The Fiador

Throatlatch (Fiador); Hackamore & Fiador Knot

The Fiador is the name of the knot which forms part of the rope throat latch attached to the headstall, however it is used as a collective reference for this component. 

A hackamore may be ridden with only a bosal, hanger and mecate and therefore a fiador is not required. In this scenario there is nothing to ensure the bosal or hanger cannot be pulled off, although this would require significant force. For example, the rider has dismounted, tied the horse to the rail and not hitched the mecate then there is even less to retain the heel knot of the bosal from moving in the opposite direction if a horse should make a dramatic retreat. 

The Fiador serves one purpose; to provide added security (safety). 

It is NOT USED TO:

•  act as a counter- balance for helping position the bosal
• used to add weight to the bosal/hackamore
• to limit movement of the bosal either in the vertical or lateral plane 
• it is not a preventative to the rubbing and pressure points of a poorly fitting bosal. A properly shaped fitted bosal and wrapped mecate will mitigate this

If a bosal is used with a Fiador it is important that it always hangs loose enough to allow the bosal to locate in its free position. The throatlatch attaches to the heel knot of the bosal with the use of a ‘hackamore knot’ the four strands (shank) then extend upwards beneath the cheeks of the horse; this is where the Fiador knot is located. The ends are then passed over the horse's poll through the headstall and then through the loop end and are secured with a bleed (halter) knot. The distance between the hackamore and fiador knots are dependent on the horse’s head size and should be adjusted accordingly. This distance will influence the movement of the bosal. If the shank is too short it will pull the heel knot up towards the horse and not allow the free movement and subsequent release, if it is too long it will not provide the stop should the horse pull against the hackamore. The hackamore knot should be snug when tied and not over tightened on the heel knot of the bosal, this also applies to the mecate when it is wrapped above the hackamore knot.

The material used to make this can be anything from braided cotton cord, twisted cotton rope or synthetic rope.  We tend to use a cotton braided cord with a diameter between 4 and 6mm, making a Fiador which weighs between 80-130 grams.

Does it dampen the signal?

If a horse can feel fly on its rump then the sensitivity within the muzzle and jaw is even more so in terms of the cluster of nerves running through it. As soon as the slightest contact is taken through the reins the horse will feel it. If the hackamore is fitted correctly allowing free movement then communication will not be impaired. In reality it is the level of contact you take through the mecate/bosal and the speed of release, which determines the signal and its clarity, combined with your correct body position. The horse will already feel the weight of the bosal and the slightest movement (roll). The key to this, is to start your conversation with your horse at the lowest level possible, taking the lightest contact, retaining it and releasing within an instant as soon as the horse gives.

In my opinion, which I hasten to say is only my opinion it is absolutely paramount on a green horse that you have some form of security whether you are hitching them to the rail for the first time, riding them out solo with another horse or in traffic. For me security is key when starting young horses or even riding a more advanced horse. There are always combinations or circumstances, that can turn what is considered most broke horse (hackamore or bridle horse) into a spinning top, and for this reason irrespective of whether it appears lower brow a Fiador is a safe choice.