Instructions for Natural Rope Halters

Halters are a common tool farmers and ranchers use to move livestock including horses, cattle, sheep, goats and llamas. They are made of materials ranging from leather to nylon webbing. One of the most versatile types of halter is a natural rope halter. Rope halters can be tied to fit most species with the same basic pattern.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Water
  • 20 feet of 1/4-inch-diameter natural rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the rope in a bucket and fill the bucket with clean water. Soak the rope for at least 24 hours. Remove the rope from the water one hour before making your halter to allow some of the water to drain away.

    • 2

      Make a small loop at one end of the rope by folding the last 6 inches of the rope in half, wrapping the rope around itself and feeding the folded end through the hole in the middle of the loop. Pull the newly formed loop tightly to secure the knot.

    • 3

      Tie another loop 20 inches up the rope from the first knot, following the step above. The piece of rope between the loops is the nosepiece, and the two loops rest on the underside of the animal's jaw and hold the free end of the rope to keep the halter from slipping off during transit.

    • 4

      Hold the nosepiece on the animal's face, running the remaining rope behind the ears and down the opposite side of the face. Slip the rope through the two chin loops to secure the halter. Hold the free end of the rope coiled in your hand to prevent you or the animal from stepping on it as you walk.