Skill #5: Knots
We've mentioned the importance of several knots. Here's a brief rundown. (For knot-tying how-to, visit www.tollesburysc.co.uk/knots/knots_gallery.htm and www.iwillknot.com.)
The bowline is essential whenever a loop must be made which cannot tighten.
The square knot is best to join similarly sized lines.
The half hitch is the first half of a square knot, and it can be tied with a quick-release loop for a fairly secure knot that's very quick to untie.
The eye splice is easy to tie in three-strand rope, and useful for many things, including lead ropes.
The back splice with crown knot is also easy to learn and neatly finishes off the end of a rope to prevent it from slipping through your hand.
Horsemanship is, among other things, a collection of skills and knowing when to properly use them. Learning is a lifetime affair, and it's part of the fun. Happy trails!
Dan Aadland (http://my.montana.net/draa) raises mountain bred Tennessee Walking Horses and gaited mules on his ranch in Montana. His most recent books are The Best of All Seasons, The Complete Trail Horse, and 101 Trail Riding Tips. Sketches from the Ranch: A Montana Memoir is now available in a new Bison Books edition.
