Best horse halters & leads according to redditors

Ooop, here you go. THIS should fix that.

One thing I've seen is taking a slip leash and putting both their head and one front leg through it, so that it goes diagonally across the chest.

Would something like this be low enough?
http://www.thebigdogsworld.com/Step-In-Harness.aspx

If you find something that fits reasonably well but is not padded itself, you could also get some fleece (or fake fleece) and wrap the straps with it. We do that a lot with thin-skinned horses that tend to get rub marks from their halters and bridles. They even make tube-shaped pieces and sell them to horse people for this purpose.
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/basic-fleece-halter-crown-cover/E003904/

http://www.amazon.com/Tough-1-Halter-Fleece-Set/dp/B00EJF99N6/ref=pd_sim_200_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41gAYO4P8EL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR116%2C160_&refRID=1Y6642GRDJPVAF8ER658

Don't know whereabouts you are but
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cottage-Craft-Shaped-Diamonte-Browband/dp/B006O5SY6W/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1375956497&sr=1-1&keywords=browbands
and
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cottage-Craft-Sliver-Clincher-Browband/dp/B006O5T1MS/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1375956497&sr=1-2&keywords=browbands

Cheap bling for someone after my own heart, hehe

Honestly, you'll probably find a cotton lead for cheaper than what you can make one for; especially of the same length. They're very light and very sturdy. I've used cotton leads with horses without any issue, so they'll definitely be fine with a dog.

However, if you wanted to make one, I do find paracord to be comfortable in general; I have a paracord leash that I love.

Not sure if it qualifies as a need, but my girlfriend could use a new rope for her horse. It's in purple, which is awesome because it happens to be her favorite colour. This is the item: www.amazon.co.uk/Plain-Horse-Lead-Rope-Purple/dp/B004VAAT5Q/ref=cm_wl_huc_item

And it is on my wish list here: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/IMHB40W3Y9GC/ref=topnav_lists_1