How to Shape a Rawhide Bosal

A rawhide bosal is a hackamore-style bridle. It doesn't use a bit, instead relying on applying pressure to the horse's nose area as a way to control the horse. Bosals are often used on young horses and horses that have had past problems with traditional metal bits. Rawhide bosals come in a teardrop shape when they're purchased; they're then usually shaped by the horse's owner to better fit the horse it's being used on.

Things You'll Need

  • Latigo or string
  • Medium-sized coffee can
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie the reins onto the bottom of the bosal. Most bosals use mecate reins made out of horse hair or nylon rope. The reins should be looped around the bottom of the bosal to make it the right length for the horse's nose. A horse with a smaller nose will need the reins wrapped higher on the bosal to create a smaller opening.

    • 2

      Tie the top of the bosal together just below the noseband. The best place to tie it is directly under the knots on either side of the noseband. Tie the bosal together tightly enough that the noseband is forced to curve. Make sure you tie the bosal evenly so that both sides are identical. You don't want a lopsided or uneven shape.

    • 3

      Insert the coffee can into the middle of the tied bosal, between the top tie and the bottom tie. This creates a round opening for your horse's muzzle to fit through and forces the bosal into a more natural shape.

    • 4

      Leave the bosal tied like this for 3 to 4 days; then untie it. It'll be shaped more like a horse's natural head, with a tighter noseband and a wider area for the muzzle. It's now shaped and ready to ride in.