How to Make & Throw a Cowboy Lariat

Cowboys use a lariat to lasso cattle.

Cowboys lasso cattle by using a knotted and looped rope, called a lariat. The most popular lariat knot is recorded as being the Honda, or Bowstring, knot. This knot is simple to form and will allow the rope to easily tighten as needed once your target is captured. For greatest success, a beginner should use a new manila 3/8-inch rope for practicing.

Instructions

1. Tie an overhand knot into the end of the rope by looping the end around and bringing it through the back. Keep the knot in loop form, not tightened.

2. Loop the end around again and bring it through the back of the center knot. Tie another overhand knot into the very end of the rope so that your new knot cannot slip through the hole.

3. Tighten the left side of the knot until it is snug against the rope.

4. Form a larger loop, known as the bite, through the circle in the rope. You've formed your lariat.

5. Place the bite part of your lasso in your right hand and loop up some slack in your left. Spin the loop to gain some momentum and release it toward your target. Continue practicing to perfect your aim.

Tips & Warnings

• Never practice on a live target; instead, practice lassoing fence posts and boxes.

References

• The Inquiry Net; "Wind-Up Throw"; Bernard S. Mason; 2011
• The Inquiry Net; "Throw a Lariat"; Bernard S. Mason; 2011
• Lay Hands: Miscellaneous Knots