Page 315 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

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Bosal Knot (aKa Heel Knot) which run behind the horse’s neck to the rider. If
The bosal is another part of the tack or leather the whole assembly is used for training, it is usually
(properly rawhide leather) fittings used to control a known as a hackamore (from the Spanish term
horse – a band put around the horse’s nose (actually jaquimá meaning hanger), reins or lead rope, and
the nasal passages and jaw of the horse’s head/ bosal, and is made of softer rope.
skull). The Bosal Knot is the knot used on a bosal. The Bosal Knot is usually round to oblate in
Below is one made of rawhide, in three colours. shape and, when made with braided leather or with
The Bosal Knot, also known as a Heel Knot coloured cord, is rather beautiful. It can be made
because it is placed under the ‘heel’ of the horse’s with one, two, three, or more separate pieces of
head, is placed under the horse’s chin, just behind rawhide leather thong, some in different colours for
its bottom lip. The bosal is supported in turn by a a stunning finish. The details are hard to see from a
hanger or strap behind the horse’s ears, running distance, even if you know where to look! Here are
down each side of its face to attach to the bosal instructions for making a straightforward Bosal or
strap. Attached to the side of the bosal are the reins, Heel Knot.

The rawhide bosal is a noseband
and Heel Knot, made to eliminate
the need for a steel bit, which is not
used in Western riding and cowboy
use. Note the decorated raised
knots where the straps attach.