The
Vaqueros of the old west were skilled horsemen who valued their horses and
their rawhide horse tack. The Vaqueros had many "tools" to assist
them with their everyday tasks on the range. One of these "tools" was
the rawhide reata (or riata).
The
word reata is from the Spanish word reatar, meaning to retie or a rope which
ties one animal to another. The rawhide reata was a long braided rawhide rope used
by the early Mexican Vaqueros and was, no doubt, first introduced into Mexico
by the Spanish conquerors. Though the word reata is often used to refer to any
rope; the genuine Vaquero reata was, and is now, a special item. The reata was
usually 40 to 80 feet long and was made from twisted strands of rawhide. The
finest reatas used rawhide strands, cut by experts, from the most prime part of
several young heifer hides. The hides were well chosen and properly cured.
The
Reateros (Spanish for "rope maker") were masters at the craft of
braiding reatas and other Vaquero rawhide tools. The braiding of the reatas was
not only an art form but the braids had uniformity and even tension. This was
to ensure a durable working tool for the Vaquero.
The
rawhide reata was the most useful tool of the Californio Vaquero and he was
highly proficient in handling it. The dexterity displayed by the Vaquero ropers
impressed the early American cowhands and the reata was quickly adopted by
them, as were other items of equipment used by the Vaqueros. The reata can be
thrown farther, with the use of less energy and retaining a more perfect loop,
than any other type of rope on the market.
The
Mexican way to treat the reata to keep it supple, was to tie it between two
trees. Then rub it first with lemon juice (cut a fresh lemon in two and rub the
fruit along the length) and then rub it with beef fat (suet). This kept the
leather from drying out or becoming stiff. Today, if you use an artificial
product it will make the reata too limber.
The
reatas of the old west and today are braided in four, six, or eight strands.
The eight strand, if made by a top reatero, is a beautiful article and superb
for light roping. For average hard work on large stock, the four strand is the
best. Diameters vary according to individual preference, but the 3/8” reata is
the one most used today and in the old west. Rawhide reatas can vary in degrees
of stiffness (called lays in roping circles) depending on the type of rawhide used.
For instance, bull hide makes a very stiff rope perfect for heel roping.
The
rawhide reatas of the old west were a useful tool of the Vaquero. One may also look at them as a true work of
art and craftsmanship.
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