Mastering the Technique of Bosal Tying

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Attaching the Mecate to the Bosal

Applying the Bosal to the Horse

A bosal (boh-sall) is a type of bit-less bridle often utilized in training young equines to prepare them for a bit. To assemble the bridle, you pair the bosal with a mecate (muh-cah-tee), the traditional rope reins. This combination, referred to as a hackamore, consists of a pear-shaped loop with a ball on one end, also known as a knot. To construct the hackamore, you wrap the mecate around the bosal, serving as both reins and a lead rope. Then, you can adjust the bosal to fit the horse comfortably.

Procedures

Attaching the Mecate to the Bosal

Position the bosal with the knot or ball in front of you. Hold the loop as if it were a basketball hoop, parallel to the ground. Grasp the knot or ball with your right hand to secure it in place. Remember that you may need to readjust or grip the opposite end of the bosal while wrapping the rope around it.

Thread the tassel or end of the mecate through the bosal. Grasp the end of the mecate, potentially adorned with a tassel, and pass it through the loop in the bosal. Draw it up snugly against the bosal's knot at the base, with the end of the mecate dangling just beneath. Secure it in position with your hand, leaving only a small portion of the mecate exposed, roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) before the tassel.

Wind the mecate rope around the bosal in a clockwise direction. Take the elongated end of the rope and encircle it around both sides of the bosal extending from the ball or knot. Wrap it tightly against the knot, as close as possible.

Guide the reins through the bosal, moving from rear to front. Form a 'U' shape with the long end of the rope and position it behind the bosal. Thread the 'U' through the bosal and pull it forward, passing it over the wrapped ropes below. Continue pulling until the length is adequate to function as reins for your horse, typically about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m).

Wrap the mecate rope around the bosal twice more. Repeat the process in the same clockwise direction as before. Ensure each wrap is snug against the rope on the bosal to secure the reins and knots in place.

Guide the lead line through the opening from rear to front. Examine the last two loops created. You'll notice they form an opening at the back beneath them. Pass over the loops at the front, then through and underneath them as you pull the line out from the rear.

Secure the knot firmly. Pull the lead line to tighten it, then twist the loops at the top using your hands. Tuck any excess rope from the loops into the lead line and tighten it again. Continue twisting and tightening until it's as secure as possible.

Attach the hanger to the bosal if it's not already attached. Loosen the hanger to separate it into two pieces. Secure one side of the hanger in the notch on the right-hand side. Starting from the rear, thread the loop at the end of the hanger under the notch, moving towards the center. Pull the hanger's end through the loop and tighten it. Repeat the process on the other side.

Applying the Bosal to the Horse

Position the reins over the horse's head with the tail end of the bosal facing forward. Grasp the rein loop and pull it over the horse's neck. Hold the bosal vertically with the tassel end pointing forward and the knot facing downward.

Guide the bosal over the horse's muzzle. Slip the bosal's loop over the horse's nose with the knot positioned beneath the horse's chin. Ensure the tassel end remains facing forward as you slide the bosal on.

Guide the hanger over the horse's ears while putting on the bosal. The hanger, a leather strap attached to the end of the bosal, should sit atop it. Grasp the hanger and position the loop over the horse's ears to secure the bosal in place.

Ensure the bosal fits your horse correctly. It should not shift during the horse's movements but should fit snugly. However, it should not be overly tight, allowing the horse to feel when the reins are slack. Adjust the fit by adding or removing wraps around the bosal, and move the knot on the hanger as necessary.

Helpful Suggestions

Some equestrians utilize a fiador to assist in securing the bosal. This small rope is tied to the bosal and then looped around the horse's neck.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of using a bosal in equine training?

The bosal serves as a bit-less bridle primarily used for training young horses. It helps them become accustomed to pressure around their muzzle without the discomfort of a bit.

How do you properly attach a mecate to the bosal?

To attach a mecate, start by positioning the bosal with the knot facing you. Thread the mecate through the loop of the bosal, wrapping it tightly around in a clockwise direction to secure it effectively.

What adjustments should be made to ensure a proper fit of the bosal?

The bosal must fit snugly but not tightly. Adjust the wraps around the bosal and position the hanger to ensure it stays in place without restricting the horse's movements.

Can a fiador be beneficial when using a bosal?

Yes, a fiador can be beneficial. It helps secure the bosal by tying it to the horse's neck, providing additional stability and preventing unwanted movement during riding.