Rope Halter vs. Nylon Halter

I know this may sound like a really stupid question, but I was just wondering what the difference is and why you would use a rope halter instead of a nylon halter and vice versa? Thanks in advance!

I think there is a lot out there on the web about this issue, and probably more opinions here. From my perspective, a rope halter, because of the way it is constructed against the poll (two ropes crossing the poll, rather than a broad strap). The rope halter gives a clearer pressure/release message (stronger pressure if the horse pulls because the surface area of the pull us smaller). Also, if you use your lead (as I do) to back the horse by waggling the rope, or other rope signals to the horse, I think a webbing halter confuses the message. The banging of the check clips and rings on their face is "out of sync" with the other clues.

The knots in the rope halter give pressure points on the horses face when it's pulled on. Look at a picture of one and you'll notice this. The nylon or leather ones are flat and don't do much good when you're working them because they give no pressure points. You can use both for leading, grooming, trailering, etc. I've found the rope ones last longer though.

The most important difference, in my opinion, is a nylon will break, a rope will not.

Thanks so much! All of your opinions have helped. Any more are also appreciated.

By the way, your question is not stupid. It's a very good, and important, question :]

Thanks!! That always makes me feel better

A nylon halter probably wont break unless it has a breakaway strap...

Not to argue a point with barrelracer, but I don't think the knots really work on pressure points. Look at how much a halter moves around when it is in use, the knots don't hit a precise place on the face, they move all over the place.

To quote a halter maker (web link follows the quote): "Here at Cypress Lodge we don’t believe the story that the halter knots work on pressure points. The stimulation of pressure points is an exact science. Pressure point locations are well documented and named, so are the energy lines they stimulate and the internal organs they effect. So if any halter maker can provide this information, then explain how they guarantee that their halters stimulate these exact points on each and every horse, please feel free to email and we’ll say sorry. Until that happens, and don’t hold your breathe, we maintain that’s it a load of bull****. These halters work in much more benevolent manner, they simply reward the horse for yielding to minimum pressure applied by the trainer or rider.
While on the subject of pressure point knots we do not use, therefore, do not make rope halters with extra knots over the noseband. We believe these knots do not work on pressure points but rather create points of pressure on the very sensitive nasal region of the horse. We are of the opinion that these knots cause unnecessary discomfort and/or pain therefore not meeting our requirement for humane training tools."

Cypress Lodge :: Promoting Humane Training and Treatment of Horses

They break all the time; especially with drafts. I'm probably the last person at our stables that still uses nylon... but I learned how to make my own halters yeasterday so I'll be jumping on the band wagon soon. Hehe