M e c a t e s - S t a n d a r d M a n e H a i r

California Classics

Only mane is used in the California Classic's 22 foot mecates which are offered in a huge variety of colors, stripes, checks and changing patterns. We sell 6 and 8 strand versions with a standard single tassel and popper, a hitched tassel and popper or the deluxe double hitched tassel options (great for alamar knots). 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch diameters are the standard.

Weight is really important to the horse and rider when in the training stages of the snaffle with slobbers or the hackamore. It is critical to understand that weight can be achieved by thick, coarse strands or by numbers of well made hair strands. At CC, we ONLY make the later. We also like the fact that 8 strands can provide many more color pattern options for us.

Our mecates often weight 1/2 pound or more than many other maker's mecates giving you full value, durability as well as the ability to develop a responsive horse and soft feel.

The twist and core are also vital in selecting a mecate. Too loose of a twist and your rope will feel great to start, but will not be durable with real use. A mecate should undergo a "break in" period. We don't want reins that flop without "life," but rather maintain enough firmness to telegraph a signal immediately to the horse.

A mecate without a core may be soft in the rider's hands, but it is not going to last. We suggest angora mecates for those who want to protect their hands. The heart of the mecate is the core. Those built without ones are very cheaply made. Don't be fooled: invest in the best gear you can and trade up when possible.

One of our customers, Reed Edwards, kindly took the time to gather some of the mane hair for his CC mecates A true student of the CA bridle horse, Reed also weighed and averaged all of his CC mane mecates.

5/8 ths 8 strand mane with 8-9 patterns 2 1/8 pounds
5/8 ths 8 strand mane with three patterns 1 7/8 pounds
1/2 inch 8 strand mane with three patterns 1.5 pounds
3/8 ths 6 strand mane 7/8 pound
1/4 inch 6 strand mane 5/8 pound

Being hand made in a variety of temperatures and humidity, our CC mane mecates may vary slightly in weight. Don’t be fooled into buying poorly made, under weighted and under twisted mecates. Thanks, Reed.

California Classics' deluxe mane hair mecates feature three different pattern/color changes. Set your hackamore or snaffle with slobbers apart from the rest. These are available in limited supply.

Lead ropes of mane hair 16 feet with braided rawhide button on tassel $65

We now have hard to find angora get down ropes (as well as the nylon and the mane). Our CC angora ropes are 16 foot and feature tassel and a lash end.

We don't offer custom color combinations, but we will work with you to select just the right mecate from our extensive inventory of color and pattern options.

Mecates, mane: 1/4 in. 6 strand $80, 3/8 in. 6 strand $95, 3/8 in. deluxe 6 strand $125, 1/2 in. 8 strand $130, 1/2 in. deluxe 8 strand $155, 5/8 in. 8 strand $160, 5/8 in. 8 strand deluxe $175, 5/8 in. fancy deluxe 8 strand $225, 3/4 in. 8 strand $175
The long double tassels with hitched buttons on the 5/8 inch 12 strand make these special order mecates perfect for the legendary alamar knot (right) for your horse or around a favorite picture gracing your western walls.

<Deluxe Mane Hair Mecates>

<Fancy Deluxe Mane Hair Mecates>

<Angora Mecates>

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