How to Tie a Bosal

Bosals are usually used as training devices to help acclimate young horses to being controlled. They are useful because a young horse's mouth can be too tender for a bit. You can tie a makeshift bosal and reins when a bosal is not available. It would be valuable to practice making the bosal before it is needed; this will save time when the bosal is truly needed and not frustrate a head-shy horse by spending the minimal amount of time getting it ready.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Two handkerchiefs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the middle section of the rope behind the horse's ears and allow the ends to fall to the ground. Make sure the rope is of equal length on each side of the horse's head.

    • 2

      Bring the two rope ends up under the horse's chin and crisscross the ends. Next bring the crisscrossed ends up over the horse's nose and crisscross again before bringing the ends back under the horse's chin. Now you should have a crisscross both under and above the horse's chin. Do not make these crisscrosses tight. If the horse has thin skin or rubbing is an issue, wrap these crisscrosses with handkerchiefs, making sure their securing knots face out and away from the horse's skin.

    • 3

      Take the rope ends dangling from under the horse and hold both ends in the right hand. In the other hand, hold the rope sections immediately outside the crisscross underneath the chin. Form a loop with the rope sections in the right hand, making sure the rope crosses over the section held in the left hand. This loop is made in the same way as when a person makes a loop in the process of tying their shoe.

    • 4
      The final result should resemble a bridle without a bit and with the reins coming from under the horse's chin.

      Pull the rope underneath the circle and pass the ends through the hole. Once they are all the way through, pull the knot gently towards the crisscross under the horse's chin (this is sometimes called a double overhand knot). It should tighten snugly against it. The ends of the rope left are the reins; drape both across the horse's withers to use as split reins or tie them together at the end.

    • 5

      In a traditional bosal there is also a third "rein" that acts as a lead rope or lunge line if needed. Simply tire another piece of rope around the rein knot and loop the free end over the saddle when not in use.