How To Make A Flag Boot Out Of A Horn - Page 1 of 2

Flags are often carried horseback at a rodeo or other horse-related activity. A "flag boot" is a holder strapped to a rider's stirrup fender so they can carry a flag more securely. By placing the bottom of the flag pole into the flag boot the rider can hold the pole more easily than simply carrying it free-hand, or by placing it on top of, or inside of, their boot.

Flag boots have traditionally been made of leather, but a flag boot made from a horn makes a nice alternative. A horn flag boot is fast and easy to make, and is an attractive Western accent for any rider carrying a flag.

Above: A flag boot made from a cow or steer horn.

Choose A Horn

You will need to choose a horn to use for your flag boot. You can choose a horn according to your personal preferences or according to what's available. You will need a horn that has been off of the skull long enough that the bone and tissue inside are gone, and you are left with the clean outer shell of the horn. For safety's sake, be sure to choose a horn that will allow for easy entry and removal of a flag pole.

If you're curious about what horns are and what
they're made of, you can see our article Cow Horns.

Above: A steer horn.

If Necessary, Cut The Top Off

You will want the top of your horn flag boot to be fairly smooth, level, and sturdy. If necessary, trim off the top of the horn to remove any jagged or thin areas. Horn is easy to saw through and a simple handsaw will cut the top off quickly and easily.

This horn came off a de-horned steer.
It's top is already fairly thick, sturdy, and smooth.

This horn came off a steer that died, then the horn slipped
off of the skull several months later. It's top is thin and jagged.

Mark Where To Cut, Then Cut Slots

You will need to cut two slots into your horn so you can run a strap through them in order to buckle the flag boot to your saddle. Use a pencil to mark where to cut the slots on your horn, not an ink marker. Ink will quickly sink into the porous horn shell and may leave permanent marks.

To know where to mark the horn for slots, hold it down by your ankle as though it was already strapped to your saddle. Turn the horn around several times to decide which side should go against the saddle and which side should point away from the horse. If your horn is fairly long or curved you'll want to mark the slots so that the finished flag boot doesn't poke your horse in the back of the front leg or in the belly.

Above: The yellow arrow is pointing
to two pencil marks on the horn.