Instructions for a Hackamore Knot

A hackamore is headgear for a horse which uses a large knot called a bosal instead of a bit. The rider needs to tie a rope known as a mecate around the bosal in a very particular way for the reins to function properly. 

Items you will need:

• Hackamore


• Bosal


• Mecate

Instructions:

1. Make a knot in one end of the mecate.


2. Wedge the tassled, knotted end of the mecate through the “V” shape in the bosal.  Be sure the tassel faces outward from the horse above the bosal from the rear of the hackamore. 


3. Wrap the mecate counterclockwise at least twice around the bosal, wrapping over the tasseled knot the first time. Start from the bottom and work upward.  Work your way towards the nose band.  The more times you wrap, the shorter the resulting reins will be. 


4. Pull the mecate through the bosal to form a loop; this will become the reins.  Do not to twist the mecate.


5. Form the reins to the desired size and wrap once around the length of the hackamore on the horse’s left.


6. Wrap the mecate once more above the reins to be sure they are secure. 


7. Thread the tail of the mecate through the final wrap.


8. Fasten the mecate so that the tail and the bosel come out on the same side as the tassel.   Bring the mecate’s working end over the top of the wraps and fit it under the front portion to create the reins over the horse’s head.


9. Tighten any wraps that became loose during the process.