The Stampede String

A Cowboy reckons his hat indispensable, and to keep from losing it he uses a ”stampede string”.  That’s cowboy lingo for a chin strap that works, even in a stampede.  The earliest ones were probably no more than a thong or twine, poked through the brim of the hat, and secured beneath the chin with a knot.  Given a cowboy’s ability to braid, it was inevitable that improvements would be made.  Today the stampede string is a blend of form and function reflecting taste and ability.

There are several types and styles, usually made of leather, horsehair, or rawhide.  The horsehair tends to be coarse and scratchy on the face, Rawhide is better, but stiffer and changes entirely when wet.  Leather, best in my opinion, wears well, breaks in with use, and acquires character over time.

The long and fancy tassel, usually in the way on a working hat, is just right on a dress hat.  Often the stampede string on a dress hat will be worn behind the head, more as an ornament.

For the working cowboy I braid a no nonsense stampede string with pineapple knots at the lower ends.  I add a running pineapple above, joining the two cheek pieces and acting as a slider.  There is knot work hidden beneath all pineapples as well.  For a dress hat I might add horsehair tassels at the lower ends, vary the pineapples, or add a few select beads above the lower pineapples.  Some years ago I began covering irregular shapes with the pineapple knot.  This began with some ceremonial pieces I did for the local Indian tribe.  These include bear claw and elk tooth neckpieces.  When the right set of claws or teeth become available, I  braid them into the lower ends of stampede strings.

A few things to remember when putting a stampede string on to a hat.  Position counts.  The string should connect with the hat straight up from the forward edge of the ear.  In use, this is the most comfortable position.  When not in use, the string can be worn behind the head, or cinched down over the crown or rear part of the hats brim.  That’s a matter of personal choice.  Remember, it is best not to jerk down on the slide knot.  Rather, you should hold both the cheek pieces above the slider with one hand, and then pull down on the slider;  at least until the stampede string is well broke in and the slider frees up some.  This will prevent pulling stitches out of the sweatband.

A stampede string will be a valuable addition to your hat.  At first it will take a little getting used to, but before long it will feel natural.  In time you will wonder how you ever got by without one.

Happy Trails,

Mike / Hooey