Here is a short list describing 3 different kinds of lead ropes.

Poly Lead Rope: The poly lead ropes are one of the more common and popular lead ropes. This lead rope is soft and supple, with either a regular snap or a bull snap. The length is average, 8’-10’. This is a nice all around lead rope, but not great for training since it is too short to lunge and the snap will stop the flow of energy from your hand to the halter. Most poly lead ropes don’t have leather poppers on the end.

Cotton Lead Rope: This lead rope is made of cotton and is thicker and sometimes rougher to the touch than a poly. Cotton leads are commonly seen with either a bull snap or a regular snap and are of an average length 8’-10’. Again, a great overall lead rope, especially if you prefer cotton over poly. The disadvantage is, like the poly, it’s not great for training.

Yacht Braid Lead Rope: Yacht braid lead ropes are very durable but also flexible. They are longer than your average lead rope, 10’-15’. This makes them great for lunging and training. Most yacht braid lead ropes have leather poppers on the end and no snaps, so the flow of energy from your hand through the lead rope to the halter is not disrupted. This makes it difficult to take the lead rope on and off quickly however.

(photo taken from Saddle Up's website)

“You cannot train a horse with shouts and expect it to obey a whisper.” – Dagobert D. Runes

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