Directions for a Horsehair Bosal

Hitching horsehair for tack is an ancient craft dating back to the early middle ages. According to the website Hitching Tails and River Publishing, this art form's origins can be traced to the tradesmen of North Africa and was brought to the New World by Spaniards. Intricately worked patterns of hair became a hobby of cowboys and Native Americans in the western United States. These crafts were were also associated with prison life, with inmates in the 1800s making hitched horsehair products. This artisanship continues to this day. Popular items include belts, jewelry and horse tack, including the finely worked bosal. Such tack is valued for the aesthetic value of the patterning as much as for its practical use.

Things You'll Need

• Block of wood or coffee can

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Use coarse string or a flexible ruler to measure the curve of the horse's muzzle about 4 inches from the nose. Take the measurement and fit, or cut, a block of wood to this shape. Or you can use a coffee can or similar object that best conforms to the measurement.

   • 2

     Treat horsehair bosals with care. Shape the bosal by wetting it down. Place the bosal around the wood shaper block or the object that best echoes the muzzle measurement. Tie the bosal to this shaper and leave it until it is dry.

   • 3

     Remove the bosal from the form and place it over the bony part of the horse's muzzle. Check that the sides fit somewhat closely. Reshape the bosal if necessary using the same method.