Yes, you can ride a horse with a halter.
The most important question to ask yourself when you prepare to ride a horse with just a halter is: Are you comfortable and trust you can confidently ride this horse in just a halter?
There are bridles that don’t use a bit and riding in just a halter emulates this. The best way to accomplish riding in just a halter is to attach a lead rope to each side of the halter and using them as split reins.
You may find that riding in just a halter requires you to improve your communication with your horse and actually reduces your reliance on the reins.
Riding in a Halter Without a Lead Rope
Riding in just a halter with lead ropes attached is similar to riding with a bitless bridle. Alternatively, if you plan to ride in just a halter with no lead ropes then you’ll essentially be riding without any steering with your hands.
This isn’t something that a beginner rider should attempt unless under the close watch of a trusted riding instructor. Riding in just a halter without lead ropes will require you to use only your body to control the horse. You’ll only want to attempt this if you are on a trusted horse and are an experienced rider.
Can You Ride a Horse With Halter and Bridle?
There are also situations where leaving a halter on beneath a bridle can be a safety precaution. Leaving a halter on beneath your bridle is often used as a safety precaution when trail riding and some riding schools leave halters on beneath the bridles when teaching beginners.
Leaving a halter on beneath a bridle gives an easy way for someone to lead your horse from the ground if necessary.
It’s important to note, that if you are going to leave a halter on beneath your horse’s bridle, you should only use a breakaway nylon halter. Avoid leaving a rope halter on beneath your horse’s bridle as this can be uncomfortable. It can also introduce safety concerns as in an emergency it will not breakaway as easily and can lead to injuries.