- 1). Hold the bridle facing away from you and attach one of the slobber straps to the bit ring on the off side of the bridle (the horse's right side). If you are using slobber straps with buckles, buckle it to the bit, otherwise you will use the mecate to attach the strap. Place the slobber strap around the bit ring and gently thread the mecate through the holes in the strap. Tie an overhand knot to secure the end of the mecate. If your mecate has a tassel, it will hang down on the right side.
- 2). Measure the amount of rein you want, usually about 8 to 10 feet. Thread the other end of the mecate through the slobber strap on the near (left) side of the bridle and tie it off. The remaining 12 to 15 feet will serve as a line for ground schooling and leading your horse.
- 3). Hold the mecate reins as you would any reins when mounted. The unused extra line can either be looped through your belt or tied to your saddle. Use mecate reins for both direct and neck reining. The slobber straps will pivot freely on the bit when you pick up the reins, so your horse will feel light pressure before you establish a firm rein contact.
- 4). Leave the reins over your horse's head when using the free line for groundwork. The free line can serve as a lead or a short lunge line. To use the line as a tie, be sure to never tie directly from the bit. Instead, cross the reins around the horse's neck and loop the tie line through the reins near the throat. This will ensure that if the horse pulls back, it will pull against the reins at his poll and not pull on the bit.
- 5). Watch the slobber straps for signs of wear as they may need to be replaced periodically. Rope mecates can be washed with gentle soap and water. Animal hair mecates should not be washed.
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