ADJUSTABLE SHEEP HALTER

written by Tom Drudik

This month's article is on making an adjustable halter, a useful piece of equipment when raising sheep.  While there are many different halters available commercially, you can create your own to fit your needs.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

This halter is constructed by using braided poly rope.  This rope can be found at most sporting goods and hardware stores because of its many uses.  The size of rope can vary with personal preference, but I recommend 5/16 inch diameter for market lambs and 3/8 inch for halters that will be used for yearling sheep.  You may also want to add a brass snap to the end of the rope to make it easier to secure the animal when needed.

To construct the halter with this type of rope, you need a "fid" or splicing tool.  This tool is often sold with the rope as a package.

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1.  Cut the rope to the desired length.  The best way to cut the rope is by melting the strands with a soldering iron, so the strands melt together.  This keeps the braids from unraveling.  While the ends are still warm, try to shape the end to a blunt point by rubbing on any object or between your fingers while wearing a leather glove.  As you can imagine, extra care is required when handling melted rope.

Length may vary with personal preference, but I use 5 feet for halters that will have a snap on the end and 7 feet for others.

2.  Form the nose band by doubling back the desired length of rope, the Figure 1 will give you an idea of the starting point for the loop.

Where the joint is desired, loosen the braid by pushing the rope together with your fingers and inserting the splicing tool by pushing the pointed end of the tool into one of the openings of the braid, allowing it to travel down the hollow center of the braided rope.

Figure 1

Figure 2

When the desired length of splice is reached, bring the tool out the center as in Figure 2.  Remove the splicing tool, allowing the end of the rope to slip completely into the center and tighten the entire braid.

3.  Construct a loop for the chin strap to pass through by passing the pointed end of the splicing tool back through between braids and back out again.  Then pull the remaining length of rope through to form a small loop as shown in the figure to the right.  Complete the halter by following the dashed line.

Figure 3

Figure 4

5.  Put the finishing touches on your new rope halter by placing a hog ring or similar clasp around the splice joints (marked with an arrow in Figure 4).  This will keep the loops from slipping.