How to keep chain on halter from getting too tight?

[SlickTxMaine]

I know I read this a long time ago, but searched and could not locate it.  So, falling back on the been there, done that folks on this board!  Have a nylon type halter w/ chain on new steer, having him drag a lead rope.  What can you do to the chain to keep it from getting too tight on the chin?  Thanks!!

 

[vc]

Not fond of them dragging a halter but I would think you could put a clip on the chain at the point you want it to stop. This would keep the chain from getting any tighter. Are you having it drag the lead so you can catch it or to halter break it?  If it is so you can catch it, use an old show stick or a broom handle with a hook on it so you can grab the ring, it is to halter break him, you would better off tying him foe a little while each day then removing the lead when you are through. I have seen the chains break on those halters at the wrong time way to often, I preffer the rope halters.
We put them in a small area and halter them each time we want to work with them.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

VC,
  It is for catching him.  We just picked him up Saturday, and he was just weaned from mom.  The breeder had caught him and tied him 2-3 times for us prior to us picking him up, but that's the only contact he has had.  He has calmed down a lot, and I expect to be able to remove the lead in the next day or so.  Didn't want him to get too sore under his chin. The pen we keep him in does not have a chute attached, so this is what we do.  I know some do not like this technique, but we have had good luck with it the last three years.  Thanks! 

 

[titanic]

Ya just try to make a 8' x 8' pen and halter them one at a time it has worked better for me. It may work for you to.

 

[Bulldaddy]

I use those rope halters that have a two inch ring that you pass the rope through.  They are great for breaking calves because they never stay tight.  Once the calf relaxes, the halter relaxes.  You can make them yourself or get them from Sullivans.

 

[The Show]

I don't recommend them dragging their leads either. I like using Johnson halters to break. When you need to catch them, just run them into a small trap and hook the chain with a show stick and catch them. I would just put a clip where you want the chain to stop though.