How to Tie a Rope Halter for Cows

The easiest way to lead a cow is with a halter. Halters made of leather or synthetic material are available, but they can be expensive. An adjustable halter made from a single piece of manila rope works just as well. A homemade halter is inexpensive, and can usually be assembled in about 15 minutes. A properly made halter provides a 10-foot long lead to handle a cow.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/8-inch manila rope, 15-feet long
  • Electrical tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap each end of the rope with a piece of electrical tape; this prevents the rope from unraveling.

    • 2

      Untwist 16 inches of the rope on one end. Isolate one strand of rope from the other two.

    • 3

      Thread the end of the rope closest to the isolated strand under the other strands; pull the rope through to form a small loop. Allow the rope to twist again.

    • 4

      Untwist the rope about 1 inch above the location where it passes under a strand. Isolate a second strand.

    • 5

      Pass the short end of the rope under the second strand, and pull the rope tight. Allow the rope to twist.

    • 6

      Untwist the same rope about 1 inch above the last location; untwist where the rope passes under a strand. Isolate the last strand in the rope.

    • 7

      Insert the short end of the rope under the last strand, and pull the rope tight. Let the rope twist.

    • 8

      Untwist the end of the short length of rope. Raise the separate strands into three loops along the side of the rope's end.

    • 9

      Insert the end of the long portion of rope through the three loops. Make a large, 3-foot long loop; this is the stall rope of the halter.

    • 10

      Insert the end of the long portion through the small loop to form the chin rope. The short rope acts as the nose rope.

    • 11

      Place the stall rope over the cow's ears and behind its head. Place the nose rope and chin rope over the cow's muzzle. Hold the loops on the short end of the rope. Pull the long end of the rope to adjust the stall rope around the cow's head. Pull the long portion through the small loop to adjust the chin strap.