How to Make Your Own Braided Nylon Lead Rope

A lead rope, sometimes simply called a lead, attaches to a horse's halter to direct and control it. Nylon is a common material used to make lead ropes, favored for its durability and cost-effectiveness. Rather than purchasing a nylon lead rope from a horse tack supplier, you can construct one from home for a fraction of the cost. Braiding is an easy way to make a lead rope, as it combines the strength of three strands.

Things You'll Need

  • 27-foot nylon rope
  • Scissors
  • Metal lead rope snap
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the nylon rope into three equal 9-foot sections. Alternatively, if you would like a multi-colored lead rope, use three different colored 9-foot lengths of rope.

    • 2

      Tie the three ropes around the metal lead rope snap at one end in basic, or overhand, knots. Make sure the knots are tight. The long 9-foot long sections should hang evenly from the snap.

    • 3

      Place the snap on the ground and lay the strands out next to each other evenly.

    • 4

      Begin the braid by placing the left strand over the middle strand. The left strand is now the middle strand while the middle strand has become the left.

    • 5

      Place the right strand over the middle strand. The right strand is now the middle strand and the middle has become the right.

    • 6

      Repeat this braiding process, left over middle followed by right over middle, until you have braided down to the ends of your rope.

    • 7

      Tie the three strands together in a tight overhand knot to hold the braid in place, creating a ball at the end of the lead rope.