Thanks to all that hay twine, the stable's garbage bin needs to be emptied again. But wait, why throw away something that saves time and money? Tuck that twine over in the corner where it can easily be reached. It'll come in handy in the near future.
Piggin' String
The term "piggin' string" has special meaning to cowboys who rope wild cattle and doctor and brand calves. There are other names for this handy piece of rope, such as "hoggin' rope" or "tie-down rope."
Hitching Up
If you're new to the driving world, here are some insights from Montana clinician and trainer Doug "Doc" Hammill, D.V.M., on buying harness gear.
Saddle-String Stirrup Hobble
In the July print issue, Tom and Tad Knowles of Colorado's Wildflower Saddles & Tack in Elizabeth explained how to replace broken saddle strings or add strings to decorative conchas. Strings are great for tying gear onto your saddle, but also can be used to make equipment repairs, if necessary, when you're on the trail or working cattle and can't get back to the barn immediately.
Rawhide Braiding: The Art of the Gauchos
Argentine braiding traditions, an increasing influence north of the equator, were fueled by a need to survive on the South American frontier, where a strand of rawhide was all that separated a gaucho from certain death.
