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The Art of Braiding, Bosal
II offers instruction
for plaiting a 16 plait core, braiding an 8 bight nose button,
8 bight heel knot and adding 2 contrasting colors to the nose
button and heel knot.
No doubt the bosal is my favorite
piece of tack to braid. Those who braid many of the same items
often develop a style that becomes their signature trademark.
One of my most obvious braiding trademarks is the classic apple
shape of the heel knot on the bosal. Other braiders may braid
heel knots more pear shaped, round or even cone shaped. They
are all functional. Care must be taken when braiding the nose
button as variations occur and, as a result may compromise the
function of the bosal. I have also included an all braided brow
headstall with a fiador and mecate to make the project a complete
set.
Each project is approached as
if it were private instruction with you and I working together.
In situations where there are choices and options, I will share
my rational for my particular preference. Each specific skill
needed is described in detail for ease of understanding. My methods
work for me and are by no means the only way. When an area of
instruction has been covered in a previous book, there will be
a reference to it and the page number(s).
Kangaroo is used in the braiding
demonstrations, as the focus of this book is to add contrasting
color. The properties of roo make it the best choice of material
when learning to braid. It provides the strongest, most consistent
high quality strings and is easiest to cut. Throughout this book,
I will give hints on working with rawhide. Braiding rawhide will
be covered in detail in future books.
Instructions for "Tying
the Mecate" were given in The Art of Braiding, Bosal
I - Revised, The Art of Braiding, Bosal II covers
"Tying the Fiador" and "Tying the Hackamore Knot."
They are based on articles I wrote and illustrated for WESTERN
HORSEMAN magazine.
The Index can be valuable resource
as you continue to expand your braiding knowledge. The book now
includes a Glossary to define notable terminology. |