A cowboy's work would have been impossible over the vast stretches of land without a lariat.

In earliest western history, the reata was generally made with four strands of elk or buffalo hide which was cut in long circular strips about a half inch wide and braided into a length of rope. This process required hours of pounding, boiling and greasing and the leather lariats were heavy, awkward and often developed weaker spots that broke down. For a time hemp became popular but also required treating to handle well in either wet or dry weather.

Today, the twisting of nylon and poly string into the modern lariat rope is an exacting and carefully guarded process. The open range is history but cowboys still move cattle, treat injured and ailing animals and brand calves on a pretty regular basis. They take pride in their tough and often dangerous occupations and are proud of their reputation as rugged individualists. Lariat ropes are common on the range and today, in all types of rodeo competition as well.

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