How to Make Cowboy Rope Halters

Ropes are an iconic symbol of the West. Cowboys use ropes to catch cattle, secure tools and transport livestock. Ropes are often fashioned into halters and used to move animals from place to place. Cowboy rope halters are sturdy and durable and can be untied and remade for different-sized horses as needed.

Things You'll Need

  • 20 feet soft rope, 1/4-inch diameter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a loop in one end of the rope by folding the last 8 inches of the rope in half. Wrap the end of the loop around the rope, feed the end of the loop between the two halves of the rope, then pull tight to tighten the knot.

    • 2

      Move 18 inches down the rope and tie another knot as in the previous step to form a second small loop. The rope between the loops will serve as the nosepiece and sit over the top of the animals's nose, while the loops will come together under the chin to hold the halter on the head.

    • 3

      Lay the nosepiece on the horse's head, midway between the nostrils and the eyes. Place the loose end of the rope over the top of the head behind the ears, and pull it through the chin loop on the opposite side of the head.

    • 4

      Run the rope under the chin and through the remaining loop to complete the cowboy rope halter. Coil the free end of the rope in your hand as you walk the horse. The rope will tighten as pressure is applied, guiding the animal and preventing the halter from falling off as you walk.