The difference between a lead rope and a regular halter rope or lunge line is that a lead rope is significantly heavier. Because the lead rope is heavier, you can more easily communicate signals to your horse. The lead rope essentially mimics your hand movements to the halter. A lead rope stops moving immediately when you stop giving signals. Halter ropes or lunge lines tend to swing for a while and create noise at times when you don’t want that. Additionally, the lead rope is round rather than flat, allowing you to give better and clearer signals.