How to Make a Rope Tack for a Horse

Rope tack is usually limited to creating halters and bridals because the narrow rope gives a gentle bite that's great for telling the horse to obey. But rope tack is not good material to make such things as cinches or saddle-wear. Light, durable, and comfortable, rope comes in a variety of colors and materials and is very affordable, even on a modest budget. For those in 4-H, FFA, or horse clubs, rope halter making is an excellent demonstration. Many people prefer rope halters to stud chains because rope is gentler and less likely to anger a cantankerous horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Polyester 1/4-inch wide rope, 21 feet
  • Lighter or large candle
  • Tape measure
  • Masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Treat the ends of the rope by melting them together over the flame of a lighter or a candle. You may need leather gloves to help keep the braid in one chunk. Untreated ends will snag and unravel, though you can fix ruined ends by cutting it fresh and treating the new cut. Keep your knots loose because you will be re-threading your rope through some of them. Measure 30 inches from one end, and tie a simple, loose overhand knot. Label it "right ear knot" with a piece of masking tape. Measure nine more inches, tie another loose overhand, and label this one "right nose knot." Measure another 10 inches, tie another overhand knot and label it "left nose knot." Measure 33 inches, tie an overhand knot and label it "throat latch knot." Measure 10 more inches, and tie a loop with a five-inch circumference. This is your tie loop where you close the halter after bringing the loose end over the horse's poll. On a regular halter, this would have a latch near the ear, but you're going to tie it shut instead.

    • 2

      Measure 10 inches, then bring your rope through the "left nose knot." Follow parallel to your first rope and tie into the "right nose knot." This makes a nice, sturdy double rope over your horse's nose. Swing the working end of your rope back around (measure 33 inches) and tie into the "throat latch knot." Now, organize your halter so it makes some sense and you can "see" how it is meant to go on. Tie into the "right ear knot."

    • 3

      Take the two 33-inch long sections and tie them together in a large knot at the chin. This will be where you attach a lead rope. At this point, you may try the halter on the horse and slip the knots to better fit your horse. Tug hard on all your knots; remake the halter if it falls apart. To finish the halter, take the two loose ends and trim them to be the same length. Treat the raw ends with a match or a candle.

    • 4

      Tie the loose poll end to the tie loop by going through the loop, around the stem of the loop, then under the working rope.