- Your horse's halter may be his "casual wear" but it still needs to be safe and in good repair. © EQUUS Magazine
Your horse’s halter may be like your favorite slippers—well-worn and comfy. Unlike your slippers, however, a horse halter in bad repair can lead to a significant injury. If you see any of these signs of wear in your horse's halter, it’s time for repair or replacement.
- Holes that have torn through. These can cause the halter to become loose, increasing the risk of a hang-up on a fence or other structure. Also dangerous are holes stretched into slits or so shrunken and dirt-filled that the buckle tongue can’t slip in easily.
- Bent hardware, particularly the clasp that rests against the jaw. Clasps and buckles that press into the skin can cause nasty wounds.
- Frayed straps. Not only is fraying a sign of weakened materials, but it can create a rough surface that rubs skin raw.
- Filth that can’t be removed with a single cleaning. Very dirty halters can irritate skin and introduce skin disorders and infections.
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