| Tying the Mecate
There is a certain romance that surrounds the history and tradition of
the Hackamore. The hackamore has woven its' way from Spain by way of the
Conquistadors through Mexico to California and into the modern western horse
world. Thus, the terminology for the different parts of the hackamore are
of Spanish origin. The term Hackamore is used when describing the complete
set of the bosal, the mecate, the headstall and the fiador. The bosalita
is the pencil(sized) bosal used in the two rein set.
The material used in the construction of the different parts of the hackamore
had to be readily available to the working vaquero or cowboy. Rawhide, leather
and horse hair were always at hand. The technique of construction was dependent
on the skill and time constraints of the maker.
This article will show you one method of tying the mecate (may-kah'-tay)
on the bosal. The mecate is a rope traditionally made from twisted mane
hair. Usually 22 feet in length and has a button with a tassel on one end
called a mota. The mecate is used as both the reins and as a lead rope.
The mecate varies from 3/8" to 1" in diameter. The most commonly
used are 3/8" to 3/4". A general rule is to use the same diameter
of mecate as the diameter of the cheek of the bosal. The mecate size should
not vary more than a 1/8" larger or smaller than the diameter of the