DIY Horse Halters

Rope halters are economical and attractive. A do-it-yourself rope halter offer the horse owner a practical alternative to store bought halters. Experts who practice natural horsemanship encourage the use of rope halters for training. Making a rope halter is easy once you master knot tying. Follow these basic steps to create a sturdy and affordable rope halter for your horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrap piece of rope
  • 1/4-inch polyester rope, 20 feet
  • Measuring tape
  • Heavy-duty tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice tying overhand knots on a scrap piece of rope. Continue practicing a straightforward overhand know and an overhead loop until you are confident in the process.

    • 2
      A simple overhand knot.

      Measure 30 inches from the beginning of the rope and tie an overhand knot. Leave this knot loose. This is the right ear knot.

    • 3

      Tie a second overhand knot 8 inches from the right ear knot. Keep the knot loose. This is the right nose knot. Tie a left nose knot 9 inches from the right nose knot. Do not pull this overhand knot tight either.

    • 4

      Tie a fourth overhand knot 31 inches from the left nose knot. Leave this knot loose. This is the throat latch knot.

    • 5

      Tie an overhand loop knot 9 inches from the throat latch knot. The loop part of the knot needs to measure about 4 inches. Adjust the knot until the loop is the proper size, then pull tight.

    • 6

      Pull the end of the end rope after the loop up to the left nose knot. Pull the rope through the knot so there is 9 inches of rope between the loop and the knot. Pull the knot tight over the rope. Tie another overhand knot over the original left nose knot. Pull both knots tight.

    • 7

      Pull the rope over to the right nose knot so there is 9 inches of rope between the two nose knots. Pull the rope through the center of the right nose knot. Tie a knot over this knot as you tied the knot over the left nose knot. Pull both knots tightly.

    • 8

      Pull the rope through the center of the throat latch knot, 31 inches away from the right nose knot. Tie a knot over the throat latch knot just like the previous steps. Pull both knots tight.

    • 9

      Gather the two long lengths of rope coming from the nose knots and tie an overhand loop in the middle of both lengths. Do not tighten the loop until he halter is on the horse. This knot is the chin knot where the lead rope will attach.

    • 10

      Pull the rope piece through the right ear knot and tie a knot over it in the same manner as before. Leave 9 inches from the throat latch knot to the right ear knot. Pull both knots tight.

    • 11

      Cut both ends of the rope to 30 inches long. Tape the ends together with heavy-duty tape. This will keep the rope from fraying and will make it easier to tie on the horse.

    • 12

      Place the halter on the horse. The horses nose should be in between the two nose knots. The chin not should be under its chin. Pull the ends of the rope behind the horse's ears. Tie the ends to the tie loop. Adjust the chin loop until the halter properly fits the horse.