A new mecate is pretty, but an old mecate is beautiful. All of the hair prickles are worn off, so the pattern is very crisp and distinct. The colors are still as bright as the day it was made. There may be dander and dirt, showing where it has rubbed many a horse's neck, but that just gives it character!

Alpaca and mane hair mecates are a natural alternative to synthetic fiber mecates. They are comparable in price, and yet have a longer usable life.

Below is a simple list of the benefits of having alpaca or mane hair mecates:

Alpaca and mane hair is very strong, yet not as heavy as other materials, lighter mecate, lighter horse.

Alpaca and mane hair, unlike synthetic material, is not broken down by ultraviolet  radiation.

Alpaca hair and mane hair, as natural animal fibers, soften with age and use.

Since mane hair is slick, hard and relatively non-porous, items made from them stay cleaner longer and are easier to clean when they do need it.

A Mecate, made and maintained well, will last a lifetime and longer. There is nothing quite like a good alpaca or main hair mecate. They have weight, but not too much, they are balanced, and a truly good one has a life of its own.

Below is a list of the disadvantages associated with synthetic mecates:

Nylon, yacht braid and braided parachute cord, polyester and polypropylene are all heavier than alpaca or mane hair.

All synthetic materials are broken down by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which makes them stiffen as they age. Many people think the ropes are stiff because they are dirty, and commonly think washing them will solve the problem.  However, the stiffness is actually caused by the material breaking down.

All synthetics and plant fibers, such as cotton or rayon, are slightly rough. This allows sweat and dirt to adhere to them and it doesn't take long for them to get dirty.

Alpaca and mane hair mecates have a timeless quality with character!

Buckaroo Leather carries a variety of styles of alpaca and mane hair mecates, cinches, and hackamores.  Take a look at all of our products!

Buckaroo Leather is proud to introduce our handmade Cliff Wade Buckaroo Ranch Saddle. We have been working on this for a while now with a saddle maker, with over 30 years experience in saddle design, custom fitting of horse and rider, hand tooling, carving, and construction!  The materials which go into the making of Buckaroo Leather Tack and Saddles and the craftsmanship employed in its making, are elements of the highest importance. You could have no higher guarantee of quality and workmanship than the name Buckaroo Leather upon your tack and saddles. It represents an organization proud of its establishment in 1979, and since then, catering to horsemen and women with two generations of experience and knowledge applied in the making of riding equipment, to the most exacting standards. Rest assured, you will receive the most value for your money spent.