How to Tie a Rope Halter

Rope halters are popular in the horse world because of their additional control and ability to fit lots of horses. These casual halters don't feature metal buckles and rings like traditional halters have, which makes them lightweight and easy to use.

Despite their advantages, Western rope halters can be confusing the first (or even second) time you try to use them. Today, we're going to show you how to properly tie a rope halter in a way that is quick, easy and safe for your horse.

Position the Halter Properly

Before slipping the roper halter on your horse's head, you'll want to examine it in order to understand how it fits on your horse's head. The rope halter should have the same shape as a traditional halter. There should be two longer straps along the cheeks, a smaller loop of rope where the nose will go and a larger loop that extends up over the ears. If you're stumped, look for the two identifiable knots that should sit below the horse's jaw and under his nose.

Put the Halter On the Horse's Head

Next, slip the halter over the horse's head. There will be an open loophole that will sit up by the horse's ear. Pull the loose end rope over the horse's ears and down through the loophole.

Tighten the End Rope

Hold the end rope in one hand and the loop hole in the other, then pull the end rope down toward your horse's eyes (not upward, as this can cause the halter to become too tight and you may not be able to untie the knot once it's tied).

Tie the End Rope

Loop the end rope back up toward the loop and tie it in a simple knot. To make the knot go in the direction you want it to face, with the end rope pointing back toward his hindquarters instead of dangerously close to his eyes, pull the rope backward when securing it. When you look at the final knot, it should have a long tail pointing backward and a simple but secure knot just behind his ear and just above the permanent knot where the cheek rope and lower jaw rope meet.

Rope halters are simple, affordable pieces of horse tack that every horse owner should have in their tack room. These Western halters have been used by generations of horseback riders, as they're quick and easy to toss on your horse when bringing him in from the field, grooming or hanging out at a show. Shop Mary's Tack and Feed for a great selection of rope halters and leads from trusted name brands. With sizes to suit any horse or pony and high-quality materials that won't break or rub, our rope halters are sure to become a reliable part of your daily horse care routine.