How to Tie a Cotton Lead Shank

All horse owners must know how to tie a lead shank properly or they will be at risk of having their horse escape while tied to a trailer, hitching post, tree or fence. Tying a proper quick release knot with your cotton lead rope is a skill that will require a little bit of practice in order to be able to tie a quick, secure knot every time. Practice tying your knots at home in a secure area before you take your horse anywhere where it could be injured if the knot comes loose.

Things You'll Need

  • Lead rope
  • Hitching post or alternative
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a location to tie your lead rope to. Remember not to tie your lead rope to anything low to the ground, as your horse could get its legs tangled in the rope and be injured.

    • 2

      Loop the rope once around your sturdy hitching post or rail, then make a loop out of the shank end of the lead rope.

    • 3

      Tuck the tail end of the lead rope through the loop you have created. Wrap the tail of the lead rope around the part of the rope that is closer to the snap that holds the horse. Thread the rope back up through the loop to create a bowline knot. This knot can be easily loosened and released by pulling on it. It is recommended by the American Quarter Horse Association.