The true snaffle bit trainer uses a snaffle bit before a bosal.

The tradition of slobber straps to attach the mecate
dates back to the days when cowboys had to use their horses every day
at all stages of training.

The mecate allows the rider to have both reins and a lead
or get-down rope all in one continuous piece.

The solid rein helps when roping or working cattle
so it stays over the horse's neck if the rider has to let go.

The slobber straps with the mecate attached also
add weight to the bit rings
which amplify the signal from the ride to the horse.

It is important to use a noseband with a snaffle bit as well
since this will teach a horse to keep it's mouth closed
and the bit will be more effective.

The type of mecate and slobber straps chosen are
a matter of preference since some are used for show
and some for work.

The same mecate may be used with a bosal.

there are several different types of each to suite all needs.

Start with shuefly end of mecate on right side of bridle.
Be sure to place slobber straps over bit ring before attaching mecate.

Once right side is tied, leave 8' of rein
(or other desired length)
and then attach the popper end to left side of slobber strap.

Remaining rope is used as a lead.

reins/horse-slobber-straps.jpg

Braided Nylon Mecate w/Shuefly Thumbnail

Use and Care of Mohair Mecates

Use on a Snaffle

When tying a mohair mecate on a snaffle bit
be very careful when pulling the rope through the slobber straps.

If you pull it through quickly,
you can strip the cover strands right off the core.

This is especially a problem if the holes in the slobber straps are
smaller in diameter than the mecate.

5/8" or larger hole
If the holes in your slobber straps are smaller than your mecate,
take them to a repair shop or return them to
the maker to have larger holes punched in them
before ever trying to tie up your rope.

Once you are sure the slobber strap holes are the proper size,
work the mecate through them slowly,

twisting it as needed to move it through the holes.
Measure off your rein length and tie the lead off at the left side.

Now hang up your bridle and stand behind it as if on horseback.
Try to throw a coil in the loop rein.

If the rope is trying to make a figure eight instead of a coil,
you need to work a little twist out of the rein.

In working it through the slobber straps,
a bit of twist can be added.
This is normal.

To get rid of the extra twist, just turn the knot slowly
one way or the other,

depending on which way the extra twist went in the rope.
Keep trying to throw a coil.

If you're getting closer to a coil than an eight,
you're twisting the knot the right way.

If you now have a couple of figure eights stacked on top of each other,
you've been twisting the knot the wrong way.

Keep adjusting until you can form a smooth, easy coil.

If you get the mecate wet when its tied on the snaffle,
do not take it off of the bridle.

You run a serious risk of kinking it or stripping the cover strands off of the core.
Just let it dry out naturally still tied to the slobber straps.

Use on a Bosal

Tie a mohair mecate on a bosal the same way you would tie
on any other mecate.

You can't hurt the rope.

However, if you get your hackamore outfit wet,
untie it from the bosal to let both dry out.

Water won't hurt the mecate,
but mohair does dry slowly and moisture will be trapped in the wraps
, which is not good for rawhide.

Dry the bosal at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight.
The mecate is less touchy.

You can dry it at room temperature,
out in the sun or in front of a heater,
it really doesn't matter.

Mecate Care

Riding in the rain is the best way to clean your mohair mecate
but warm water and Woolite work just as well.

If you want to use the Woolite method,
take the mecate off of the bit or bosal
coil it up.

In a sink or bucket full of warm water,
add a cap of Woolite laundry detergent
stir it in well.

Put the rope in and swish it around.
Make sure the entire mecate is in the water at all times.

Once all of the dirt is out of it,
rinse in clean water until all soap suds are gone.

You can either keep the rope in coils to dry,
or hang it up from each end.

To do this properly,
tie a piece of cotton string 12 to 18 inches long to each end of the rope.

Stretch the rope out taut, but not tight,
tie it up with the strings.

A clothesline or top rail of a fence work great
to hang mecates from.

These strings serve two purposes.
The first is it makes it easy to hang the rope.

The second and more important reason is the strings absorb twist.

When a rope made of twisted animal fibers gets wet,
the twist contracts.

This makes the rope feel stiff
it shrinks with the contracting twist.

As the rope dries,
the twist relaxes back to its original state.

That is why the mecate will appear to stretch as it dries.
The strings simply give that contracted twist a place to go
as it is released from the drying rope.

Use and Care of Mohair Mecates

Use on a Bosal

Tie a mohair mecate on a bosal the same way you would tie
on any other mecate.

You can't hurt the rope.

However, if you get your hackamore outfit wet,
untie it from the bosal to let both dry out.

Mecate Care

Riding in the rain is the best way to clean your mohair mecate
but warm water and Woolite work just as well.