Just wondering how many people actually keep the halters on their horses when they turn them out in their paddocks, pens, pastures, etc.? DON'T! I see it a lot. Mainly because I've heard "well, it is easier AND he is hard to catch, so I just leave it on..." Well, it is really dangerous to your horse. I can't tell you how many horror stories I've heard about horses getting the halter caught on the fence, post, something sticking out, etc. or running along tossing their heads, getting it caught.....ugh. My advice, for what it's worth (probably nothing) is take them off. I only chat about this because of seeing so many horses with the halters on in certain areas of the US while traveling.

No doubt.. I have seen a horse that actually wrecked himself beyond use after a halter hangup....

i've been thinking about doing that to my horse, but i might not because of all the stories i've heard from neighbors

I will leave the halter on a horse new to the property until s/he knows us. Then it's off. If a boarder cannot catch their horse without a halter, I pretty much insist on handling lessons!

I only use leather or breakaway halters as they break if the horse gets into an issue. No one has nylon at the barn. Though if the horses are all going out together, they all seem to pull each other's halters off anyway, so they come off regardless. My only fear is someone trying to steal the horses if they have their halters on but we have cameras on teh pastures and paddocks. It's probably best safety-wise to leave them off.

I have a boots question. My horse only manages to hurt herself when she is turned out and it's only been recent within the past 2 years! She has never worn leg protection in the pasture or under saddle, but three times that I've brought her in from the pasture (the first time and the 2 times since that I forgot to boot her!), she's come in with blood all over the insides of her canons (it's amazing how that area bleeds like mad!). She has no shoes on the hind feet. It's the inner canon and I'm trying to find the best boots for this. Any suggestions?

Are there cuts on her legs, or do you just see blood? Is it only on her front legs or on the rear also? I don't know what area of the country you are in, but if you have horse/deer flies, they could be your problem. During bad fly season my horses will have blood in these areas also unless I wrap their legs or use fly boots. The flies seem attracted to these areas and leave them bloody.
If you are seeing cuts/scrapes she may be overreaching while she is running around. I would say use some polo wraps. That should protect her legs and if they get ruined in the mud or from regular use, they are cheap to replace. I personally use Professional choice boots for riding, but they are more expensive and I probably wouldn't use them for turnout.

I think she is overreaching like you said and in same situation have tried cheap boots but they get knocked around a lot and shift (even when I've asked others to check when I put them on to confirm if I have them on right). I think you're right...try polos instead. Cheap, easier to keep from shifting and should do the job!