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When tying a rope halter, use simple knots. Remembering to measure knot-to-knot but do not include the knot in the measurements. To begin, measure 7 feet from one end of the rope and tie a right-hand knot. Then tie a left hand knot 10 inches from the previous knot. (Figure 1) The next step is to tie a fiador knot. This is done by laying the rope on a large smooth surface, so as not to snag the rope. Don't worry, one length of rope will be shorter than the other. Bring the two ends together at the knots and take the short end making a small loop. Cross it over the top of the longer end of rope. Bring it around to form another loop and pass over the top of the first loop. Make a small loop at the top of this loop by going over and then under. (Figure 2) Let the remainder of the short end hang. Gather the longer piece and lay it over and under the loop on the left hand side. Pull the rope through going under the larger loop and through the smaller loop. (Figure 3) Pull the rope completely through to from another loop in similar size to the one on the left. These form the place to fasten your lead rope. Now, bring the end back over and then under and over two strands then over one and under and then around two strands. Pull it again, not so tight that you loose the loop on the right side. (Figure 4) Take the rope and bring it over and around the two strands at the top of this loop. (Figure 5) Hold the two large loops at the bottom and begin to tighten the fiador knot. Do this by pulling the long strands together. Don't over pull to make to make cheek pieces overly long; this is how it is adjusted for the nose. (Figure 6) Take the two strands from the fiador and tie a knot, both together six inches from the fiador. Separate the strands, on the off side tie a knot nine inches away from the underside knot. On the left side fold the rope to form a loop, then tie a knot nine inches as well. (Figure 7) This is the longer piece and needs to be tied into the knots that were previously tied. This will be the left side of the nose then on the right side of the nose, and then knot the poll strap. (Figure 8) Remember, as rule of thumb nine to ten inches between all these knots. After you have tied all the knots you may have uneven ends so trim these, but not so short that you have trouble tying the halter. Now that you finished tying your halter the most important issue is to make sure you put it on the horse correctly. If done improperly the horse can become uncomfortable and Irritable. Try these basic steps when using your new rope halter. Approach the horse from the left shoulder, with the right arm reach over the horse's neck and down the right side of the horse with your right hand. Once your right hand is in this position, take the poll strap and bring it over the horse's neck. While the poll strap is in your right hand, take the nose band in your left and gently slip the halter in one smooth controlled motion. Now that the halter is in place you must secure the poll strap. The strap needs to be tied so that it can be loosened with little effort should the horse pull back. Pull the poll strap through the halter eye and tuck it back through itself. This is fairly easy to do; the idea being is to never tie the poll strap to itself. This is so the knot cannot cinch tight under pressure, causing difficulty in removing the halter. Congratulations on constructing your own rope halter. You save money and gain the satisfaction of doing the project yourself. Perhaps you will make one from a color that only you could find. Not only will you do a fine construction job, you also know the proper way to put the halter on and tie it.
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