Instructions for Putting a Horse Head Collar On

The head collar should fit snug, but not tight.

Putting on a horse's head collar or "halter" is a necessary part of riding. Fitting around a horse's muzzle and ears, the head collar buckles around the horse's head, is generally made of nylon or leather and serves to help lead the horse around. A lead line is attached to the head collar, which allows a trainer or rider to walk the horse in the direction he wants. While it is advisable to handle a horse on its left side, it is important to know how to attach a head collar from both sides in case you are not able to get around the horse's body.

Things You'll Need

• Lead line

Instructions

1. 

   Head collars come in three basic sizes.

   Determine the size of head collar your horse needs. Head collars come in pony, cob and full sizes. Purchase one from a store that accepts returns. Try the head collar on your horse and make sure the nose band sits between the eye and the corner of the mouth. Slide two fingers underneath the nose band and you will know it is not too tight.

2. 

   Let the horse know you will be touching it.

   Unbuckle the head collar. Clip the lead line to the head collar by pushing down on the metal piece to open it. Attach this piece to the metal circle on the head collar. Speak to the horse and tell it you are coming into the stall. Or, acknowledge the horse by making eye contact and petting it on its body or between its eyes. Close the chain or door to the stall so that the horse cannot get loose.

3. Loop the lead line over the horse's neck and let it dangle to the side. Should the horse try to pull away, this gives the rider some control. Place your right hand on the horse's right side to guide its head up.

4. Show the horse what is in your hand. Place the head collar facing away from you in your left hand and position it near the horse's head. Slip its nose through the muzzle hole using your right hand. Guide the head collar around the side and over the horse's ears. Buckle the side to secure the head collar.

5. Check the head collar at all angles to make sure it is properly placed. Pick up the lead rope and begin slowly walking the horse out of the stall.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to put a head collar on a horse in its stable.

• Check to see if there are any tears or breaks in the head collar.

• A horse can injure itself if the head collar is not removed when the horse is returned to its stable.

• Be careful not to touch the horse's eyes when putting on the head collar.

• Children should always be supervised around horses.

References

• New Rider: Removing a Head Collar
• Horses and Ponies; How to Halter a Horse or Pony; Adrianne Lake