Piggin’ Strings

A funny name, but a handy little thing to have on your saddle. A piggin string is a short, narrow rope used mainly to hogtie a calf or steer for doctoring, branding, or competitive rodeo events. But it also has a number of other handy uses.

You can use the string to help close a tough gate by looping the string around the posts and pulling until there’s enough slack to slide the the latch wire on to the gatepost. In a pinch, a piggin string can be used as a handy replacement part out on the trail for a busted rein, billet or just about any other tack strap. It can also be used as an extra saddle string to tie down gear. There’s no end to the uses you’ll find for your own piggin string.

Most of the piggin strings available commercially are designed for use in competitive roping events. They come in different diameters (3/16 to 1/4 inches) and stiffness (also called “lay”), are made of nylon, and are generally six and a half feet long. These commercial strings will definitely do the trick, but you don’t really need anything that fancy. Any narrow length of rope will fit the bill.

A piggin string can be tied to any saddle ring and is a good piece to leave on  your saddle at all times.