A rodeo item is a tool used by cowboys and cowgirls to capture livestock. The most common items are lariats, ropes, lassos, and riatas. A LARIAT is a ROPE with a loop at one end, used for catching animals. A ROPE is a length of fibers twisted or braided together to form a stronger line. A LASSO is a loop of ROPE that is thrown around an animal's neck or legs to capture it. A RIATA is a long ROPE with a loop at one end, used for roping cattle.