From the ContraCostaTimes


Dear Joan:

In a recently aired program promotion on the Western channel on Comcast, cowboy singer Rex Allen sings a song titled (I believe) "Old Paint." In the lyric, he sings "I'm goin' to Montan' just to throw the houlihan." What the heck is a houlihan? And why does one throw it? I cannot find any reference to this word. Can you?

Allen B., cyberspace

Dear Allen:

Cowboys developed different roping throws to suit conditions, terrain and the animal being roped. The Houlihan -- pronounced "hooley-ann" -- is the name of one such throw, used primarily for catching corralled horses.

When the cowboy throws a Houlihan, he holds the loop in his hand and, instead of swinging it over his head, brings it up across his chest and throws it in one continuous motion. The move is quick and controlled, and generally keeps the horse being roped from getting spooked.


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Don