How to Make a Beaded Arabian Show Halter

The Arabian horse is considered to be the oldest breed in the world, and its bloodlines have contributed to almost every other breed. Arabians typically have delicate heads with a "dished" face -- broad forehead, slightly protuberant eyes and tapering muzzle. They often compete in the show ring wearing lightweight halters to show off their heads. These halters can be plain or elaborately embellished, and many owners make their own to get an exact fit.

Measure your horse's bridle to get an exact fit for the halter. Take measurements across the front of the brow band, nose band, and from the top of one bit ring across the head stall down to the other bit ring.

Cut the cotton and webbing straps into suitable lengths, leaving 2 inches excess at each end for hemming.

Copy the main lines of your design onto the cotton strips with chalk so that you can see where to stitch the beads. If you are having trouble visualizing the design, lay out a section of the beads on scotch tape so that you can see how they work together. You can bead the head stall, nose band and brow band or just one of the straps. Wax the thread by pulling it through the beeswax, which will make it stronger and also give it some protection against moisture.

Sew a couple of stitches to the back of the fabric then pull the needle through to the right side. Thread a bead over the needle, and pass the needle back through the fabric. Bring the needle up again a beads-length in front, and add another bead. Continue until the design is finished, leaving a 2 inch strip clear of beads at each end of the strap.

Sew the finished beaded strips onto the webbing straps as backing.

Stitch the nose band onto the metal rings, folding the un-beaded areas over and sewing into place. Stitch the head stall onto the top of the metal rings. Fold the brow band into place around the head stall and stitch to secure it.

Sew a tassel on to each side of the brow band. Clip the chain to each metal ring.

Try the halter on your horse by putting the nose band over its muzzle and passing the head stall over its head. The chain should fall behind the horse's jaw, ready to clip a lead rein to.