Properly fitting a halter to your llama is important, not only to provide control of the llama, but also for safety to the llama.

Choosing a Halter

Choose a halter specifically made for llamas. Halters made for other animals, such as horses, will not fit properly. Many sources for llama halters are available mailorder, or you can pick from a wide selection from vendors at most large llama shows.

Llama halters are most commonly made of nylon. Select one that is well made and with a minimum of hardware. There are a few different styles on the market, but the main object is proper fit of your llama. Nylon halters with brass adjustable buckles are usually the strongest, and suggested for training and transporting llamas. Leather halters, while prettier and nice for the showring, are generally not as strong. "Quick release" and plastic buckles, while handy, are also more prone to breakage. Remember that any halter, old or new, may break unexpectantly; be prepared at shows, traveling, and on the trail with a spare halter.

The most important aspect of halter fit is the placement of the nose piece across the llama's nose. The nose piece should be just below the eye. The facial bone making up the front of the llama's face does not continue all the way down to the nostrils. The lower part of the face is made up of softer cartlilage. If the nose band fits such that it is in contact with the cartilage instead of the bone, pressure can compress or break the cartilage. This compression can suffocate the llama. Many llamas with ill-fitting halters, or halters that have slipped down the nose while the animal was tethered, have suffocated because of the halter. Don't let this happen to your llama!

You should be able to slip two or three fingers under the llama's halter, above the ring for the lead rope. This will allow enough room for your llama to move its jaws to eat, drink, and chew its cud.

Proper fit for safety is most important; however, best control of the llama is also a function of the halter. The llama reads your cues for its movement through pressure on the halter. The crown piece of the halter is the primary point of contact. The crown piece should ride slightly below the llama's ears. This gives the handler the most control. A common problem is when the crown piece has slipped down the neck. This is often due to a halter being too big or not adjusted properly.