The halter hitch is a type of knot

Knot

A knot is a method of fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or several segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap, or even chain interwoven such that the line can bind to itself or to some other object—the "load"...

 used to connect a rope to an object. As the name implies it is useful in tying the lead rope, which is attached to the halter

Halter

A halter, headcollar, or, less often, headstall, is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears , and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope or lead shank is attached...

, to a post or hitching rail. The benefit of the halter hitch is that it can be released by pulling on one end of the rope. Even if there is tension on the rope, it can still be released with ease. Some sources show the knot being finished with the free end running through the slipped loop to prevent it from working loose or being untied by a clever animal

Animal cognition

Animal cognition is the title given to the study of the mental capacities of non-human animals. It has developed out of comparative psychology, but has also been strongly influenced by the approach of ethology, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary psychology...

, still allowing easy but not instant untying.

External links

• Discussion of halter hitch, including tying diagram