Lead (tack)

When separate, it is attached to the halter with a heavy clip or snap so that it can be added or removed as needed.

[2] Lead lines are usually flat webbing or leather, and are generally .75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide, though may be narrower for show use.

[2] Flat lines are less bulky and more comfortable in the hand for leading and animal, but may lack adequate strength for tying.

A lead for a horse usually is in the range of 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7 m) long, but longer and shorter lengths are seen.

However, some animals do learn to untie themselves and may require the loose end of the rope to be passed through the slipped loop to prevent this occurrence, or be tied with alternative methods of restraint.

Crossties are commonly made from two lead ropes, each attached to a wall with the snap end placed on either side of the horse's halter.

This technique of restraint keeps the horse from moving around as much as with a single lead, and is particularly handy when people are working on both sides of the animal.

Ideally, crossties are attached at one end with either a quick release panic snap or breakaway mechanism.

Ropes of a thick diameter (3/4 in or more) and high tensile strength generally are adequate to tie a large animal that resists being tied; thinner and/or weaker leads generally will break if significant tension is put on them.

When an animal is left unattended or if a safety knot is improperly tied and cannot be released, views differ as to whether a lead rope should be made strong enough not to break under tension, or if it should have safety elements that allow it to give way when tension reaches a certain point in order to minimize potential injury.