Instructions
Pass the tassel of the mecate through the bosal from the back, so that the tassel faces away from your horse. Rest the mecate in the "V" of the bosal.
Wrap the mecate around the V of the bosal three times in a counterclockwise direction if you are facing the horse. Each wrap should rest higher on the bosal than the previous wrap.
Insert your hand into the bosal from the back and grab the last loop you wrapped. Loosen the loop and pull it down through the bosal until you have enough of the mecate on the back side of the bosal to form reins.
Grab the popper end of the mecate, which is the free end, and continue wrapping around the V in the bosal. Loosely wrap two more rotations, or as many as you need to adjust the bosal to the size of your horse's nose.
Thread the popper end through the last two loops, passing it through the bosal and loops from the front to the back. Pull the entire length of the popper through the bosal and loops.
Push the loops down toward the V in the bosal. Pull both sides of the reins and the popper to tighten the knots.
How to Connect Mecate Reins to a Bosal
A bosal is a braided rawhide loop which is attached to a headstall and mecate reins to create one form of hackamore bridle. The bosal is often used to gently transition a horse from the snaffle to the curb, or to train without bits. Tying the mecate onto the bosal adjusts the fit of the bosal and the length of the reins to suit the needs and size of your horse. The knot formed by the mecate adds weight to the rider's cues, and the popper end of the mecate serves as a lead.