How to Make a Rope Halter for a Show Steer

Showing steers can be a fun and profitable hobby. Most steers placed in the show ring are bred and raised as meat animals and are sold to the highest bidder to be made into a variety of consumable beef products. Most steers are shown simply with a rope halter, which is used to guide the animal around the ring. Making your own rope halter for your show steer is a simple and affordable way to show off the best qualities of your steer.

Things You'll Need

  • 15' of ½" diameter rope
  • Measuring tape
  • Marker
  • 1½" diameter metal ring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the nose of your steer to determine how big to make the nose loop. The halter should rest midway between the nostrils and the eyes, so wrap your measuring tape around his nose at this location. Record the measurement.

    • 2

      Lay your rope out on a flat surface and measure your rope in accordance with the size of your steer's nose, adding 2" to the measurement to allow room for the knot. Make a small, dark line at the measurement to keep track of how big the loop must be.

    • 3

      Slide the metal ring onto your rope and hold the free end of your rope in one hand, doubling it over to create a large loop.

    • 4

      Pass the looped end through itself to create a knot where the free end and the doubled end meet. The ring should sit inside the loop because it will be used to keep the crownpiece tight as you lead your steer. Pull tightly on the rope to keep the knot from coming loose once the halter is on your steer.

    • 5

      Pass the free end of your rope through the metal ring, centering it so it is on the opposite side as the knot you tied. This will form the crownpiece of your halter that will fit over the top of your steer's head. It will stay tight as you place tension on the rope, helping to guide your steer and keep him in control while in the ring.

    • 6

      Place the nose loop around the nose of your steer, sliding the crownpiece into position behind his ears.

    • 7

      Tighten the halter up by pulling up the slack in the free end of the rope, looping it up and holding the loop in your hand to keep it tidy while you show your steer.