How much is a horsehair rope?

Chiefly because of the “secret weapon,” it takes Krause about three hours to make a rope. Cost depends on length, size and number of strands, but average price for a six-strand of this nature is around $150. That might sound expensive, but with proper care, a good horsehair mecate can last a lifetime.

Is horse hair rope strong?

Horsehair rope, commonly called mecate, is lightweight and strong, making it ideal for reins, a traditional hackamore or a lead or tie rope. It is not heavy enough for a lasso. It is traditionally made through twisting loose hair together, much like wool is made into yarn.

What is a mecate reins used for?

Mecate reins are used for early horse training. In fact, the mecate and bosal setup is considered to be a variation on Spanish vaquero training. The weight and texture of the rein helps to facilitate the training by providing subtle cues to the horse.

Can you spin horse hair?

(Some Curlies even shed their mane and tail hair every year along with their coat.) The long and wavy qualities of the fiber allow it to be spun into a usable yarn, especially when blended with other fibers.

How do you soften horse hair Mecate?

Grab a bath towel. With the mecate still coiled up dunk the whole rope in the warm shampoo water. Take the mecate out of the sink, lightly rinse with warm water and damp dry it with the towel, don’t be worried about drying it completely just dry it enough to where it is not dripping wet.

What does Mecates mean?

Definition of mecate 1 West : a rope usually of horsehair that is used for leading or tying or as hackamore reins. 2 : an old unit of land area formerly used in the Yucatan region equal to about 400 square meters or ¹/₁₀ acre.

Is a horse a fiber animal?

horsehair, animal fibre obtained from the manes and tails of horses and ranging in length from 8 inches (20 cm) to 3 feet (90 cm) and most often of black colour. It is coarse, strong, lustrous, and resilient and usually has a hollow central canal, or medulla, making it fairly low in density.

How do you clean mecate reins?

Mecates can be washed.

1. Take the mecate off of the bosal or snaffle bit and coil it up.
2. Fill a large sink with tepid water and add a capful of Woolite laundry detergent.
3. Change the water as it gets dirty.
4. Rinse in sinkfuls of clean water until no more dirt or soap comes out.

How do you pick Romel reins?

How to Hold Romal Reins

1. The romal should go across the palm and around the thumb.
2. The hand should be closed into a fist over both reins with no fingers in between, and the thumb must be on top.
3. The rein hand should always be in front of the romal’s knot, where the two reins meet.