A breakaway halter is designed with your horse’s safety in mind. Having your horse get caught in a halter that won’t break away can result in serious injuries. While these situations can be avoided by not leaving a halter on your horse during turnout, there are situations when you’re handling your horse when a halter will naturally be in use. Check out these details on breakaway halters to determine if it’s right for you.
What is a Breakaway Halter?
Breakaway halters are designed to snap and release your horse from the halter. If your horse spooks while tied or gets hooked on something in turnout, it can save them from serious injury. A leather halter or a nylon halter with a breakaway fuse will snap when 500+ pounds of pressure is exerted on it.
Why Should You Invest in a Breakaway Halter?
You should invest in a breakaway halter to protect your horse from injury in the event they get caught in a fence or against another object in their turnout.
Can You Make a Regular Halter a Breakaway Halter?
Regular halters can be transformed into breakaway halters by buckling a breakaway strap into place. These breakaway straps and inserts are available through many major tack retailers.
You’ll want to keep extra breakaway straps on hand to quickly replace a strap if it’s been broken.
An Argument Against Breakaway Halters
Breakaway halters may not always be the right decision for your horse. Dean Scoggins, DVM in Equus Magazine makes note that a breakaway halter can lead to a horse not standing once they’ve learned to work against a breakaway halter. While using a breakaway halter while the horse is turned out or kept in their stall is a good idea, you may want to consider using a different halter when leading or tying them.
A Note on Turnout Halters
If you choose to turnout your horse with a halter on you should be very particular about the halter you use. It’s not advisable to let your horse out with a halter on, but especially not a halter that does not breakaway.
Your best option is to select a breakaway halter. This will be either a leather halter, a nylon halter with a leather crown piece, or a halter specifically made with a breakaway fuse.
If your horse gets caught on something while they’re turned out you want to avoid injury by using a breakaway halter.
Breakaway Halter Options
There are a ton of breakaway halter options on the market. This means that the halter obsessed have plenty to stock up on and the picky have plenty to choose from. You’ll also be able to select from a variety of sizes to ensure you get the best fit for your horse, pony, or foal. Here are a few to help you get started on your breakaway halter shopping spree:
