How to Tie the Mecate With a Hackamore

A hackamore is a bridle that's unique because it doesn't have a bit. Only horses that have been broken to an exceptional degree are trusted with a hackamore. The components of a hackamore are the headstall, the bosal and the mecate. The mecate serves the purposes of both the reins and the lead rope, and is tied to the bosal, which rests under the chin of the horse. Tying a mecate to a hackamore requires a special knot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the bosal flat on a table. Slide the heel knot out over the edge of the table to expose the "V" of the two lengths of rope feeding into the knot. Put six inches of one end of the mecate down through the "V" behind the heel knot.

    • 2

      Wrap the long end of the mecate around the two ropes of the "V" adjacent to the heel knot. Wrap the mecate around the "V" another half wrap, but on the other side of the first half wrap--on the table side, not next to the heel knot.

    • 3

      Create a bite in the mecate and pull it up through the bottom of the "V," the long length of the mecate dangling from the bottom of the "V." Half wrap the long end of the mecate around the "V" again adjacent to the bite. Feed the long end of the mecate through the half wrap and pull the simple knot tight.