How to Tie a Fiador to a Bosal Hanger

The fiador is a traditional vaquero tool used in bitless training and riding. The fiador positions the bosal more effectively on a horse's nose and reduces the amount of sagging and movement in the bosal. The fiador is connected to the headstall by means of a brow band, or it bypases the browband and rests behind the horse's head. The other end connects to the mecate knot at the heel of the bosal with a fiador knot.

Things You'll Need

  • Headstall
  • Brow band
  • Bosal
  • Mecate reins
  • Fiador
Show More

Instructions

  1. Tying a Fiador

    • 1

      Form a loop with the middle of the fiador rope. Allow a space of about two fingertips between the two sides of the loop.

    • 2

      Fold the top of the loop down about four inches to form two circles. Hold the main intersection in place with your left hand.

    • 3

      Press the forefinger and thumb of your right hand together. Pass them through the circle on the right and pinch the rope of the circle on the left.

    • 4

      Pull enough of the left circle through the right circle to form a third small loop.

    • 5

      Press the thumb and forefinger of your right hand together again. Pass them down through the third small loop by passing under the right side of the loop and over the left.

    • 6

      Pass your fingers under the main end strand on the left to grab the horizontal rope. This rope was the top of the original loop which was then folded down to form the first two circles. It may be necessary to move the horizontal rope down a bit to pass under the end of the strand. Pull this rope up through the middle, but do not tighten.

    • 7

      Place your the pointer of your left hand through the large circle remaining at the top of the knot. Locate the small circle that has formed on your left thumb. Pull it down and loop it over the pointer of your left hand. That finger now has two loops on it.

    • 8

      Hold your left forefinger in the two loops as you pull the cord with your right hand to tighten the knot. Loosen the loop around your forefinger slightly. This is the fiador knot that will fit over the bosal heel. There should also be a remaining little loop to slide over the macate tassel.

    Attaching

    • 9

      Pass the longer free end of the fiador through the loop on the browband on the horse's right side. Lay it behind the horse's ears and bring it back down through the left browband loop. You can also use the fiador without a browband in the same manner, eliminating the browband step.

    • 10

      Bring the end from the right side down and pass it through the loop in the other end of the fiador rope. Pull the rope up and toward the right. Wrap it around your finger to form a circle. Pass the rope under the loop it originally passed through. Bring it back around and through the rope circle. Tighten.

    • 11

      Fit the fiador knot over the heel of the bosal, the round knob at the bottom of the "V" under the horse's chin.

    • 12

      Pull the small remaining loop over the tassel at the end of the mecate reins to secure it in place.

    • 13

      Adjust the throat latch as necessary to settle the bosal where it best suits your horse.