How to Tie a Mecate

A mecate is a traditional rein that is made of either horse hair or nylon rope. The mecate is typically more than 10 feet long and is used on bosal bridle in the place of regular reins. A bosal is a type of bit-less bridle that uses pressure on the nose of the horse to control its motions and behaviors during riding. The mecate has to be tied onto the bosal in order for it to work properly on the horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Bosal
  • Mecate
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the bosal with the knot on the bottom of it tilted very slightly to the right. Tuck the tasseled end of the mecate into the "V" at the bottom of the bosal so the knot and the tassel are on one side of the bosal and the remaining length of the mecate is on the opposite side.

    • 2

      Tightly wind the mecate rein around the bottom of the bosal above the tassel. Typically, you will create at least two wraps, but you may need to add more if your horse has a small or delicate nose. You may only need one wrap if your horse has a large nose. Experiment with your number of wraps and your horse until the bosal fits the hose snugly without being too tight or too loose.

    • 3

      Pull the remaining length of mecate back through the bosal above the section you just wrapped. This will create a loop in the mecate that you will use as the reins when you are riding.

    • 4

      Make sure the reins are straight and even, and then use the loose end of the mecate to create one more wrap around the bosal in order to hold the reins in the proper place. Pull the last loose section of the mecate in between the reins and the final wrap you have created to form a knot. Tighten the knot until it is snug and your mecate stays firmly in place despite tugging and pulling.