Tying a functional quick-release knot by Brad Johnson
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Livestock producers need to tie a rope for many livestock management practices, both routine or in an emergency. Whether tying a halter, a rope to lift and support a foot, or tie a gate in order to quickly untie and close, a quick-release knot is a safe, simple solution. A quick-release knot allows for the release of the knot very quickly and easily in an emergency, to decrease the potential for harm to the animal, other animals, humans, and facilities.
Tying a quick-release knot is fairly simple and with practice, becomes second nature. My description and pictures are from a right-handed person’s perspective. A lefty starts to tie a quick-release knot with the lead rope around whatever the rope is being secured to (post, tie ring, gate, etc.) in a clockwise direction. A right-handed person starts to tie a quick-release knot with the lead rope around whatever the rope is being secured to in a counter-clockwise direction with the lead over the rope that is securing the animal.
Next, using the left hand, grasp the lead of the rope, so you see your knuckles, just before the lead crosses over the rope that is securing the animal. A left-handed person grasps the lead of the rope with their right hand.
While grasping the lead of the rope, twist your left hand to the left, so you see the palm of your hand. The twisting motion creates a loop. A left-handed person twists their right hand to the right.
Grasping the middle of the lead rope, make a loop, within the loop you’ve just made, by bringing the lead of the halter through the loop previously made by twisting the wrist.
Tighten both loops by sliding both loops toward what the rope is being secured to. At this point, to untie the quick-release knot, simply pull on the lead rope.
Livestock tend to be curious and may learn how to untie themselves, using their mouth to pull the lead rope. A ‘safety’ to prevent livestock from untying a quick-release knot is to bring the lead rope through the second loop. In this case, to untie the quick-release knot, pull the lead rope back through the second loop, then pull the lead rope.
Be safe!
Brad Johnson is an Agriculture Agent for Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program in Hopkins and Red River Counties.
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