There are so many products on the market and no one product is the same as another. Halters and leads are all made in many different materials whether it be Polyester, Nylon, Leather, PVC or Polypropylene. They all have there advantages and disadvantages, but it can become quite confusing which one is the "best" for what you need for which product you need.
1. Polyester
Polyester is the number one choice when it comes to ropes! It's strength is comparable to Nylon even when it is wet. It dries out quickly so is resistant to rot and is the most UV resistant of all the ropes on the market so it will forgive you when you "accidently" leave that lead out on the fence! It is very resistant to fading in normal outdoor temperatures. It won't stretch like other ropes so your halters will stay in shape! For area's that require a lot of buckling we always recommend a webbing/leather alternative to reduce abrasion and damage to the fine fibres in the ropes from buckle tongues.
2. Nylon
Nylon is used more commonly in webbing Tack! It can be one of the strongest materials when it is DRY! This is key as when this material gets wet it can have more "give" (stretch) and weaken it considerably. Nylon will absorb water and can be more prone to water damage than a Polyester alternative. Nylon ropes are usually used in Rock Climbing Due to the degree of "stretch and shock absorbency" i.e the shock of rope if a climber were to fall. It does have some resistance to UV. Nylon can be prone to "rubbing" in high contact areas in some situations.
3. PVC Webbing
PVC has picked up the pace in recent years as the no fuss alternative when it comes to Horse Gear and Leads! It is made up of a webbing coated in a PVC plastic, being a plastic it can be more prone to light and direct heat. Being plastic the by product can be harsher on the environment than the alternatives so be sure to get full use out of your PVC gear before considering upgrading. It can tend to have a "more plastic" feel if your use to the more refined leathers. The advantages of PVC is that it is easy to clean. Fibres can't get snagged from dogs scratching when it comes to Collars compared to ropes. It's easy to simply wipe off to clean and wont absorb water. It's easy to add holes and buckle when constant buckling is required.
4. Leather
There is something to be said about the smell of a fresh leather bridle or halter! Leather has stood the test of time over the centuries. From its looks to its strength, feel and being a natural by product of meat. There are now many "vegan" alternatives for those who prefer it, but leather will always stand in its own category! A well made leather product can stand the test of time and matched with shiny trimmings definitely makes a statement in any show ring! However leather will only last and give you what you put into it! Conditioning leather must be a routine to maintain those treasured pieces. Having said that leather can also be quite forgiving and even a lot of neglected pieces can be brought back to life after a good condition and oiling. Just be sure it is well dried and in a ventilated area if it has had any exposure to moisture and water to avoid mould from appearing in those leather pieces. The Bonus is, being a natural by product of an animal is that it is more biodegradable than plastic alternatives. Treat it right and it will reward you ten fold for many years.
5. Polypropelene
You might have seen variations of this type of rope in your searches for leads and halters from "poly", "Polyprop" or commonly "Polypropylene" occasionally this rope can be named "Halter Rope". So what is it? It is a synthetic rope; meaning that it is made up of polymer plastic fibres within this rope. This makes it a cheaper alternative and great for floating if you need a rope that floats! However, the chemical make up of this rope means it has a high degradation rate when exposed to UV like the sun! When exposed to elements this rope is prone to fading, going brittle and stretching. The amount of stretching this rope can do can become quite dangerous when rope halters can stretch out of shape considerably.
6. Hardware!
Leads can only be as good as the hardware that is made with them. Be aware of Nickle Plated hardware which is most common and a cheaper alternative. However once the Nickle Plating wears off it is prone to rust and corrosion. Stainless Steel is the best alternative for a "silver" look clip or Solid Brass for a "Gold finish". Brass can be polished up with any brass cleaner or toothpaste to bring back the shine from any tarnishing.
7. Final words
Choosing the right materials for what you need can be an important step in insuring you get the most bang for your buck!
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the item and how you use it. Once you have chosen the right materials for you your animals and your budget be sure to take note of how the product is made! Just because the right materials are used does not always mean they are the same. If buying online look for photo's of tack being worn by the animal and that it fits correctly. Look at how ends are finished, are they burnt or spliced in? Check what hardware is being used as a rope can only be as strong as the clip used!
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the item and how you use it. Once you have chosen the right materials for you your animals and your budget be sure to take note of how the product is made! Just because the right materials are used does not always mean they are the same. If buying online look for photo's of tack being worn by the animal and that it fits correctly. Look at how ends are finished, are they burnt or spliced in? Check what hardware is being used as a rope can only be as strong as the clip used!
