Rope halters put pressure on a smaller area than a normal halter. The knots also create pressure points on the horse’s head. This things in combination allow for better communication with the horse. 

Of course, the downside is that if someone is rough with the halter, they are basically “screaming” at the horse, and the halter may be creating pain for the horse. Pressure and release, in the appropriate amounts, is very important when using a rope halter.

I purchased the Weaver Leather Silvertip #95 Halter with 12-foot lead. What does that mean? No idea. I understood the part that said “Weaver,” “Leather,” “Halter,” and “lead.” As if I understand why it’s a silvertip, where the #95 comes in, or the length of 12-feet!

(I know some people don’t get internet humor, no names mentioned MOM, so I’m going to mention that yes, I do know what a 12 foot lead is.)

I specifically choose this lovely gold and black because it’s gorgeous and it was literally the cheapest one on the website. That’s basically how I choose everything. 

I was kind of expecting something crappy, but this is actually really nice! The lead is absurdly soft (I need to feel the gentle caress of cotton as I yank my horse around), and the halter seems really high quality. 

It did take me a few minutes to figure out how to tie it the first time, and to be honest, my first thought was, “This is incredibly annoying, I don’t want to tie this every time.” But now I’m over that, and tying is fine. It seems like the halter “broke in” a bit, and it’s very easy to tie. 

Sidenote, if you have one, please tie the rope so it points away from the horse’s eye! Nothing gives me the heeby jeebies more than watching a rope mere inches from a horse’s eye, slowly sliding around, trying to slither it’s way over for a poking.