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PRODUCT CATEGORIES
NEWS
Celebrating
13 years
in business!
Y Knot Rope Tack
began in
March, 2007.
Thank you to my many customers for your support and loyalty!
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Event Schedule
Midwest Horse Fair
Madison, WI
I will no longer be attending as a vendor
for full story
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We have moved! Check out our new address on the contacts page.
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New flag colors:
black, yellow,red,blue,purple
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with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP PRODUCTS
Unique Trim ~ Leather Accessories
Custom Orders
Rope Halters, Lead Ropes, Long Lines,
Reins, Sticks & Strings, Hackamores,
Headstalls, Mecates & More
Head Size
While all the parts of the bridle are adjustable, I need to know the general size to make it "in the ballpark". The adjustment mechanisms are there to make minor changes - not to cover a number of different size ranges.
I need the Head measurement - from the corner of the mouth on one side, up over the poll (where the headstall will fit) to the corner of the mouth on the other side - and also the Throatlatch measurement. Refer to the pictures here or go to the Measuring Guide page for complete measuring instructions.
I need a measurement for the browband as well - refer to the measuring instructions on the Browbands page.
Base price for a Halter-Tie Headstall with Button HOLE Connectors:
$25.50 with standard crown knot buttons and 1 ring knot at each connector end
$33.50 with 2 additional ring knots (so there is one on each side of crown knot button)
pineapple knot braided over the crown knot adds $13.00 each
Checklist for ordering a Buckaroo Bridle
1. measurements for headstall and throatlatch or standard size
2. type/size of bit or noseband to be used
3. style of bit connector - button loop or button hole
4. color(s) of rope for headstall, throatlatch
5. color(s) of ring knots on headstall, throatlatch
6. style, size and color(s) of browband, if any
7. style, length and color of reins - refer to checklist on Reins pages for more details
8. custom options, if any
My bridles and headstalls are totally custom products. I make them the way the cowboys and vaqueros of the Old West made them - except I use double braid rope and braiding cord instead of leather and rawhide.
You can choose a simple economical style, or go all out with something totally unique with fancy knots and braided trim, or opt for something in between. My bridles and headstalls have a few things in common no matter how plain or fancy they are (depending on the style of reins you choose):
- no hardware to break
- no leather to maintain - easy to clean
- fully adjustable headstall, throatlatch, browband and chin strap
- easy to attach to bits or nosebands/bosals
- all parts are made with the same type of rope so it all matches
Button HOLE Connectors - for bits and nosebands/bosals
- Each cheek piece ends in a crown knot button
- This button end goes through the bit ring or around the noseband from the outside toward the inside.
- Separate the strands of the headstall between the ring knot and the bit or noseband, making a hole for the button. Insert the button through the hole.
- Slide the ring knot down to lock the button in place against the bit ring or noseband.
- The crown knot button ends can be left as is or over-braided with pineapple knots.
- This option can be used with most bits but the bit ring has to be at least 1" for the button to go through.
- This option works best for nosebands - the button can be snugged up to the noseband so the headstall stays in place.
- As the name implies, this style uses a simple knot to make the cheek piece adjustable. This is the same knot used to tie on a rope halter. In this case, however, the loop is on top and the tie strap comes in from below - this ensures that the tail end will lay flat against the cheek, angling away from the eye. (I will send instructions for making and adjusting the cheek piece knot.)
- The crown knot button on the tie end is usually left as is on this style but can be over-braided with a pineapple knot.
- The ring knot, which creates the loop for the tie end to go through, slides down against the tie knot, locking it in place. When the rope is new, it may be a little slippery for a while so check the cheek length often and make adjustments as necessary. The "newness" will wear off soon and the tie knot will be more stable.
- Button HOLE connectors are used on this style - same description as above.
- The crown knot button ends can be left as is or over-braided with pineapple knots.
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- This style is made with 2 strands of the 1/4" rope.
- A sliding ring knot defines the tie loop and can be used to lock the tie knot in place.
