How to Tie a Temporary Halter Out of Rope

A halter is a piece of headgear that is used to lead or tie up a horse or other livestock. It fits behind the ears and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, a lead rope is usually attached to the halter. The advantage to using a thin rope on a horse is that it gives good control over the animal. Rope halters are a popular training aid that can be customized however you choose. When working with horses, it is of utmost importance to use the right equipment. It makes handling horses safer, more predictable and easier on both horse and handler.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch thick nylon rope
  • Knife
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide what type of rope you want to use. Some people prefer nylon rope, while others prefer polyester. Most people use 1/4 inch or the 3/8 inch diameter rope. A 20-foot-long rope is usually enough.

    • 2

      Measure your horse around the nose and below its cheekbone. This determines how big to make the halter.

    • 3

      Fold the length of the rope in half and create a small loop with an overhand knot to secure it. This is your tie loop.

    • 4

      Tie another overhand knot that is about nine inches from the loop, working with one side of the rope. This is called the throat knot.

    • 5

      Make a knot about 30 inches from the end of the rope. This is the right ear knot.

    • 6

      Tie another simple knot about 10 inches from the first one. This knot becomes the right nose knot.

    • 7

      Measure 32 inches from your first end knot and make another simple knot.

    • 8

      Tie a loop that is about 10 inches from this knot. This loop becomes the left throat latch knot.

    • 9

      Tie into each knot by threading the end of the rope through the center of each existing knot to make a double knot.

    • 10

      Tie into the left nose knot first and leave a large loop at the end where the small loop is.

    • 11

      Thread the end of the rope through the right nose knot next.

    • 12

      Tie into the throat latch knot with the end of your rope. You should now be able to see the actual halter forming.

    • 13

      Tie into the right nose knot.

    • 14

      Tie a big knot, using the two long sections of rope, that will fit under the horse's chin.

    • 15

      Tighten all of the knots securely once you are satisfied with how the halter fits.

    • 16

      Seal the end of the rope with a lighter. You now have a halter that should be safe and comfortable for your horse.