What catches your eye in this photo is really not what the photo is about…the little ‘sticks (for lack of a better word!)’ are just for creating shape as the leather around them sets and hardens. These sections of leather are called ‘hondas’ and are, in essence, what make a reata (throw rope for roping) able to function properly.

Randy Rieman is the creator of this particular set of hondas (and many others!). He was taught by the best, Bill Dorrance (click to read more about Bill and his fascinating life), years ago, and now carries the torch of braiding reatas.