YOU GOT THE GOOD ROPE
Now let's fit it like a pro
thanks for choosing bar m!
Your halter is handmade here in New Zealand from premium, soft marine rope—built to handle weather, work, and a bit of mischief. The attached lead rope gives you that rope-to-rope feel for clearer communication and better timing. Nice.
QUICK START—THE HOOK HALTER
How to fit your Bar M Hook Halter
Open it up: Slip the loop off the hook. (The other rope that passes through the eye and back to the noseband stays fixed—don’t touch it.)
On it goes: Place the halter on your horse. Thread the loop through the eye and onto the hook so the hook sits on the near side of the head.
Set the length once: On the offside, you’ll find a bowline knot that adjusts the rope over the poll. Slide the knot to get a snug (not sloppy) fit. You want to be able to get two stacked fingers under the chin to allow for a lil' room.
Lock it in: Once that bowline is set, you’re done. From now on, just use the hook to take the halter on and off. Easy as.
Heads up: Knots will settle as the halter beds in. Make any size adjustments while it’s new. Do not remove the leadrope, or untie any knots. This results in needing to pull the halter apart and rebuild from scratch.
NO KNOTS + NO DRAMAS—THE HORSEMANSHIP HALTER
How to fit your Bar M Horsemanship Halter
This style saves you from tying a knot each time.
Seat it: Put the halter on and take the piece over the poll like normal.
Size it: Slip the poll rope through the loop until it reaches the first or second knot—pick the one that suits your horse. Could be a better fit? Push the two sides of rope entering and exiting the knot together to loosen it, then slide it to where the best fit will be. Slide the knot to get a snug (not sloppy) fit. You want to be able to get two stacked fingers under the chin to allow for a lil' room.
Secure it: Push the slider up snug against the knot to lock the fit.
Heads up: Knots will settle as the halter beds in. Make any size adjustments while it’s new. Do not remove the leadrope, or untie any knots. This results in needing to pull the halter apart and rebuild from scratch.
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TUNE THE NOSE
Noseband too big or small?
No stress—adjust this while the halter is still new, before the knots fully settle.
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Find the Fiador knot (under the chin where the lead rope attaches).
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Loosen it by pushing the knot together when the halter is new.
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Slide the knot along the rope in the direction you need—either to tighten or loosen the noseband.
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You may need to follow the knot’s individual strands as you go; just keep the two pieces entering the knot together and the two pieces exiting together.
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Slide the knot to get a snug (not sloppy) fit. You want to be able to get two stacked fingers under the chin to allow for a lil' room.
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When you’re happy, pull the knot tight to lock the fit.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Washing and care instructions
Please don’t toss your halter in the washing machine—spin cycles can loosen knots, and if anything comes undone it’ll need a full re-tie (that’s a paid service). Instead, give it a soak in a plant-based, gentle detergent—think a nappy-san style cleaner or mild dish soap—then lift the grime with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear so there’s no residue left behind, and hang it to dry. Clean, simple, and knot-safe.
If you’re wrestling with a knot or unsure about fit, flick us a message or a photo and we’ll point you in the right direction. Your gear should work hard and look sharp—grit, grace, and a great fit.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?