Many many moons ago the liberty fad in the horse world began. It took the harsh trainers and turned them into compassionate and understanding teaching individuals. With that, they found ways to cut out unnecessary equipment to “test their bond” and still work cohesively. In their minds taking out all the bits, gadgets, tie downs, and being able to ride with your body and cues became the ideal way of going around. With that in mind, neck ropes became increasingly popular.

I’ve seen people in my various equestrian circles use different neck ropes through the years, but never felt confident enough in my riding to bite the bullet and join them. I found this neck rope with a beautiful pearl accent at the knot for $42 and it’s just been sitting in my “Saved” tab on Instagram.

My distant acquaintances like Shelby Dennis, have made neck ropes, and will offer them in their store soon. They serve as a great tool, and acts as a test of your training. I would love to see more people using them even if just as a bucking, safety strap as needed.

I had an old lead rope I just couldn’t let go of, and I wanted to do something with it to keep it around for a little longer.

I got thinking about neck ropes one day, and decided enough was enough and I made my own.

I had a spare saddle concho with horse hair and I went to town on DIYing my own neck rope. If you want to watch me make it, I also made a reel/TikTok of me making it.

It was mainly used on Capone who was my main ride at the time, but I may end up needing it in the near future if my horse situation is changing.