Rope halter by Stacy Westfall

 Question: “Why do you use a rope halter?”

Answer: A rope halter is a helpful because it communicates clearly with the horse and increases responsiveness. The rope over the poll area is more narrow than a traditional web or leather halter. When the handler applies pressure to the halter the signal is clear and more motivating.

I like to describe it like carrying a bucket of water. Have you ever carried a five-gallon pail where the white hand protector was broken off? I have many times. When I do, I am reminded that a wider handle is more comfortable than the thinner handle. I guess this is why the weights at the gym have nice big handles.

The thinner handle is more motivating to me to either put the bucket down or to find another bucket. While it is more motivating…I have to admit I have still been lazy enough to carry the bucket with the missing hand protector for weeks!

Some horses that are lazier respond well to the extra motivation (what does this say about me?). Rope halters replace the desire that some people have to use a chain lead rope and are safer for the horse than a chain as they don’t carry the risk of excess pressure or pinching.

 

Question: “Do you always use a rope halter?”

Answer: No, not always. I prefer to trailer my horses in a flat web or leather halter. By the time they are loading on the trailer, they should have pretty solid basic skills. I will still put the rope halter on during training periods but I will mix and match my halter to what I am currently working on. If they get duller, I will go back to the rope halter. If they remain lighter I will move to a web halter, rope halter or liberty work.

Question: “What’s so special about your rope halter?”

Answer: I like the rope halter I designed for three reasons; ease of use, weight, and looks. 

I designed the halter with the wrapped noseband to keep the noseband open when sliding it over your horse’s nose. It drove me crazy when I would pick up a rope halter and couldn’t quickly find the nose side (maybe that’s just me:) The rolled half hitch is actually a throwback to my high-school bracelet making days (do kids still do that?).

Available in multiple colors, click photo to visit Stagecoach West to order with 25% off discount code ‘Westfall’

I like the weight of the rope, not how much it weighs but rather how it feels. Some ropes are very thick and difficult to handle when trying to tie the knot. Not to mention that at some point they lose the above mentioned ‘motivation’ factor. This halter is constructed from a continuous piece of 1/4″ polyester yacht rope with a double core for the right feel and durability. The less fancy way of saying this is I like how it feels to handle and to tie the knot.

The halter is accented with a black or colorful noseband which I just plain enjoy! My husband has claimed the tan halter while I have more fun with the blue and turquoise. One thing I have done is to order certain colors in certain sizes so I quickly know that blue is small and turquoise is medium.

Those are my reasons but you have to decide if that makes it special!

If you are interested in ordering I have an affiliate link with Stagecoach West. They are great people who believe in offering exceptional customer service. If you use this link and the code ‘Westfall’ you will receive 25% off and I will receive a small commission at no added cost to you.

I call it a win-win-win situation.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT STAGECOACH WEST 

USE ‘WESTFALL’ IN CHECKOUT FOR 25% OFF HALTER!

 

 

 

11 Comments

  1. Pam Millspaw on December 20, 2018 at 7:49 am

    I bought your rope halter about 10 years ago. Mine has a hot pink nose band that matches the helmet I would wear when training horses. I used that halter every day as I lunged them and also under the bridle when I started to ride them. The halter is pretty dirty after all those years and is starting to show wear.

  2. Rylan McQueen on December 13, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    Such a cool halter ! Loved reading this blog post!

  3. KELLY BOISVERT on December 13, 2018 at 9:04 am

    Love that the wrapped nose and keeps the halter open!

  4. Alicia Anthony on December 13, 2018 at 5:17 am

    I love the look of this halter. It is just what we need to be able to more accurately communicate with our horses. I look forward to getting one for my daughter!

  5. Amanda Manley on December 12, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you for the explanation on rope halters.

  6. Jennifer on December 12, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    I have been wanting to have a rope halter option that has something on the noseband but not the two knots. This looks like a great option.

  7. Cheryl on December 12, 2018 at 6:03 pm

    Are your rope halters a soft feeling rope? I do like how you designed the noseband.

  8. Hannah on December 12, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    I love this halter! I still make and receive bracelets with a rolled half hitch (of course, I’m still in high school :)! I have the same problems, Stacey! Whenever I go to catch the horse I’m going to have a lesson on, it seems like the rope halter gets tangled up in itself and doesn’t want to open up. I’m definitely buying this halter when I buy my first horse!

  9. Kirsten on December 12, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    This is a very good description of how the rope halter works. I am looking forward to working with it.

  10. Betty Campbell on December 12, 2018 at 2:50 pm

    Thanks for your podcast.like the ladies you mention I have developed fears of riding. Am really looking forward to following your podcasts and learning tools to help handle my fear

  11. Alex on December 12, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    Im curious how much a rope halter is a natural horsemanship tool, compared to other training methods. I find it very appealing that you can customize knots in the halter for specific feedback, but no one at my barn has one that I can learn from. It’s so helpful to be able to learn from you!

Leave a Comment





img_cta-sidebar

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD

WHY IS MY HORSE...?

100% Private - 0% Spam

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

No one taught you the skills you need to work through these things.

Riders often encounter self-doubt, fear, anxiety, frustration, and other challenging emotions at the barn. The emotions coursing through your body can add clarity, or can make your cues indistinguishable for your horse.

Learning these skills and begin communicating clearly with your horse.

Click here to learn more.

FOLLOW STACY

POPULAR POSTS

Get the free printable guide

    Download now. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    © 2019-2024 STACY WESTFALL | WEBSITE BY MAP