Page 59 - The Pocket Guide to Equine Knots

Water Knot

The water knot, also known as the overhand bend, can be used to join two web straps of
the same width with a neat, strong attachment. Tie a loose overhand knot in the end of one
of the straps (step 1). Then thread the end of the second strap into that knot by following
the exact pattern of the first knot (step 2). It’s easier than it sounds.

There will be some slippage while the knot is tightening (step 3), so it’s important to tie
the water knot with plenty of extra length in the protruding ends. These will shorten as the
knot tightens.

Water knot, step 1.

Water knot, step 2.

The overhand on a bight is another simple webbing knot, useful for attaching a web strap
around a tree or other object. Again, the caveat is that it won’t be easy to untie should that
become necessary. To tie, just form a bight (loop) near the end of the webbing and tie an

overhand knot with this loop. Wrap the resulting loop around the tree or other object, bring
the end of the webbing back through it in lasso fashion, and pull it tight.
This approach can be used with rope as well, of course, but a honda knot or eye splice
serves better and is easier to untie.