And then there was the lariat rope

By Julie Carter

The lariat rope was used long before cowboys were cowboys. It wasn’t even a cowboy invention.

Back in the days of the Roman Empire, circa 300-400 A.D., the Huns- you remember them- rode short little ponies and could stay in the saddle for days.

They were excellent warriors who could accurately shoot an arrow or use their lariat to rope an enemy while their ponies carried them along at a full gallop. The Goths lived in dread of these short horsemen who annihilated them in every engagement.

Rope seems to be as old as mankind itself. All primitive peoples seem to have discovered some sort of material out of which they could produce twine and rope.

The Chippewa Indians used a method by which they made rope from the inner bark of basswood. Just what people in the history of the human race was the first to make a lariat out of a rope, and exactly what materials were used in its construction no one seems to be able to answer with any authority.

The development of the lariat seems to be closely associated with the history of the horse. The handling of animals necessitated the use of a rope of some type.

Since it was evidently around the horse that the lariat was evolved, chances are that the materials used were either horsehair or rawhide, both of which are obtainable from the animals themselves. Many think the most primitive riata was horsehair.

Ropes made of hair, hemp, rawhide, maguey (agave fiber), cotton and today’s ever popular nylon are all products of centuries of evolution.

What hasn’t changed is man’s fascination with a catch rope. I can’t speak for those Hun’s but today’s “twine twirlers” are every bit as dedicated to their craft. If they have a rope in their hand, they have to rope something.

While there are no longer any Goth’s around to rope, it’s not uncommon for the rope owner to try to rope just about anything that moves and it doesn’t have to be a cow or horse.

I’ve known dedicated fools to rope mountain lions, coyotes, deer, antelope (now that took a fast horse) and yes even a bear. Pretty much across the board, each of those events culminated in the cowboy wondering just what had he been thinking? The catchin’ was good. The “what do I do with it now” wasn’t always an easy decision in the heat of the battle.

And even it if it doesn’t move its fair game for a practice loop. Buckets, bushes, chairs and the sleeping dog which of course then quickly becomes part of the moving category. In part of the country it is the weapon of choice for killing a snake if you aren’t armed with a gun.

The skill involved in the use of what began as a tool became marketable as a competitive “sport.” Like shooting and riding, roping quickly became a contest to prove who was best at it. And like an illegal substance, it became an addiction for many.

Today it is multi-million dollar industry that attracts men, women and children from all walks of life. It no longer is just a “cowboy” sport, but calls to those that want a little piece of cowboy living.

By picking up a rope the journey begins.

Didn't receive a column from Julie this week, so am posting one from 2004.