1/2" Marine double braid rope - from the likes of Samson (like Parelli) and RJ (like CA).
Hand tied eyesplice - a real splice with backstitching. This makes the snap removable and replaceable and allows you to use the lead as reins too!
Back splice on the end - No melting here, gives the rope some weight and swing at the end.
Leather popper - 8" of genuine leather to give swing and pop at the end of the lead.
Steel security snap - optional hardware for your lead. Same snap big trainers are using on their lines.