LEAD ROPES / LONG LINES

click here to go directly to styles of lead ropes

Lead Ropes and Long Lines made with Double Braid rope are excellent training tools. Double braid rope is constructed with a braided cover over a separate braided core – a rope inside of a rope. This gives it a special "feel" and makes it heavier than regular rope so it communicates your cues better. This construction also allows for eye splicing - so snaps can be more securely attached instead of using rope clamps. It also allows for back splicing – so ends can be neatly finished instead of simply melting the rope. 

(Many of the pictures on this page are thumbnails so click on them to enlarge the image.)

I usually have the standard lengths of 12’, 14’ and 22’ in stock in most types of rope but I can make lead ropes in any length. For those who want a lighter weight long line so it is more manageable, choose to have it made in the 3/8" double braid polyester rope.  I also make lead ropes for Minis using 3/8" or 1/2" rope.  Prices for all types of lead ropes are listed at the bottom of this page.

All standard lead ropes have a latigo leather popper in black or burgundy (or strap leather in brown). I attach it with a double heart braid through a small eye spliced loop. That way the rope fibers are not damaged by pulling the popper through the end.  The eye splice also adds weight to the end of your rope, making it easier to twirl and throw.  You can also easily replace the popper if it gets chewed off or torn.

I can add custom trim to lead ropes - it looks much nicer than duct tape!  If you want a marker at a specific distance from the snap or the popper end, I have some options to choose from.  You can also substitute a decorative knot and or tassel for the popper.

click here to go to custom trim options for lead ropes

Rope Options for Leads & Reins

Artcraft Braid Rope

This rope is manufactured in the USA and is designed specifically for the equine industry.  It is excellent rope!  This is the rope I use for trainer product lines and my own equipment.

3/8" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

1/2" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

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

[Pink - coming soon]

Pattern: Violet Combo*, Neon Combo

*Raspberry yarn is polypropylene, not polyester

5/8" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

3/4" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

Clearance Rope

The following rope is now on clearance.  There is nothing wrong with the rope - I am simply reducing my stock to simplify my product line.  Artcraft Braid manufactures excellent rope and cord in such a wide variety of types and colors that eventually I will carry only that brand.  Clearance rope is available while supplies last. 

1/2" Samson Stable Braid

White with Blue Tracer

1/2" RJ Polypropylene/Polyester Double Braid

Solid: Pink, Purple

5/8" Polypropylene/Nylon Double Braid

Solid: Black, Raspberry

Click here for more details About the Rope

 Lace Options for Custom Trim

Kangaroo Leather Lace: 

Black, Natural, Burgundy, Brown

Calf Leather Lace:  

Black, Medium Brown

1/8" Artcraft Lacing Cord:

Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, Raspberry, White, 

Neon Green

Coming soon: Neon Orange, Silver, Navy, Pink 

1/8" Polypropylene Lacing Cord:

black, white, pacific blue, royal blue, red, yellow, kelly green, navy, maroon, gold, hunter green, pink, purple, raspberry, turquoise, lime

Click here for more details About the Custom Trim

go to custom trim for lead ropes

Click here for information on my Quick Snap Get-Down Rope

Eye Spliced Loop: Attaches to the halter without a snap. It makes a connection that is 100% guaranteed not to come undone but the lead can be easily removed when you want. You do have to pull the whole length of the lead rope through the halter loops, though, so this option is best if you plan to keep your halter and lead together most of the time.

Braided Button: This option has a button knot of braided polyester lacing cord on the end. Attach to your halter by tying a sheet bend knot around the halter loops – the same knot you use to tie on your halter. Although it is not quite as secure as the eye spliced loop, it is a faster, non-metal way to attach your lead rope.  The button makes a stopper and will keep the rope from slipping through the knot.

Snap: I carry brass twist snaps,  nickel-plated or brass trigger bull snaps,  brass or stainless steel bolt snaps, and a nickel-plated ring/clip combo that is usually used on long lines. (I also now have solid brass or stainless steel 2" rings) You can attach the snap with an eye spliced loop – that way you can easily remove the snap if you decide not to use it or replace it if it ever breaks.  I can also permanently splice in your choice of snap when I make the lead rope.

