How to Tie Reins to a Bosal

A bosal is a type of traditional horse hackamore bridle dating back to the vaqueros of the old west. The bosal allows the horse to be ridden and controled without the use of a metal bit in its mouth. The bosal is actually a thick, braided nose piece that has a knot tied at the bottom of it. It is used with mecate reins, which are tied onto the bosal. Mecate reins are traditionally made out of horse hair but may also be made out of nylon or other synthetics.

Things You'll Need

  • Bosal
  • Mecate reins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the bosal firmly in your hand with the knot on the bottom pointed slightly to the right. Take the end of the mecate that has the tassel on it and place it firmly in the "V" created by the bottom of the bosal with the knot/tassel on one side and the rest of the rein on the other.

    • 2

      Wrap the mecate around the bottom of the bosal twice. You may need more or less wraps depending on the size of your horse's nose, but two is considered average.

    • 3

      Grasp the loose reins and pull them through the bosal --- above the wrapped rein section --- to create a loop for the reins. Make sure the reins are straight. Then, add another wrap above them to hold the rein loop in place.

    • 4

      Pull the tail of the mecate between the rein section and the last wrap that is securing the reins in place. Pull your knot until it is tight and snug. If you have completed the tying process properly, your bosal and mecate will stay in the correct position.