Making Bronco Ropes

In the 1890s and early 1900s H. Compton Trew developed the bronco method of handling cattle for branding and other treatment. His innovation led to new words in the Australian lexicon, alterations in harness and stockyard design, the construction of special 'bronco panels', and the adoption of twisted greenhide ropes which largely replaced the plaited ropes that had previously been used. Production of a first-class bronco rope required considerable skill. Their manufacture became a source of pride amongst outback cattlemen and they developed many variations in the treatment of the raw material, the way it was prepared, and the techniques used.