Note:  I have to permanently splice in all snaps on the 3/4" rope because an eye loop is too thick to fit through the snap rings.  The trigger bull snaps and the twist snaps have smaller eyes so they must be permanently spliced in with the 5/8" rope as well.

I also carry medium size bolt snaps, brass or nickel, for Mini lead ropes.  The opening of these medium snaps is not large enough to fit around both loops of a rope halter but works fine with regular halter rings.

Prices for Lead Ropes/Long Lines

The most common lengths are priced below, but I can make lead ropes in any length  

For custom lengths:  

± $1.75/ft for 3/4" Artcraft Braid;  ± $1.35/ft for 5/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope; ± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid rope;   $.75/ft for all other clearance rope

Prices are subject to change without notice.

with Eye Spliced Loop or Braided Button 

45' line in 3/8" rope with eye spliced loop or braided button is $46.00

with Nickel Plated Ring*/Spring Clip 

*Add $1.00 to price if you choose a stainless steel or solid brass O ring.

45' line in 3/8" rope with ring/clip is $48.00

with Trigger Bull Snap or Bolt Snap 

with Brass Twist Snap 

Lead Ropes for Minis

back to Styles of Lead Ropes

I got the idea for this product from someone who was not satisfied with the poor quality of the one she had - rope clamps, cheap rope, etc.  She asked if I could make something similar but better .... so I did!  She does rescue work with her horse so she needs to be able to get down and lead or tie her horse quickly and then untie him and re-mount just as fast.  Taking time to loop/un-loop or tie/untie a lead rope to the saddle every time is not a good option.  With this "quick snap get-down rope", she can quickly go from leading to riding and visa versa.  This is a great piece of equipment for anyone to have, especially when trail riding and/or if your saddle does not have a horn.

back to Styles of Lead Ropes

Custom Trim on Lead Ropes

If you want to mark specific places on your lead rope or if you just want some decoration to make yours unique, I can customize your lead rope with braided knots or substitute a tassel for the popper.

Knots suitable for lead ropes are shown below.  All knots can be braided with 1/8" lacing cord.  Some knots are available in kangaroo or calf leather lace.  Prices are listed with each individual knot and are subject to change without notice.

click here for more information about knots and braided trim

 Lace Options for Custom Trim

Kangaroo Leather Lace: 

Black, Natural, Burgundy, Brown

Calf Leather Lace:  

Black, Medium Brown

1/8" Artcraft Lacing Cord:

Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, Raspberry, White, 

Neon Green

Coming soon: Neon Orange, Silver, Navy, Pink 

1/8" Polypropylene Lacing Cord:

black, white, pacific blue, royal blue, red, yellow, kelly green, navy, maroon, gold, hunter green, pink, purple, raspberry, turquoise, lime

Small Ring Knot (Spanish Ring Knot)

Choose 1 color per knot

$3.00  Lacing Cord

$7.50  Kangaroo Lace

$5.50  Calf Leather Lace

Medium Ring Knot (Headhunter Knot)

Choose 1 color per knot

$4.00  Lacing Cord

$7.50  Kangaroo Lace

$5.50  Calf Leather Lace

Doubled Turk's Head Knot (5p/4b)

Best for 1/2" rope

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$5.00 Lacing Cord

Hearringbone Knot  

Choose 2 colors per knot

$6.00 Lacing Cord

Small 2-bite Cowboy Knot  

about 1 1/2" long

a more open braid on 1/2" 

not recommended on 5/8" or 3/4" rope

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$5.00 Lacing Cord

Double weave Braid with core

Double weave Braid without core

Small 3-bite Cowboy Knot  

about 2" long (a little less for leather lace)

a tighter braid on 1/2" 

best for 5/8" rope

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$ 9.00   Lacing Cord

$14.00  Kangaroo Lace

$11.50  Calf Leather Lace

Double weave Braid in Lacing Cord

Interweave Braid in Kangaroo Lace

Tripled Turk'shead Knot and Tassel instead of Popper

Lacing Cord only

Add $10.00 to cost of lead rope

Large Pineapple Knot and Tassel instead of Popper

Add the following amount to the cost of the lead rope:

$20.00 for Lacing Cord

$25.00 for Kangaroo Lace

$23.00 for Calf Lace 

(The tassel will be made of lacing cord.)

back to Styles of Lead Ropes