In BRAY events there is often going to be only two pieces of required equipment: a lead rope, and a halter. Donkey owners may be overwhelmed at the choices available for halters, and may not know which one is best for them. Is there a difference in types of halters, or do you just choose the one you think looks the best? The answer is, “Yes!” There are differences in types of halters, and which one you choose can come down to an array of factors between you and your burro partner. We’re going to help you learn about some of the more common types of halters, when they should be used, and how to choose the best one for your donkey and the activity you plan to undertake.
First, before we can talk about halter types and how they work we need a quick physics lesson! How a halter works is all about pressure and force. Pressure, spread over a greater area, results in less force than the same amount of pressure placed on a smaller area. Think of it this way: if you pick up a 5 lb dumbbell with a loop of dental floss, it would cut into your hand and cause pain. If you pick up that same 5 lb dumbbell with a lead rope, there’s no discomfort at all. The same 5 lbs of pressure results in more force or less force depending on how large an area it’s spread over (narrow dental floss, vs a wide lead rope).
Halters work the same way; the larger the surface area where pressure is being applied, the less force your donkey feels. This is often referred to or discussed as the “severity” of a halter (the same is true for bits! But that’s another post).
Read on for some common halter types, and photo examples of each. Don’t forget, for some it may be helpful to have more than one type of halter in your tack room so you can swap them out based on the activity, or even your donkey’s mood :
Rope:
Rope halters are often chosen for their convenience. They’re simple, lightweight, and can often fit a wider span of head sizes, allowing for the possibility that one halter can be used for your whole herd. They come in several different rope diameters, knot configurations, and even rawhide nosebands.
Important consideration for rope halters:
Rope halters have the smallest amount of contact area, therefore the pressure applied will generate the most force with this type of halter
Knots: knots in the rope further concentrate the pressure, resulting in even more force; think of the knots like a pebble in your shoe. A knotted rope halter will have more force on your donkey than a flat webbed halter or mule tape halter. A rope halter with additional knots on the noseband will have even more pressure than a rope halter without the additional knots.
The lack of rings between the nose and cheek may make them difficult to affix things like trailer ties and cross ties
When to use a rope halter:
When you need a lot of control. If you have a strong donkey that tends to not respect your requests, a rope halter may be the right choice.
Because of the ease of use and size considerations, many people opt for rope halters in their trailer or emergency boxes. They can essentially be broken down into “mini” “standard” & “mammoth” sizes, which can be very helpful in situations like evacuations.
Do not choose a rope halter if you like to “wrap in” while running or hiking, to allow your animal to pull you up inclines. The narrow width of the nose band as well as the knots will cause pain and discomfort for your animal with the additional weight.
Nylon web:
Nylon halters are probably the most common type of halter you’ll find on donkeys, mules, and horses. They’re made of flat nylon webbing (often 1 inch width but sometimes smaller for young animals and minis) and come in a wide array of colors and patterns. Some nylon halters have “adjustable chins” to make the nose-part of the halter smaller or larger for a more custom fit. Nylon halters are durable, affordable, and practical for every use. They have a larger amount of contact area on a donkey’s nose and poll (the area just behind the ears) than a rope halter, they’re considered one of the most mild types of halters. They can be offered with additional padding on the nose, crown, and cheek pieces to make them even more mild.
Important consideration for nylon halters:
Regular nylon halters are not safe for turnout as they will not breakaway if an animal becomes entangled. Some companies make a “breakaway” version of a nylon halter with a leather attachment meant to break under the pressure of a trapped animal.
When to use a nylon halter:
Whenever! Nylon halters are one of the most popular types of halters in the equine industry and can be used for around the barn, grooming, bathing, when out and about, or even in shows! They come in a variety of sizes, commonly sized by an animal’s weight and age - often standard sized donkeys fit into “yearling”, “colt”, or “pony.” Each manufacturer measures slightly differently so double check the sizing guide and measure your long eared friend before you buy.
Mule tape:
Mule tape halters sit somewhere between rope halters and web halters. The shape is reminiscent of a rope halter, with an adjustable crown that ties near the ear, and one continuous piece throughout without buckles or rings. However it is typically flat, with a wider noseband, similar to a web halter, and no knots to trigger pressure points. These halters are considered very soft or gentle.
Important considerations for mule tape halters:
Like the rope halter, the lack of rings between the nose and cheeks may make them difficult to affix trailer ties or cross ties
These halters are VERY strong and will not break away in an emergency, so it is best to remove them for turnout.
When to use a mule tape halter:
Whenever you’re working with your animal! These halters are gentle enough for most jobs- general leading, grooming, hiking, running, whatever!
Leather:
Leather halters are similar to nylon web halters: they’re considered mild halters due to their width (typically 1 inch, unless made for a younger or small animal), they’re customizable, feature adjustable and non-adjustable chins, and can withstand everyday use. Like the nylon web halters, they can be offered with additional padding on the nose, crown, and cheek pieces to make them even more mild. Additionally, unlike a nylon halter, leather halters will break under pressure.
Important considerations for leather halters:
Unlike a nylon halter they require more maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best. Just like other leather tack such as saddles they’ll require cleaning and conditioning with leather care products.
When to use a leather halter:
Whenever you’d like! Many use leather halters for turnout as they’ll break under pressure if an animal gets their halter hung up on something.
In the show ring: often you’ll see leather halters with silver embellishments for the show ring.
Bronc Nose:
Bronc nose halters are a variation on nylon web or leather halters. These halters have a wider, generally leather noseband. The width of the nose band allows for the greatest amount of surface area so there is very little force applied to the bridge of your animal’s nose.
Important considerations for bronc nose halters:
Due to the large size of the nose band, it is important to ensure the halter is fitting correctly and will not impede your donkey’s breathing or sight in any way
Like leather halters, you’ll want to pay special attention to the leather noseband to ensure it stays conditioned and free of cracks and tears, otherwise it may break.
When to use a bronc nose halter:
When working with your donkey. The size of the noseband may make grooming around it a bit difficult, and offers more opportunities for the halter to get caught or hung on things, so these are best reserved for when you're actively working with your burro partner.
When your donkey is behaving. As we mentioned before, this is the mildest type of noseband so if you need a little extra control you may choose to forgo this halter.