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ArtCraft Braid Rope, Samson Rope, Clearance Rope, General Information on Rope Fibers, Types of Splices

Lead Ropes, Long Lines, Mecate Reins, Loop Reins and Split Reins are made with double braid rope, sometimes referred to as "yacht rope". (This is not the ordinary, run-of-the-mill rope found in your local hardware shop or farm supply 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.

All types of 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. They can range in firmness from very soft to very stiff. 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 OR DEATH 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.   (You can chop down a tree with an axe.... but a chain saw gets the job done faster!)

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Excellent rope!  This east coast company contacted me and other rope tack fabricators to help design their line of equine rope.  While regular "yacht" rope (double braid rope) works very well for training, it is designed for the boating industry.  This Artcraft Braid product line is designed specifically for the horse industry - true size diameters (1/2" marine rope is designed to fit through a 1/2" ring so it is slightly undersized) and a tighter weave in the cover for less snags (marine rope is not dragged on the ground through sticks and gravel) are just a couple differences.  Artcraft Braid tweaked and refined it until they got it "just right".  This is the rope I use for trainer product lines and the rope I prefer for my own equipment.  It is available in a wide variety of sizes, types and colors, at a more economical price than the marine brands like New England and Samson, and it is manufactured in the USA!

Constructed with a braided polyester cover over a braided polyester core - very strong and durable with just the right "feel". 

1/4" &  9/32" (just slightly larger than 1/4") diameters for halters, sidepulls, bitless bridles, strings, rope slobber straps, rein connectors, dog leashes, etc. 

Halter type:  Soft

1/4" Solid Colors: Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red

 

9/32" Solid Colors:  Purple, Pink, Navy, Neon Green, Neon Orange

9/32" Fleck Colors: Hunter Green with Tan, Black with Pink,  Black with Red

 

3/8" diameter for draft halters, lead ropes for minis, light weight long lines, thinner reins and mecates, dog leashes, etc.

Solid Color:  Black only at this time

 

 

1/2" diameter for lead ropes, long lines, reins, mecates, etc.

Solid Colors: Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple 

Pattern:  Neon Combo - neon green, neon orange, black

 

 

5/8" diameter for lead ropes, reins, mecates (Note:  this rope is oversized - close to 3/4" diameter.  Easy to grip and hold but quite a bit heavier than the 1/2" rope.)

Solid Color: Black only

 5/16" Halter Cord:

Constructed with a polyester cover - for strength and durability - over a polypropylene core - for lightness and a semi-stiff feel.  This larger diameter cord is great if you want a stiffer halter that is not too severe. 

Halter type:  Semi Stiff

Pattern Colors:  Hunter Green/Burgundy/Tan, Red/White/Blue

1/4" Polyester Halter Cord:

Constructed with a polyester cover over a polyester core.  This cord has the same stiffness as Samson Halter Cord (Clinton Anderson halters) but the cover is braided with a finer weave making it smoother and less abrasive on the horse's face .... and on my hands!

Halter type:  Stiff

Solid Colors: Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, New colors coming soon: Neon Green and Neon Orange - same colors as 9/32" double braid

3/16" Halter Cord:

Constructed with a polyester cover over a polyester core.  The stiffness is similar to the 1/4" halter cord, but its thinner diameter makes it more aggressive and gives it more "bite". 

Halter type:   Stiff

Pattern Color:  Black/Tan

New colors in same pattern coming soon:  Blue/Red and Burgundy/Hunter Green

 

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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 originally used by famous TV trainers and clinicians like Anderson,  Parelli and many others. 

Due to various reasons, I have decided to discontinue carrying Samson Rope.  It is excellent rope but Artcraft Braid rope is equal in quality and performance, and is much more economical - you don't have to pay for the nationally known brand name.  Also, the white color of Stable Braid has become unpopular (hard to keep clean and looking nice) with the greater color variety available with Artcraft Braid rope.  Products made with Samson rope will be clearance-priced at the same rate as products made with Artcraft Braid rope and will be available only until supplies last.

Samson’s strongest double braid polyester rope. Low stretch; excellent resistance to wear; easy to handle

1/4" diameter for halters, sidepulls, bitless bridles, strings, rope slobber straps, rein connectors, dog leashes, etc.  

