I prefer the Mexican grass rope with a brass honda to the rawhide riata, because I am used to it.
"Camp and Trail"
Stewart Edward White
Tossed carelessly in the corner appeared some blankets topped by a few straggling black horse tails, like an unstranded riata.
"On the Frontier"
Bret Harte
At the barn Joe disappeared through the small door of the saddle room, the coil of the riata still in his hand, thus compelling his mount to await his return.
"When A Man's A Man"
Harold Bell Wright