Although there is no substitute for good genetics and quality feed, your showmanship and ability to handle your goat are just as important when trying to earn a blue ribbon. Do you have the perfect collar or halter to keep your project moving in the right direction, or that gives you just the right show ring presence?
Here are the Top 5 Industry-leading Halters.
– Sheep & Goat Halter with Snap Lead
Sullivan’s Snap Lead Halters have been redesigned with the safety and comfort of your goats and sheep in mind. The polyolefin-covered bindings prevent irritation to the animal, and the smooth sliding halter provides an easy adjustment while keeping the halter from riding up into the eye. The overall length is 38”. This halter is for easy catching and moving animals, whether at home in the barn or moving multiple heads in and out during jackpots; this lead gives you and your animal more comfort. The snap at the end adds an extra feature to keep your animals where you need them when you need them.
We asked an industry expert what his thoughts were with a snap lead. We asked are you training on a snap lead or starting with a rope lead for them learn on? If you are starting with the snap lead how do you usually get them used to it or what’s a good method you recommend to get stubborn goats to like it a little bit better?
Wess Richey’s response was “The Sullivan Supply Snap lead is definitely a great halter and offers up a great deal of versatility. The Snap Lead allows customers to help train their animals before going to a more professional show halter like the Sullivan First Class show halter.
We advise customers to make sure the fit on the animal is correct. The halter should be placed high on the bridge on the nose, to allow for a more comfortable fit.
For those goats that are stubborn we like to start off with a Sullivan Supply snap lead and practice leading with a past show animal, this seems to be our best best to encourage those stubborn animals that it’s ok and once they are comfortable walking we switch to the Sullivan First Class show halter to practice what it will be like in the show ring.”
– Sheep & Goat Stronghold Cable Halter
The ELITE Cable Show Halter features the ALPHA slip-resistant super grip. This halter grip is incomparable, easy to grasp with any size hand, and enjoyable to hold. You will fall in love with the ALPHA feel of the STRONGHOLD! This grip helps with more stubborn or fidgety animals and will offer sleek, clean control while in the ring.
Constructed of high tensile strength 1/8” vinyl coated metal cable. The Stronghold is very flexible, easily conforming to any head shape, providing tremendous responsive control of the animal. Available in three sizes and your choice of colors: Black or White.
– Full Blood Prong Collar
This collar is designed for durability and is used to show mature bucks and does. It has 2 quick links, a prong undercarriage for added control, and a Biothane Lead. The open back is designed to go around the horns for a more comfortable feel on the goat. It is great for any showman to get the ultimate show ring look. Keeps the head elevated and helps ultimately have the best control for bigger does and bucks. This collar makes taking your control on and off a breeze.
– Leather Handle Goat Collar with Chain
The rolled leather handle gives the exhibitor better control of their goat, and the snaps allow for easy sizing. Snap into any chain link for the perfect fit. It goes up to 24” in length. This is going to be used a lot on the market wethers and wether dams. It is important to know that this is meant to add comfortability to your show ring presence. The simplicity in the design helps you, as an exhibitor, have more motion and flexibility with showmanship.
First Class Halter – For Lambs And Goats
Biothane-coated webbing goat show halter that is assembled with double-bound stitching for durability. This halter is easily disinfected and is sold complete with the chain lead. We also asked Wess Rickey what he thought of the First Class Halter here is what he said “The Sullivan First Class Sheep and Goat Halter is definitely a go to show halter for market wethers and commercial and or wether dams. The comfortable leather and longer chain with snap make it a perfect fit with style when showing at any level.”
With all of this being said, a goat that refuses to walk when led with the wrong halter or will not stay still in line makes it difficult for a judge to get a good view. Most shows allow the use of a collar or a halter for your goat, but it’s important to choose the right halter for you and your animal. It’s NOT recommended to wait until a week before the fair to start halter breaking, as it’s best to begin right after getting your project for the best results.
Find the perfect fit at SullivanSupply.com
