We just use a truck tire tube until they figure things out. Cheap, portable enough to use anywhere (trees, posts, fence) and has enough give they don't get hurt/stuff doesn't break. For the special ones, they get tied up to post with old tires stacked up around it, it's like a padded room for the insane. They get to spend as much time tied up to that post as they need too. I have seen enough dead ones tied up laying next to trailers that I won't use a halter/rope that won't break/give, if needed.
For leaving a lead rope on one for a long time, the smart ones just learn how to run with their head tipped, so they don't step on it. Makes them fun to catch when you let them graze on a long line and they aren't ready to be done yet.