- The tail end has a crown knot button (like on the halter tie headstall) or a plain whipped end (like the tie end on my halter poll strap)
- Tie the knot - same as for the halter tie cheek piece - to adjust the throatlatch to the correct size. (I will send instructions for adjusting the throatlatch.)
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Cheek Piece
- This style uses a combination of sliding and non-sliding ring knots to make the cheek pieces adjustable. By moving the rope through the knots, each side can be made longer or shorter. Since both sides are adjustable, the headstall can fit a variety of head sizes. (I will send instructions for adjusting the cheek pieces.)
- The crown knot button ends can be left as is or over-braided with pineapple knots for a fancier bridle.
- The poll strap is spliced together making a continuous loop of rope. On each side, a ring knot defines the connection point of the cheek piece.
browband and throatlatch shown in picture are priced separately
Below are a few bridle sets I have made. Some have custom options that are not in a "normal" package but you can order whatever you want .... within reason. I have included current pricing on the sets so you can get an idea of the cost. Bits are for display only - not included in pricing. These are not cheap - but you can completely customize your set so you can have a totally unique bridle.
A custom set with lots of "extras"
- Buckaroo headstall $57.00
- additional ring knots at bit connector ends $8.00 (2 @ $4.00 ea)
- Pineapple knots over crown knots on cheek adjusters and bit connectors $52.00 (4 @ $13.00 each)
- Buckaroo Throatlatch $24.00
- Pineapple knot over end button $13.00
- Chin strap/bit hobble $5.00
- Buckaroo browband with interweave cowboy knot $38.00
- Pineapple knots over crown knots $26.00
- 9' loop reins with custom double ended connectors with pineapple knots, 1/2" rope $120.50
- Custom trim on reins: 2 pineapple knots ($34.00), 4 small ring knots ($16.00), 1 3-bite cowboy knot (IW) at center ($16.00) Total for additional trim: $66.00
Total Price: $409.50
Base price for a Buckaroo Headstall with Button LOOP Connectors: $65.00 with standard crown knot buttons
pineapple knot braided over the crown knot adds $13.00 for each button
Button LOOP Connectors - for bits
- The cheek piece ends in a loop, defined by a ring knot
- A button loop connector attaches the cheek piece to the bit. The button loop is opened and closed by a sliding ring knot.
- The crown knot button ends can be left as is or over-braided with pineapple knots.
- This option can be used with most bits - even those with small rings. Only the loop end and the sliding ring knot have to fit through the bit ring.
- This option does not work with most nosebands or bosals - the button loop would be loose on the noseband and would not hold the headstall in place.
crown knot
Buckaroo Headstall
Halter-Tie Headstall
A chin strap is almost always used with a shank bit - it creates pressure under the chin when the bit pivots due to rein action. It is an optional item when using a snaffle bit - it works as a "bit hobble" keeping the rings from being pulled too far to one side or the other.
My chin strap is made with the 1/8" braiding cord. It is fully adjustable by using a sliding knot / button loop mechanism. (I will send instructions for adjusting the chin strap.) A medium size chin strap will adjust from 7" to 10".
These are also handy little gadgets to keep on hand for other things - all kinds of uses!
Price: $5.00
Note: some shank bits have a separate area to attach the chin strap. If it is a very narrow slot, the chin strap knots on the adjustment straps may not fit through.
Typical sizing
I usually make bridles and headstalls on a custom basis and prefer to have the head and bit measurements as outlined above. If I don't have measurements to work with, I will use common head sizes based on my measuring guide and size chart for halters and figure on a typical bit length of around 2 1/2" or a noseband/bosal fitting about midway between cheekbone and corner of mouth.
pineapple knot
Shank Bits - this curb bit has a 5" shank and a 2 1/2" pruchase
Snaffle Bits - the bits shown here range from 2 1/2" to 3 1/4" diameter
Braiding Cord Options for Knots and Chin Straps
Bit Size/Length
I also need to know the type and size of bit you plan to use with the headstall:
- the size/diameter of a snaffle ring
- the purchase length (the part above the mouthpiece) of a shank bit
This will make a difference in how long the headstall needs to be.
