How to Tie a Mecate Knot

Traditionally used by Mexican cowboys, the mecate knot ties horse reins to a bosal to form a soft hackamore. The soft hackamore allows you to control the horse without a bit. It also functions like a halter and you can tie a horse up with it. Horses with sensitive mouths can benefit from using a soft hackamore. Though it may sound complicated, the mecate knot wouldn't have been passed down through generations of horse riders if a simpler alternative existed.

Things You'll Need

  • Bosal
  • Rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the bosal upside down with the pointed end facing you.

    • 2

      Insert one end of the rope into the "V" about an inch or two. Wrap the rope around the V one to three times depending on the length of rope and the fit of the bosal. More wrap will tighten the bosal making it fit the horse better.

    • 3

      Bring the rope under one side of the bosal. Pull enough rope through to make the reins.

    • 4

      Slide the end of the rope under the other side of the bosal V. Draw the rope across to the other side, and pull through the loops of each side used to make the reins.

    • 5

      Wrap the end around the horn of the saddle. With the working end of the rope, fold the rope back to create another loop. Slip this loop over the horn and pull to tighten.