One of the most useful and symbolic tools of a cowboy is a lasso. It is coiled up and hanging on their saddle or in their hands revolving in the air as they chase down a bull on the open plains. This action has been around for hundreds of years. It’s main purpose is to catch critters, most commonly cattle and horses. Though it is not uncommon to use a rope to catch an escaped goat or even an unruly child… The reason for catching critters is simple, they don’t always want to come up to you. This is most exemplified with cattle on the open range, they do not like to get caught. But cowboys need to catch cows for a variety of reasons, branding, tagging, vaccinating, and vetting to name a few. Using a rope makes this process possible.
What is a lasso
The rope, also known as a lariat or lasso, though more typically called ‘a rope’ is just that, a braided rope that is stiffened in a circular pattern like a coiled garden hose, attached with a knot on the end. This knot forms a small loop which is called a hondo, also known as a honda. The way a rope functions is by putting the end of the rope through the hondo and pulling it through, as you do this you will notice a loop forming with your rope, similar to how a wire tie works. Then when you have pulled your rope far enough that your loop is a few feet in diameter, this is what are going to use to catch something. If you place this loop on an object and then back away and pull it, it will tighten and you will have effectively caught your object.
Throwing a lasso
Obviously this is not as easy as it sounds, things get a bit different if you’re actually throwing it, especially throwing it at a moving object, not to mention doing so on the back of a horse. But it’s always best to start practicing at step 1; learning to throw a rope at a stationary object while standing on your own two feet.
Trying to explain how to throw a lasso with words can sound much more confusing that actually showing someone. But in a basic sense, you twirl the loop over your head, twirling it around and around and on one of your rotations you let the loop go aiming it at your target. It feels most natural to let go as you’re still turning it, letting the momentum do most of the work. It easiest to try this from a short distance, 6 to 8 ft away from your target. Start small, and slowly make it more challenging for yourself after you have gotten it a few times.
Learn how to lasso
Many of our guests at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch give this fun activity a try either on their own with our numerous ropes available. They also do it when we do our roping demonstration shows. During our demonstrations we give instructions and examples of the proper form. Within a minute or two we can get a guest to throw a rope and catch our roping dummy with ease. It’s great fun to learn and perfect as it is a true Western skill that nearly every cowboy can do.
There are many different ways to twirl your rope, and many different types of ways of throwing a lasso. You can throw a rope overhand, underhand, or sideways; you can catch a critter by the head, by the horns, or by the feet. A rope can be made of standard modern roping twine to more historical and authentic ropes made out of hemp, rawhide or leather. This is one of the most iconic tools of a cowboy, synonymous with a Colt .45 or a Stetson hat. The rope is a staple that is here to stay. So start practicing throwing a lasso and even try it while horseback riding. See if you have what it takes to become a true cowboy.