How to Tie a Bowline Knot for a Rope Assisted Recovery in a Horse | VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Videos

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Free for Elite Members

May 2026

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, Amanda M. Shelby, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) demonstrates how to tie a bowline knot. Known as the ‘King of Knots,’ this secure knot is used during rope-assisted equine recoveries on the horse’s recovery halter. Under tension, this knot does not tighten and is easy to release, making it ideal for equine recoveries! Tune in to see how it’s done!


Grab a rope and follow along with these detailed steps:

  • Step 1. Make a loop – it is important to pay attention to how the rope crosses over in the loop. This is commonly called the ‘rabbit hole.’
  • Step 2. The short or working end of the rope, held in my left hand comes up through the hole. It is commonly referred to as the ‘rabbit.’
  • Step 3. The rabbit or working end of the rope goes around the tree and back through the hole.
  • Step 4. Grasping the ‘rabbit’s’ body and tail, pull the knot tight.

How do you tell if the knot is tied correctly?

  1. It doesn’t come undone when you tighten the knot.
  2. The rabbit’s body and tail end of the rope are side by side as shown in my left hand.
  3. The knot can be easily undone regardless of the amount of tension the rope experiences.

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