Halter type:  Soft

Color:  White with Blue Tracer

                                            

1/2" diameter for lead ropes, long lines, reins, mecates, etc.

Color:  White with Blue Tracer

                               

 

Samson Halter Cord:

A stiff polyester cord - ideal for the equestrian who prefers a firm product for training equipment. 

1/4" diameter for regular or extra knots halters, sidepulls, etc

Halter type:  Stiff

Colors: Black, Tan 

 

 

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Manufactured by various mills, these rope products are very high in quality. 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.

In order to simplify my product line and reduce paperwork, etc., I am discontinuing all rope except for Artcraft Braid rope.  There is nothing wrong with this rope, I just need to reduce my inventory.  Products made with the following rope will be clearance-priced at about 25% off - prices are listed on the various product pages - and will be available only until supplies last.  (Only the rope portion of items with custom trim and knots will be discounted.)  Also available as cut lengths/bulk quantities for your own projects.

Polyester Accessory Cord (AC):

This cord is constructed with a braided polyester cover over a parallel polyester core.  It is not a double braid rope and cannot be spliced.  It is softer than other 1/4" rope. 

1/4" diameter for halters, sidepulls, bitless bridles, etc.

Halter type: Very Soft

Color:  Black

This rope is manufactured by a company in California that makes rope specifically for the equine industry. It has a  braided polyester cover over a braided polyester core.  This rope is also softer than other 1/4" rope  - great for foals or very sensitive horses.

1/4" diameter for halters, sidepulls, bitless bridles, etc.

Halter type:  Very Soft

Color:  Tan

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CC Double Braid Polyester (CC):

This rope is manufactured by a company in Canada 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", 3/8" and 1/2" diameters.  The 1/4" and 1/2" are a bit oversized (more like 9/32" and 9/16") and the 3/8" is a bit under sized.   

1/4" diameter for halters, sidepulls, bitless bridles

Halter type:  Soft

Colors:  Blue, Red, Bright Green

 

3/8" diameter for draft halters, thinner reins, lighter weight long lines, Mini lead ropes, dog leashes.  

I have had some problems with the core popping out of the cover on the 3/8" Cancord rope so I no longer make any products with this rope.  Please be aware of this when purchasing bulk quantities of the 3/8" Cancord rope.  

Halter type:  Soft

Colors:  Black, Blue, Red

 

1/2" diameter (9/16") for lead ropes, long lines, reins, mecates, etc.

Colors: Red, Bright Green

Constructed with a braided polypropylene cover over a braided polyester core.   This rope, although not as durable as the double braid polyesters, is a huge step above regular poly (derby) rope often used for lead ropes. 

1/4" diameter for halters, sidepulls, bitless bridles, strings, rope slobber straps, rein connectors, dog leashes, etc.  

Halter type:  Soft

Colors:  Pink, Purple

 

1/2" diameter for lead ropes, long lines, reins, mecates, etc.

Colors: Pink, Purple

                                 

I have a lot of pink left so if you want bulk rope, I will give you a good deal!

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A premium halter cord with a 24 carrier (strand) polypropylene cover—most standard halter cords have only 12 or 16 carriers.  It is not quite as stiff as 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. 

5/16" diameter for regular or extra knots halters, sidepulls, etc

Halter type:  Semi Stiff

Solid Color:  Black      Pattern Color:  Raspberry/Pink/Purple - SOLD OUT

The cover is made of polypropylene which is not as resistant to wear as polyester, but the quality of this rope, like the PPE,  is a huge step above regular poly (derby) rope. The nylon core provides excellent strength properties.  It is softer and lighter weight than polyester ropes and it has a slightly flatter shape.   [This rope makes excellent reins but I prefer the double braid polyesters for lead ropes.  However, I have sold many lead ropes made with this rope and those customers are very satisfied with it,  In fact, there are some professional trainers who use this same rope for their tack line.]

5/8" diameter for reins, mecates

Solid Colors: Black,  Raspberry 

 

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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. 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). Both types of splices make the rope a little thicker and less flexible in the spliced area.  It also adds weight because the rope is doubled.  This is beneficial because the added weight on the popper end makes it easier to twirl and "throw".  On the halter or bit end, it helps give a faster release - your rope will drop away faster because it is heavier. back to top