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Halter Hitch

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The Halter Hitch is a quick release knot used to tie a rope to a post or fence, usually to secure horses.

It’s actually a Noose knot tied with the bight instead of the working end. The tying method is a little different, though.

It’s easy to tie, remember, and untie even if the rope is under tension.

Let’s learn it in detail.

Halter Hitch Details

Type: Quick Release Knots

Other Names: Slip Noose Hitch, Slip Noose

ABoK Reference: #243, #1715, #1804, #1826

How to Tie a Halter Hitch Knot

  1. Pass the rope around the object.
  2. Cross the working end over the standing end of the rope.
  3. Pass it behind both parts.
  4. Form a bight and feed it through the loop.
  5. Tighten the knot.

Pro Tip: Want extra security? Pass the tag end through the bight as shown in the last slide. This locks the knot and it won’t come loose unless you want it to.

HALTER-HITCH-KNOT-DIAGRAM-STEP-OR-STEP
Image: Halter Hitch Knot Step by Step

Application and Uses

The Halter hitch is commonly used in ranches to tie animals like mules, horses and other animals to a post. 

Since it’s a quick-release hitch, you can free the rope even if it’s under heavy tension.

It’s also used to secure the tent ridgelines around the tree.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy to tie and remember
  • Super easy to untie

Cons

  • Not safe for critical applications

Other Quick Release Knots

Slipped Buntline Hitch

SLIPPED-BUNTLINE-HITCH-DIAGRAM

The Slipped Buntline hitch is the secured alternative to the Halter hitch.

The Halter Hitch is simple to tie but can capsize under certain loading conditions.

The Slipped version of the Bunt;ine hitch has time-tested security, especially under cyclic loading conditions.

Siberian Hitch

SIBERIAN-HITCH-KNOT

The Siberian Hitch is more secure and stronger than the Halter Hitch.

The Halter Hitch is based on the Overhand slip whereas the Siberian Hitch is based on the Figure 8 slip, which makes it technically more stronger.

Tumble Hitch

Diagram of tumble hitch

The Tumble Hitch is the most secure quick release hitch but difficult to learn for beginners.

Highwayman’s Hitch

highwaymans-hitch

The Highwayman’s hitch is not as secure as the Tumble hitch but is one of the strong quick release hitch.

The locking bight of this hitch can collapse under tension, so you need to be cautious.

Related: Quick Release Knots

Fun Fact: In Ashley’s Book of Knots (page 5), it’s mentioned that “I was seven my father gave me a pony on condition that I master the Halter Hitch.”

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