Horse Lead Ropes
(162)A horse lead is attached to the halter. It helps to lead the horse, giving gentle signals without restricting freedom of movement. Horse leads are used in... LEARN MORE
Leading a horse properly with a horse lead
Whether your horse is still boisterous or just needs to learn to walk quietly alongside – leads and halters always help to lead it properly and effectively. A suitable leadrope can also be used to tie the horse in its box or in the stable aisle, for instance, when its coat or hooves need care. Horse leadropes and halters are therefore used every day for the correct routine in equestrian sports. They are part of the essential equipment, the quality of which affects the interaction between you and your horse.
The horse lead is attached to the halter: the leash is attached to a ring provided for this purpose, which is located in the middle at the bottom of the horse halter. Wear gloves to be on the safe side; these will protect your hands during jerky movements or when guiding a restless horse.
Choosing the right hook type
With regard to the attachment, a distinction is made between panic hooks and snap hooks. This difference is significant from a practical point of view, since the mechanisms are suitable for very different situations: while horse leadropes with snap hooks are more suitable for boisterous horses and provide safety for beginners, easily detachable leadropes with panic hooks are most suitable for experienced riders. They are often used for tying the horse. Your experience, your horse’s temperament and the respective situation therefore decide which type of horse leadrope is best.
Horse leads with panic hooks or snap hooks
You’ll find many different models in attractive colours in our high-quality range. These robust products are made of tear-resistant polypropylene yarn or cotton. Our shop stocks horse leadropes with panic hooks and snap hooks – please note the following when making your selection:
- Horse leadropes with snap hooks must be opened by the rider by hand. This variant offers greater safety when handling boisterous horses. Snap hooks are also recommended for inexperienced or insecure equestrians. They prevent the horse from overreacting and escaping.
- Leadropes with panic hooks can be opened quickly and easily, and work well as a tie leash. This type of hook is also easy and quick to open if the horse panics. It can thus independently free itself in a threatening situation.
Leading a horse properly with a leadrope
With a high-quality horse lead, you can guide your horse better without having to be close to it. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. In general, gloves and sturdy shoes will help you when using a horse lead. The gloves in particular protect against abrasion and burns if, for example, a cotton cord is quickly pulled through your hand.
The leadrope should be at least two meters long and not drag on the ground. This length recommendation ensures that there is always a slight slack in the horse leadrope so that the horse does not feel constricted. It’s easier to lead the horse if its head stays level with yours or slightly behind it. If the horse needs help, a quick glance and a gentle tug is all it takes. The better rider and horse communicate, the smoother the commands will succeed in everyday life. This not only relaxes you: your companion will also feel more comfortable.
You should also watch your horse closely when leading and tying it up in order to recognise upcoming situations at an early stage. Hold the horse lead with your hand a fist width below the snap or panic hook. Use the other hand to gather the remaining leadrope length. The horse leadrope should never be wrapped around your hand, because if a horse impulsively runs off, its leader would fall to the ground and be pulled behind. It’s therefore better to lay the end of the rope in figure eights or in loops so you can give the horse space in an emergency. Ideally, the horse will calm down quickly and can be held securely with the rope.
Buying horse leads
Optimise your equestrian equipment with high-quality accessories for daily leading and tying. Order your favourite horse lead that fits your horse perfectly. Models from renowned brands score with quality and reliability, and offer solutions for beginners and professionals. Of course, we also stock other products such as lead chains or horse lunge leads in our online shop. Our high-quality horse leads are available for immediate delivery. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.