How to Tie Mecate Reins on a Bosal
While bosals and mecate reins are most closely associated with the romance of the California reined horsemen, they are often used by many of today's trainers to start young horses under saddle. The bosal traditionally has been made of rawhide while the best mecate reins have been made of hair from the horse's mane. Though many of today's mecate reins are made of soft, braided cotton, the method of attaching them to the bosal dates back to the days of the Spanish conquistadors.
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Things You'll Need
- 3/4-inch diameter bosal
- Mecate reins, 22 feet long and 3/4-inches in diameter
Instructions
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1
Select a bosal and mecate for your horse. The smaller the diameter of the bosal, the more severe it is on the horse. A 3/4-inch diameter bosal will work on most horses. The mecate ideally should be the same diameter as the bosal.
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2
Place the tassel end of the mecate through the bosal so it comes out the front of the bosal away from the horse.
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3
Wrap the long portion of the mecate around the bosal toward the nose band two or more times. The number of times will determine the fit of the bosal on the horse's nose.
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4
Bring a loop of the mecate through the bosal, back toward the horse for the reins. The exact length of the reins will depend on the horse and the rider's preference.
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5
Make sure the reins are straight and not twisted before taking another wrap with the free end around the bosal to secure the reins.
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6
Take the free end of the mecate and pull it through the bosal between the reins and the final wrap. Pull until it is snug. The reins should now be in a position to go over the horse's head, while the free end will face the front for leading.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to adjust the bosal to the horse by adding or removing some of the initial wraps around the bosal. A good fit will allow the heel knot to put pressure on the horse's chin when the reins are pulled. Both the bosal and the rein length may need to be adjusted for different horses.
Be sure the free end, called the tail, is snug in the final step so that the reins and lead will stay in position.
