, as I am always so shocked to see the Parelli trained horses following their owners around on tv like a dog might- how do they do that?- mine follow me but its usually feeding time-lol.
My apologies for any hard feelings, and again thanks for the kind words.
Chris
Woohoo- I rode my darling Rose yesterday- wow what a great feeling- slowly getting my courage back in the saddle again-
Member:
leilani

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2007 - 2:32 pm:

Very interesting thread. I have been using rope halters for 10 years plus. I never tie my horses out of my sight; I have seen horses move trailers (not attached to a truck) they were tied to.

I was taught to tie as high as possible and use the bowline knot. My young mare is very good at standing to be saddled without a halter on. I used carrots as an incentive
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC