Pictures and descriptions of new rope coming soon!

Hunter green and burgundy now available in 1/4" and 1/2" double braid polyester.

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Samson Rope, Premium Rope, General Information on Rope Fibers, Types of Splices

Lead Ropes, Long Lines, Mecates and Reins are made with marine grade double braid rope, sometimes referred to as "yacht rope". (This is not the ordinary, run-of-the-mill rope found in your local hardware store.) Since it has migrated to the horse world from the boating industry, it is extremely durable and weather resistant. Double braid rope is the type most often used with natural horsemanship techniques because it communicates your cues quicker and more effectively. There are two reasons for this: Because of its construction—a braided cover over a separate braided core—it is really two ropes in one and each can move independently of the other. This creates that "live" feel that many professionals talk about. A double braid rope is also heavier for its size than regular rope so your horse will be able to feel the slightest movement of your lead or rein. These two factors combine to make it easier for your horse to understand your cues. If you have never used a double braid rope before, you will definitely notice the difference just by picking it up and giving it a flick.

Halters are made with double braid rope, halter cord or accessory cord. Double braid rope used for halters is the same as described above except for its smaller diameter. Cords are constructed with a braided cover over a non-braided core. All these types of rope have body and substance--they are not limp and floppy. The important factors when dealing with rope for making halters are the diameter and firmness of the rope. The smaller diameter of a rope halter—relative to a nylon web or leather halter—applies more pressure per square inch and gives instant release when the horse gets the right answer. The firmness of the rope will determine the level of comfort for your horse. The smaller and stiffer the rope, the more uncomfortable it will be for the horse to lean against it or ignore your cues. A rope with a larger diameter and/or a softer feel will be less aggressive. I make halters in a variety of rope sizes and firmness levels so you can choose the one that is right for you and your horse at your particular stage of training.

NEVER LEAVE A ROPE HALTER ON A HORSE THAT IS UNATTENDED. DO NOT TURN OUT A HORSE WEARING A ROPE HALTER. THEY ARE VIRTUALLY UNBREAKABLE SO IF YOUR HORSE GETS CAUGHT ON SOMETHING, SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT.

It is important to note that no product or rope is a magic bullet that will solve all your horse’s problems by itself but, as with any project, using the right tools for the job really does make a difference. Web halters and regular poly lead ropes may get the job done eventually, but rope halters and double braid leads and reins will enhance your training and help you get quicker results.

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Samson Rope Technologies has been a leading developer and manufacturer of high performance rope for over 100 years. Samson invented the double braid rope! This is the same rope used by famous TV trainers and clinicians like Anderson,  Parelli and many others. This rope is top of the line and should last "forever" with normal use and care.

Samson Stable Braid^™(SB):

Halters, Handy Strings, Leads, Long Lines, Mecates, Reins

Samson’s strongest polyester double braid rope. Low stretch; excellent resistance to wear; easy to handle; nice sheen. Available in ¼" White with blue tracer for halters and handy strings, ½" White with blue tracer, for leads and reins. 

Firmness:  Medium 

                                        1/4" Samson Stable Braid

                               1/2" Samson Stable Braid

Samson Halter Cord^™(HC):

Halters

A stiff ¼" polyester cord for regular and extra knots halters. Ideal for the equestrian who prefers a firm product for training equipment. Available in Black and Tan. 

Firmness:  Stiff

 

 

 

Samson EQ Braid™(EQ):

Lead Ropes, Long Lines, Mecates, Reins

Specifically designed by the equestrian for the equestrian. An extremely durable ½" double braided polyester rope with excellent weight for balance and communication. Tighter weave than Stable Braid and not as "slick". Available in Black. 

Firmness: Medium 

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Manufactured by various mills, these rope products are very high in quality. They offer many features that are comparable to Samson rope but without the name brand price. This is premium rope and cannot usually be found in your local hardware store or home improvement center. By choosing items made with these rope products, you can still get the "good stuff" without busting your budget.

Polyester Accessory Cord (AC):

Halters

This cord is constructed with a braided polyester cover over a parallel polyester core – 6 mm (1/4") diameter.  It is not a double braid rope, but it is very comparable to Samson in weight and feel but is slightly softer in firmness. Available in Black. 

Firmness: Soft

 

Halters, Handy Strings, Leads, Long Lines, Mecates, Reins

This rope is manufactured by a company that makes rope specifically for the equine industry. It is constructed with a braided polyester cover over a braided polyester core in 1/4" and 1/2" diameters.  It is very comparable to Samson EQ and since Downunder Horsemanship has an exclusive on Samson EQ in tan, you can still get a high quality tan colored rope by choosing DBP-RJ.

 

                                 1/4" DBP-RJ     Firmness:  Soft

                                1/2" DBP-RJ    Firmness:  Medium

Double Braid Polyester - CC (DBP-CC):

Halters, Handy Strings, Leads, Long Lines, Mecates, Reins

This rope is manufactured by a company that has been making rope and cordage since 1880. It is constructed with a braided polyester cover over a braided polyester core in 1/4" and 9/16" diameters. An excellent choice for those who want a high quality product - in colors - but don’t need a name brand tag. Comparable to Samson EQ for leads and reins but has a slightly larger diameter. Slightly firmer  when compared to Samson Stable Braid for halters, but not at all stiff.  Holds it's shape making halters easier to put on. Available in Black (¼" only), Blue, Red, and Green. 

Firmness:  Medium firm

                                1/4" DBP - CC

                               1/2" DBP - CC

Halters, Handy Strings, Leads, Long Lines, Mecates, Reins

This rope is manufactured by the same company that makes the Double Braid Polyester - RJ.  It is constructed with a braided polypropylene cover (for greater color variety and lower cost) over a braided polyester core (for strength and durability) in 1/4" and 1/2" diameters. This rope, although not as durable as the double braid polyesters, is a huge step above regular poly (derby) rope and it comes in a variety of colors.  Available in Pink and Purple at this time.  (The true color of the purple is not as blue as shown below)

 

                                1/4" P/PE    Firmness: Medium Soft  

                                 1/2" P/PE    Firmness:  Medium

Halters

A premium halter cord at an economical price. It has a 24 carrier (strand) polypropylene cover—most standard halter cords have only 12 or 16 carriers—and is made by the same mill as the poly/nylon (described below) so the colors will match. It is not quite as stiff as the Samson Halter Cord and has a slightly larger diameter (5/16") making it ideal for those wanting a firm halter that is not too severe. Available in Black, Tan, Lime, Raspberry/Pink/Purple mix & Blue.  Tan, Lime and Blue are discontinued colors and are available only while supplies last.

Firmness:  Very Firm

Leads, Long Lines, Mecates, Reins

This 5/8" double braid marine grade rope provides the benefits of a double braid rope at an economical price - even at its larger diameter. The cover is made of polypropylene which is not as resistant to wear as polyester, but the quality of this rope, like the P/PE,  is a huge step above regular poly (derby) rope. The nylon core provides excellent strength properties and the polypropylene cover allows for numerous colors. It is softer and lighter weight than polyester ropes and it has a slightly flatter shape. Available in Black, Tan, Lime, Raspberry, & Blue to match 24 Carrier Halter Cord colors. Tan, Lime and Blue are discontinued colors and are available only while supplies last.

Firmness:  Medium Soft

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General Information on Rope Fibers:

*most high quality rope has been treated to make it more UV resistant

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Types of Splices Eye Splices Double braid rope has the capability to be spliced into eye loops of varying sizes. Eye splices are made by placing the cover into the core and the core into the cover. Splicing retains approximately 90% of the average new rope strength and is the preferred method of attaching snaps instead of making knots (which significantly reduces the strength of the rope) or using rope clamps (which often break or come undone). I also lockstitch all eye splices to ensure the splice stays secure. (Click on picture to enlarge image) Back Splices Double braid rope can also be back spliced to make a nice finished end. A back splice is made by placing the cover into the core and then burying it inside the body of the rope. This is a neat, permanent way to terminate the end of a line and is so much more attractive and durable than melting the end (the method most often used to finish solid braid ropes) back to top