How To Make Your Own Horse Tack Using Paracord?

Braiding is a time-honored skill known by horseman and cowboys for the many centuries that people have been in partnership with horses. Cowboys have traditionally used many different kinds of materials including leather, rope and more recently paracord to create all manner of tack for horses.

In this article we discuss the art of braiding and the popular craft known as paracording and share resources to help you learn to use these skills to create tack for your horse. Read on to learn more on how to make horse tack out of paracord.

What Is Paracord?

What Is Paracord

Paracord is extremely strong, light weight synthetic rope that was originally used to secure parachute suspension lines. This thin, versatile rope comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors and is very popular with sportsmen, survivalists, crafters and equestrians. It can be used to create lots of different practical and fashionable items.

Practicing making some small paracord projects can help you become comfortable and confident in creating safe, good looking tack for your horse. Check out a few simple projects here.

How Do You Create Tack Using Para Cord?

Begin by taking precise measurements and then gathering an ample amount of the colors of paracord you need to create your project.

Additionally, understand that most items of tack will also need hardware such as shanks, buckles and clips. Take note of the items you need and be sure that you have all your materials together in one place before you begin your project.

Remember that when you braid paracord, you’ll need about twice as much paracord as the length of the actual measurement. Braiding naturally takes up quite a bit of the length.

Braiding tack is a project you want to finish in one sitting. It’s difficult to leave your materials lying in wait. So be sure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete your project from start to finish.

How Do You Braid?

There are many different styles of braiding, but simple three strand braiding is the easiest and most often used. To create a simple three strand braid, secure the ends of your material by melting, clipping or tying them together. Attach the end of your materials to a sturdy, stable object so that your braiding will end up smooth and attractive.

For a three strand braid, you can make a thinner rope by using three single strands of paracord. If you want a thicker material, use six or even nine strands.

Here is a video that shows how to create a simple, three strand braid.

How To Braid 3 Strands

Four strand braiding is also easy and makes a nice variation.

How To Braid With Four Strands

There are many different ways to braid and weave paracord for a vast array of attractive results. For ideas and inspiration, visit this paracord dedicated YouTube channel.

Understand Knots

Another very important thing to understand about creating your own sturdy, durable tack using paracord is that you must be able to tie a good knot, and you must know about several different types of knots.

It’s a good idea to review knot tying techniques and do some practicing before you start trying to create any sort of tack. It’s very important that your materials are secured together in a dependable manner and that all of your knots will stay in place while you are riding and working with your horse.

Here’s a handy PDF from the Boy Scouts of America.

What Kind Of Horse Tack Can You Make?

If you can dream it, you can make it! When you braid paracord to create horse tack, you can make a wide variety of extremely sturdy and very attractive items, such as:

Breast Bands

Lead Ropes

Halters

Bridles

Reins

Tack items can range from simple, utilitarian braided ropes to extravagantly elaborate and elegant ornamental gear adorned with beads, feathers and other bling.

Fringe Breast Collar Paracord Horse Tack

fringe breast collar paracord horse tack red white and blue

Let your imagination be your guide when choosing the type of tack you want to create. Follow that up by taking precise measurements and then seeking out specific instructions and videos to help you create the item of tack you have in mind.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Creating tack by braiding paracord is not difficult, but it does take a bit of study and a bit of practice. It’s a good idea to peruse the many available instructional videos that provide specific step-by-step instructions and patterns for any type of tack you might wish to create.

It’s also a very good idea to study different types of knot tying, practice and become proficient before you begin. Honing your skills at braiding, knot tying and following specific step-by-step instructions will save you a lot of frustration and help you to create attractive and safe tack to use with your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can you use paracord on a trail ride or endurance ride?

Having a roll of paracord with you on a long trail ride is a very smart idea. Here are just a few of the ways you can put it to use.
– Add a paracord loop to any item you want to carry in your pocket. It’s easy to grab the loop and retrieve the item, even while you are in the saddle.
– Make a friction bow to build a fire if your matches or lighter get lost or destroyed
– Tie your food container to a high limb to keep bears out of it
– Mark your gear with your own chosen color of paracord
– Secure splints or make tourniquets in case of an injury
– Mend broken tack

2. How can you use paracord in the barn or stable?

– Wrap paracord around the handles of tools to provide better grip and make them easier to use. In a bright color, this also makes it easier to find tools that have been left lying about.
– In a shared barn or stable, mark your equipment with your own chosen color of paracord.
– Use paracord for emergency fence mending.

3. How do you make a fringe using paracord?

Follow the directions given in this video for making a fringe using fabric roll cut-offs.

4. What is the most important skill to have when creating paracord horse tack?

In addition to knowing how to measure your horse properly and design items that will be not only functional, but also attractive, the ability to tie sturdy, reliable, clean knots is extremely important in making horse tack with paracord. Dan Aadland’s Pocket Guide to Equine Knots provides good, step-by-step instruction in creating good looking knots that you can rely upon.

5. Is there a good book showing step by step instructions to make paracord horse tack?

So far it seems that no one has pulled all of this information together into one place to create an all-inclusive, comprehensive book. At this time, the best we can do is continue seeking out individual videos and articles that provide tips, tricks and directions.

3 thoughts on “How To Make Your Own Horse Tack Using Paracord?”

  1. Hi my name is Brenda Lee.., And I just LOVE braiding horse tack using Paracord !! Thank you for teaching me how with your step-by-step tutorial videos. I never thought that I’d be the kind of woman who sits at home using creativity, making all my friends are special bridles and reins using each of their favorite colors They absolutely LOVE their gifts when I give them there custom bridle, reins and breast collar to match!!

    I only have one problem.., I can’t seem to find a tutorial video for the breast collars with the fringes?? And they are truly special. Thank you for showing me a direction of talent I never knew I had. I love this Paracord braiding!!

    Reply
  2. Wondering if you or someone else has published a good picture loaded book showing how to make this stuff? I know video is great, but would like to find a picture series with written info to make a breast collar. Thinking about using macrame instructions, just not sure if it will tell me about predicting length I need.

    thnx

    Reply

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