How to Tie a Hackamore

A hackamore is headgear for a horse. It uses a braided noseband instead of a bit. The rein section, known as a mecate, is created from rope that must be tied to the bosal in a specific and particular manner to be functional. Hackamores and rope halters are used by equestrians who prefer simpler equipment.

Things You’ll Need:

• Bosal


• Hackamore rope


• Mecate

• Thread the knotted, tasseled end of the mecate through the “V” shape part of the bosal. The bosal is the noseband found on standard hackamores. They are usually made of a braided rawhide and rest on the horse's nose comfortably.


• Make sure the tassel of the mecate faces outward and away from the horse.


• Wrap your mecate counterclockwise around the bosal. Be sure to wrap it over the tasseled knot in the first wraparound. Repeat twice. The more turns you take with the rope, the shorter the reins will be.


• Use your right hand and hold the wraps in place. Take your left hand and pull the mecate through the bosal to form a loop. Do not twist the mecate. The loop you have just created will become the reins. Wrap your working end around the length of the hackamore on the horse’s left.


• Fix and adjust the length of the reins if it is necessary. Depending on the horse, you may need to make it larger or smaller.


• Take any remaining mecate and wrap it above the reins. This secures them and keeps them in place.


• Thread the end tail of your mecate through the final wrap. Pull it as tight as possible so that the tail comes through on the same side as the bosal and tassel.