A local store carries some kind of braided rope in multi colors. It's not labeled as to content but it has plenty of strength for my needs. 3/8" is about $15/100' and 1/2" is about $18. I have a couple 100' lengths that I can use for many different things. It also holds knots very well and proper knots can be easily untied.
I also use it to catch the buggers. I have a small catch pen to run them into, but they don't herd. They scatter. So, I tie one end of a 100' rope on a gatepost of the pen and string it out to the middle of the pasture. I work them between the rope and the fence, then pull it tight so it's about 4' off the ground. Then I walk to the fence and start reeling it in as I push them into the corral. If they try to duck under the rope, I just give it a flip and they back off. Works like a charm.
