[analise]

I was given a leather halter for Christmas. It is almost big enough for my horse. (it's the throatlatch I'm worried about mostly)

Could I theoretically oil the crap out of it to encourage it to stretch a bit or is it a lost cause and I should pass it on to someone whose horse it will fit or consign it or something?

[Highflyer]

I don't think oiling it would help. You could try getting it really wet and leaving it on the horse (a la the bathtub boot stretching method) but I'd probably just consign it and buy one that fits.

[clanter]

could get a smaller horse or maybe find a saddle/leather shop to replace the throatlatch

[ReSomething]

If it's flat strap goods you can oil it and leave it under tension for a few days and it'll stretch somewhat. Getting it wet should work too. If it's sewn more than just at the attachment points forget it, stitching won't stretch.

Is there any way to exchange it for the next size up?

[analise]

No, I don't know where they got it from. I was just going to take it to the local consignment place if it can't work.

And yes, it's sewn at more than just the attachment points. Pooh. I didn't think about that.

[ironbessflint]

Leave it on and turn out with a playful gelding. Always stretches mine out plenty! :-P

Does it buckle on both sides? A longer crown might do the trick, and those are pretty readily available.

[analise]

It does buckle on both sides. The other thing I was considering was just punching holes on the ends and seeing if it fixed the issue.

[reay6790]

I would get a different leather crown piece that measures longer...should help with the chin strap fitting if it sits lower on the face.

[CFFarm]

Sell it and get a halter that fits.

[ako]

It does buckle on both sides. The other thing I was considering was just punching holes on the ends and seeing if it fixed the issue.

This might get you enough room. Worth a shot!

[SAcres]

I've always found that leather halters, even triple stitched ones, stretch a bit with wear. I wouldn't give up on stretching it if you really like the halter.

[equinekingdom]

when punching holes in the ends, consider using a drill bit in the correct size - makes much cleaner holes and is far easier than using a hole punch IMO. I have two hole punches and i never use them, using a drill is infinitely easier.

[jump4me]

It should stretch anyway, mine always do. Then they are too big lol. Either make the crown longer until it stretches on its own, for try soaking it in plain water till its soft and pull the heck out of it with your hands then put it on the horse.

[Nojacketrequired]

Spray it with rubbing alcohol until it is good and wet, then put it under tension until dry and see if that worked.
Maybe hang it up and hang something heavy from the other end.
If it's already heavily oiled, this won't work.
NJR

[islgrl]

I like Clanter's idea to just get a second horse that will fit into the halter. Really, what other answer is there?