Buckaroo Traditions

Buckaroo Traditions
On Mud Knots and War Knots...All Buckaroo tail knots are mud knots. I'm afraid the misnomer "War Knot" has been used interchangeably and that is incorrect; a bit more "romantic", but incorrect nonetheless. The origin of the War Knot comes from Native American culture and was tied in a horse’s tail...when going to war. It was as much a part of the culture as the signs and symbols painted on each horse according to status and mission.

The Mud Knot is tied in the tail to keep those long beautiful tails from being stepped on; a much nicer alternative to "shortening" the tail whether by cutting or pulling. It aids in keeping the tail out of the mud, the knot also keeps the tail from getting tangled in the brush. I have read where the weight of the knot helps keep an errant rope from being pulled up under the tail.

To be or KNOT to be? If the tail is long and beautiful, by all means tie a Mud Knot in that tail and carry on this beautiful and practical tradition. — at San Simeon Creek.