: Authentic mecates are often hand-braided from horsehair . The "prickliness" of the hair serves a functional purpose, encouraging the horse to move away from the light touch of the neck rein.
In the world of horsemanship, particularly the Vaquero and Buckaroo traditions , a mecate refers to a specific type of rein. El Mecate
Unraveling El Mecate: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Flavors : Authentic mecates are often hand-braided from horsehair