How to Halter a Cow

Rope halters are necessary for any farm that has cows. They are crucial for dairy farms in order to control the milking process. In addition to the pedestrian needs of milking and getting the cow to the vet, you or your child might need to halter a show cow. Regardless of the reason, you need to follow some basic steps to make a proper halter, to fit it to your animal and to train it for leading. Even if you decide to replace the rope halter with a fancy show halter later, you will want to start with these basics, the earlier the better.

Things You'll Need

  • 13 feet of three-strand rope -- 3/8-inch for calves, 7/16-inch or 1/2-inch for cows
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a nose piece loop. Untwist about six inches of rope at the end. Fold the untwisted portion about four inches over the rest of the rope. Hold both parts of the rope in your left hand facing you. Push the center untwisted strand under a raised portion of the long rope at the end of the long rope. Braid the other two untwisted strands under loosened loops further down the rope.

    • 2

      Pull all three untwisted brands tight. Continue to braid the untwisted strands tight until they are completely folded into the rope.

    • 3

      Make the halter loop. Measure 16 inches from the end of the rope. Raise two strands and push the nosepiece loop through the strands. Make a loop about twice the size of the rope.

    • 4

      Raise two strands of rope on the short side and push the end of the rope on the long side through this opening. Pull tight.

    • 5

      Pass the long rope through the nosepiece loop and the second loop to form a halter pull tight.

    • 6

      Create the crown knot. Unravel about six inches of rope on the long end. Fold the center strand over the other two toward you and hold the loop with your thumb. With your right hand fold the left strand over the center and hold with your thumb. Pull the right strand under the loose end of the left strand then through the eye of the center strand. Pull all three tight to form the knot. Braid the strand ends into the rope until they are gone. Cut off the short ends.

    • 7

      Halter the cow by placing the halter over the head and tying the cow to her pen.

    • 8

      Lead the cow by the halter once it has learned to respect the halter. Do not force or pull the cow. If the cow stops talk to her for a few seconds before you resume walking. Walk for 15 to 20 minutes before returning the cow to the pen.