Instructions for a Nylon Browband

Nylon webbing is often used in place of leather for items of horse tack. Halters, entire bridles plus lead ropes, lunging ropes and reins can all be made of nylon. The advantages of using nylon instead of leather are its lower price, bright colors and easy care. No need to spend hours rubbing it with saddle soap or oil -- simply drop it in the washer with your saddle blanket. Some horse owners keep a variety of different-colored nylon browbands that they can change on any given day. They are quick and easy to sew and cost next to nothing.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon webbing
  • Tape measure
  • Sewing machine or needle
  • Strong nylon thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your horse's current browband. If you have a new horse and have never purchased a bridle for her, measure her head from the bone above the eyes across the brow. Add a length of one to one-and-a-half inches to each end for the seams.

    • 2

      Purchase lengths of nylon webbing. Cut one to size and fold it over in the same direction at both ends. Use your head piece to measure the size of the loop on each end. If you have a sewing machine, sew the ends of each loop to the browband. You can also easily stitch it by hand. Make certain it is strong; horses are hard on their equipment.

    • 3

      Take your bridle apart where the head piece joins the cheek piece on the right-hand side of the horse's head. Remove the existing browband if applicable. Thread the new browband over the head piece facing forward, with the folded part on the underside. If you have one, thread the nose band through the browband on the underside. Reattach the cheek piece.

    • 4

      Bridle your horse. Slide the browband up or down if it is not in the correct position. If it fits correctly, use it as a template to make more browbands. If it is not a good fit, use it to calculate the correct measurements; then cut another length of nylon webbing and make another browband.