How to Make Rope Bridles

Bridles are a type of headgear that allow a rider to control his horse. They are normally made of leather or rawhide, and consist of a metal bit, held in place by a headstall that passes round the horse's head behind the ears. A throat lash goes from the crown piece under the horse's chin to prevent the bridle from being pulled off forwards, and a browband goes over the horse's forehead to prevent the bridle slipping down the horse's neck. Reins are attached to the bit, and run over the horse's neck to the rider's hands. Rope bridles are useful in an emergency to replace broken tack, or for horses that need an unusual sized bridle. For long-term use, use soft rope that will not rub the horse's head.

Things You'll Need

  • Thin three stand rope or strong cord
  • Knife
  • Bit
  • Electrical tape or thread
  • Clip
  • Metal ring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a length of rope about 4 feet 6 inches long. Fold it in half, and pass the looped end through the ring of the bit. Pass the free ends through the loop and pull tight.

    • 2

      Pass the free ends through the other ring of the bit, and pull the slack through until you have a loop between the bit rings about 30 inches long. Knot the loose ends firmly around the bit ring in a double reef knot, making sure that the knot lies away from the horse's skin when the bridle is on. Wrap the loose ends with tread or electrical tape.

    • 3

      Cut a piece of rope approximately 4 feet long. Bend it back on itself at one end, and unravel about 4 inches of rope. Pass one strand through a metal ring from left to right, and the other two strands through from right to left. Push the loose ends back through the main rope using a "one under, one over" pattern. Wrap the join with electrical tape or thread.

    • 4

      Tie the end of the rope with the metal ring to the headstall, using a double reef knot. Run the rest of the rope in a loop at right angles to the headstall, and make a loop of about 15 inches before knotting it to the other side of the headstall.

    • 5

      Try the bridle on your horse, and adjust the knots as necessary. Take the bridle off again, and trim any excess from the throat lash before splicing the clip into place.

    • 6

      Knot either a continuous loop of rope or two separate pieces of rope to each side of the bit for reins. If using two ropes, bind the ends with electrical tape.