If you plan to use the headstall with a bosal or noseband, I will need to know the thickness of the noseband and where on the nose that you want it to fit - how far above the corners of the mouth.
Go to the Browbands page for information on my new Halter/Bridle Connector Browband
Sizing and Checklist for ordering
1/8" Polyester Braiding Cord:
Solid Colors: Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Purple, Red, Neon Orange, Yellow, Neon Green, Coral Pink, Silver Gray, Navy, Turquoise, White, Kelly Green
Base price for a Halter-Tie Throatlatch: $10.00
1/4" Double Braid Polyester:
Solid Colors: Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Purple, Red, Neon Orange, Yellow, Neon Green, Coral Pink, Silver Gray, Navy
- This style is made with 1 strand of the 1/4" rope.
- One end is spliced and a sliding ring knot is braided into the eye to create a button hole.
- The other end has a series of ring knots and a tied button on the end.
- Open the button hole by sliding the ring knot; choose the space that makes the throatlatch the correct size; close the button hole to lock into place (I will send instructions for adjusting the throatlatch.)
Multi Colors:
Rainbow, TurquoiseSB,
Twilight (blue/purple/navy)
Same style bridle in all pictures - just different colors and bits
- Halter-Tie headstall $25.50
- Halter-Tie Throatlatch $10.00
- Chin strap/bit hobble $5.00
- Buckaroo browband with ring knot $28.00
- 9' loop reins with crown knot button loops, loose connection, 1/2" rope $43.00
- center ring knot on reins $4.00
Total Price: $115.50
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Throatlatch Options
Base price for a Buckaroo Throatlatch: $24.00
- Halter-Tie headstall $25.50
- additional ring knots at bit connector ends $8.00 (2 @ $4.00 ea)
- Halter-Tie Throatlatch $10.00
- Chin strap $5.00
- Utility browband with Alamar knot $10.00
- 9' loop reins with crown knot button loops, loose connection, 1/2" rope $43.00
Total Price: $101.50
Rope Options for Headstalls and Throatlatches
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27 NIV
BRIDLES & HEADSTALLS
pineapple knots over crown knots
Chin Strap
picture
Halter-Tie Throatlatch
Checklist for ordering a Halter-Tie Bridle
1. measurements for headstall and throatlatch or standard size
2. type/size of bit or noseband to be used
3. color(s) of rope for headstall, throatlatch
4. color(s) of ring knots on headstall, throatlatch
5. style, size and color(s) of browband, if any
6. style, length and color of reins - refer to checklist on Reins pages for more details
7. custom options, if any
Buckaroo Throatlatch
Photo Gallery of Custom Bridle Sets
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click on pictures to enlarge
I price the individual parts separately so you can "build-your-own-bridle". Maybe you only want a simple headstall and don't need a throatlatch and browband - no problem! Or maybe you want a complete set with matching reins and a lot of extra braided trim - I can do that too. Or maybe you would like a simple headstall and reins but want to splurge on a fancy browband. Whatever combination you want, I can probably make it for you. You can also choose the color for each part - make them all the same or coordinate with 2 or 3 colors.
Although reins and browbands are integral parts of a bridle set, I do not describe them on this page - they have their own separate pages with lots of information so there is no need to duplicate that here. You can choose whatever style of browband and reins you want. Please visit the Reins pages and the Browbands page for more details and options for those items.
Bridles are shown with bits but they are for display only - bits are not included.
Please scroll down the page to see the options for headstalls and throatlatches and the checklist for ordering a bridle.
Headstall Options
browband and throatlatch are priced separately
Base price for a Buckaroo Headstall with Button HOLE Connectors: $57.00 with standard crown knot buttons
$65.00 with 2 additional ring knots (so there is one on each side of button - as shown with the pineapple knot)
pineapple knot braided over the crown knot adds $13.00 for each button
- Halter-Tie headstall with button hole bit connectors
- No throatlatch or browband
Total Price: $25.50