How to Measure a Horse for a Halter

When fitting your horse for a halter it's important to make sure the halter is tight enough that it won't get caught in a fence or stall, but loose enough to be comfortable. Leather halters may stretch slightly but canvas will maintain their shape.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your horse's head from the cheekbone to the top of the crown. Place the end of the measuring tape about one inch below her cheekbone, then run it up over her mane to the top of her crown.

    • 2

      Measure the bridge of your horse's nose. Place the end of the measuring tape level with her cheekbone, across the part of her nose where the halter's nose band will sit. Run the measuring tape across her nose to the same point on the other side.

    • 3

      Write down the two measurements and take them to a tack store. The employee can help you check the different sizes of halters, which can come in either a small/medium/large format or a pony/cob/large/draft format.

    • 4

      Try the halter on your horse. Make sure there is space for three fingers between her cheekbone and the nose band. You should be able to fit your fist under the throat latch and three to four fingers under the nose band.