Rope Halters, Lead Ropes, Long Lines,
Reins, Sticks & Strings, Hackamores,
Headstalls, Mecates & More
Compare your measurements to the chart below. If they don't all fall into the same size category, the nose and head measurements are usually the best indicator of halter size. Also - it is better to have a halter that is a little too big than one that is too small.
The size chart is only a guideline - I cannot guarantee the fit of a halter unless I measure the horse myself. Go to Policies for information on guarantees and returns
The throatlatch measurement is not listed in the chart but if you have a mini, donkey, draft or a horse with a "unique" head, call or email with all measurements.
If you are uncomfortable with choosing the size or your measurements fall into 2 or 3 categories, call or email with your measurements. I can make a completely custom halter to fit your horse or just make a few tweaks to a standard size halter. I keep the dimensions of my halters within a 1/2" range between knots so I can make a halter "on the large side" or "on the small side" if that is all that is needed to make it fit better.
*I have found that some ponies have almost horse size heads while others are very petite. So it is hard to say what a "standard" pony size should be. I would recommend sending the measurements for ponies.
**The extra small will fit a yearling that will grow into a small to average sized horse. For warmblood yearlings, the small will probably be the best fit and will allow for some growth.
Here are some of the actual measurements of a few ranch horses with the rope halter size that fit the best. A Medium was the best size for most of the horses there.
NOSE | CHEEK | HEAD | BEST FIT |
29 1/2" | 11 1/2" | 49" | XL - Extra Large (Percheron/Quarter Cross) |
27" | 10" | 47" | L - Large (Belgian/Quarter Cross) |
26" | 10" | 45" | L - Large (Thoroughbred) |
25" | 10" | 44" | M - Medium (Quarter Horse) |
26" | 10" | 42" | Needs Custom Size L - too big, M - little small (Quarter Horse type) |
25" | 9" | 42" | M - Medium (Small Quarter Horse type) |
24" | 9" | 42" | M - Medium (Arabian) |
23 1/2" | 8" | 42" | S - Small (Arabian) |
25" | 10" | 45" | Brandy's Measurements Best fit is a Medium made on the larger side |
As explained on the Halters page, your halter should fit a little snug at first. As you use the halter, the knots will get tighter. While the rope does not stretch, the halter will end up a little bigger because there will be more space between the knots after they get snugged down tighter. I allow for this process when making a halter so it won't end up too big.
Call or email if you have any questions about taking measurements or ordering the right size.
* The halter will actually fit lower on the face, but the point of cheek bone is a specific spot where you can put your tape or string and I can use the nose and cheek measurements to determine the correct dimensions for the halter.
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THROATLATCH:If you are ordering a halter for a mini horse, donkey, or large draft horse - or any horse that you have had trouble fitting before, take the throatlatch measurement also.
Measure around the neck just behind the ears, around under the throatlatch, then back to where you started. (Green line)
Take a snug measurement with your horse's head in a natural position.
NOSE: Measure all the way around the nose just below the point of cheek bone.* (Red line)
Put the tape or string right up against - but in front of - the end of the raised bone.
Do not let the tape or string sag toward the nose.
I understand that it can be difficult to measure some horses. It is helpful to have 2 people - one can hold the horse, one can take the measurements. If that doesn't work, you can send me the measurements of a halter that is used on the horse - let me know if it fits well or is too big or too small in some places. I also have horse "types" listed in the chart as a general guideline for size. You can go by that if your horse is "typical" for the type.
A medium size halter will fit most average size horses - the poll strap can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of heads. In fact, most of my trainers purchase only medium size halters. They say that it fits most horses that they work with.
I have a data base of horse measurements with the halter size that is the best fit for each horse - the advantage of working at a place with 65 horses! If your horse's measurements don't all fall nicely into one of the size categories, I will be able to compare your measurements with those in my file to come up with a recommendation for the best size.
CHEEK: Measure along the side of the face from point of cheek bone* to back curve of jaw bone. (Blue line)
Put the end of the tape or string right on the front edge of the cheek bone. Keep the end of the tape on top of the bone, not past it toward the nose.
Measure to where you can feel the edge of the curved jaw bone with your fingers.
Use a cloth or paper measuring tape and measure at the specific points shown below. If you do not have a cloth or paper tape, use a piece of string or twine. Position the string as indicated, mark the length by tying a knot or holding the spot firmly with your fingers, then measure the string along a yard stick or metal tape measure. Do not stretch the string.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
John 3:16-17 ESV
RIDING HALTERS: Please take these additional measurements (I still need the other ones, too)
Measure all the way around the nose half way between the point of cheek bone and the corner of mouth. (Brown line)
Measure from that spot to the back curve of the jaw. (Yellow line)
These measurements should be smaller in the nose and longer in the cheek than the numbers from above.
HEAD: Measure from the corner of mouth on one side, up around behind the ears and down to the corner of mouth on the other side. (Purple line)
Drape the tape or string over the head, right behind the ears. Hold the end at the corner of the mouth on one side of the face. Pull the tape snug and measure the length at the corner of the mouth on the other side. If your horse has a thick mane, make sure it is not under the tape or string.
This measurement will give me an idea of the overall size of the horse's head.
SIZE CHART
NOSE | CHEEK | HEAD | ORDER SIZE |
20" or less | 8" or less | 36" or less | Mini A or B, Foals Call with measurements |
20" - 22" | 8" +/- | 36" - 39" | XS - Extra Small Pony*, Yearling** |
22" - 24" | 8" - 9" | 39" - 42" | S - Small Arab, Cob, Small Horse |
24" - 25" | 9" - 10" | 42" - 45" | M - Medium Average Horse |
26" - 27" | 10" - 11" | 45" - 48" | L - Large Large Horse, Warmblood |
28" - 30" | 11" - 12" | 48" - 52" | XL - Extra Large Draft Cross, Small Draft |
31" or more | 12" or more | 52" or more | D - Full Draft Call with measurements |
Rope halters do not have to fit exactly - but they should be in the right size range to work properly. If you are unsure of what size your horse needs, you can take some measurements and compare them to my size chart and then choose the correct size. I have diagrams, pictures and directions on how and where to take measurements of your horse's head. Please follow the directions carefully. If a measurement is taken at a different spot, the numbers will not coincide with the size chart and it could also cause me to make a custom halter with the wrong dimensions.
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Celebrating
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Y Knot Rope Tack
began in
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Thank you to my many customers for your support and loyalty!
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