How to tie a Honda Knot

How to Tie a Honda

- posted by Amy Griffiths
Did you hear about our first ever in-store Dummy Ropin’ contest? We had so much fun we’re already thinking about the next one! Check out what happened and see who won. Sign up for our emails just for horse enthusiasts so you don’t miss out on the next one!





Our western department has western rock stars as far as I’m concerned. Not only do they carry a great selection of quality products, they are also so knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely good people. They live the lifestyle they are talking about and have first hand experience.

The people of Smith & Edwards' Western department

Tom, Dave, Sam, Marty, Jess, Dani, Steve, Kyle, Shaun, Kris, and Sherm


Often they are asked how to do certain things, and how to tie a honda is a common request. Tom, one of our fabulous craftsmen from our manufacturing department (yes, they design and manufacture a lot of the tack they sell, and they do it right here in Smith and Edwards!) agreed to show us how to tie a honda. It must be effective because people keep coming back for more! (click here to skip to a written step-by-step how-to)


Watch How to Tie a Honda

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Tie a Honda

Tying a sturdy honda is really a two step process, but it really is quick and easy. First you make a stopper knot, then you can make your honda.

Begin by untying the strands in your rope about 6″ down and separate them. For our tutorial we’re using a 3 strand rope but you can easily do the same action with a 4 strand rope.

Separate the rope strands


Take the middle back red strand and curve it to the left.

Curve to middle back strand to the left


Take the blue strand on the left and go over and then under the middle red strand you just curved to the left.

Over and under left strand


Now take the right white strand and do the same over and under action you as you just did on the previous blue strand.

Next over & under - part 1
2nd Over & Under - part 2


Grab the tip from this same white strand and insert it in the top loop you created with the first red middle strand.

Up through the loop


Pull the end of each strand, making a tight knot at the bottom. Cut and burn the ends to seal it.

Pull strands up
Tighten strands
Cut strands
Burn strands


Now you’ve got your stopper knot ready for the next step. Look how great it turned out!

Finished Stopper Knot


Time to tie your Honda

With about 18″ of rope, take the end that has your newly tied stopper knot. Working towards the right of your rope, loop it towards you til the knot faces away.

Loop end toward you til it faces away


Grab the knot, take it to the left of the loop, then under and up, making an overhand knot.

Make an overhand knot


It kind of looks like a pretzel now. Take your knot back behind the top of the loop and tuck it in the top loop of the overhand knot.

Tuck in top loop
Tuck in top loop - part 2


Make sure the upper loop you just made is the size you want and pull the bottom rope tight. Push the stopper knot up as you do this to keep it out of the way.

Pull bottom rope tight


Now you’ve learned how to tie a honda like a pro, just like Tom and the rest of the crew.

Finished Honda Knot
Honda with Rope


Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and feel confident in tying your own hondas. If you have a question or there is something you’d like to know more about, let us know. Tom, Marty, Dani and others are happy to share their skills with us!

Be the first to find out about newly added Western products, special offers just for our online friends, and more helpful tips of the trade by signing up for our emails today. Join your email list here!