r/Cowboy

Unfortunately, there is a common sentiment among "cowboys" that unless you have been there and done that, you can't wear a cowboy hat and boots, and you're never going to be a "real cowboy." There is also a sense of elitism, especially in the Mountain West, where it seems they lay claim to the Cowboy spirit and lifestyle. In truth, there are just as many, if not more "cowboys" East of the Mississippi River than out West, because the grass is greener, and population density and stocking rates are higher (more cows per acre of land). Stetson hats come from a Northeastern man. Cowboy boots are derived from the US cavalry boots of the 1800's. Most of our beef breeds come from northwestern Europe. Just because back East they push cows on foot or with a 4-wheeler it does not make their job any less "cowboy" than someone whose job is to round up cows on the cold desert ranges on horseback.

We also need to do away with acting like it's a good thing to cuss, chain smoke/chew dip, act like an arrogant a$$hole just because you rope and ride broncs, and generally act uneducated. I guarantee there are more people who act like mature adults who can do that work just fine without the vulgarities and unhealthy habits.

There is no need to glorify this job/lifestyle. Everyone is contributing to society in some shape and form, from the farmers in Illinois to fisherman in Maine, and everything in-between. Honestly, most of our beef comes from borderline Eastern states and California, places not exactly renowned for cowboy culture, so we can't act like the Western states "feed the country" any more than other states do.

Lastly, just because you have only experienced ranching style one way all your life does not make it the best or only viable way to run cattle or ride horses. Out of the hundreds of millions of acres of open land across the US and Canada, there are far more people who operate differently than you than there are those who do things the same way as you.

Sorry to run on like this in a negative light. Sometimes you just gotta get things off your chest.

I’ve been evolving my wardrobe recently and am sick of being stuck with shorts and a T-shirt in summer and want to start wearing pants but where I am it surpasses 90F/30C often, not uncommon to reach 100F/40C+ aswell and I run hot too so I don’t think I’ll be able to Chuck on a pair of jeans and go on my way but I also need a pair that are heavy duty enough so I don’t destroy them on my first wear. What do you guys wear in the summertime and do you have any recommendations?

So, apologies for the absolute poser vibe i'm going to give here.

I'm in the uk, and i kinda hate it. How easy would it be for me to get a job on a ranch in the states? Obviously, ignoring leaving the country, getting a visa etc; practically how easy is it?

I'm assuming i can't just walk up to a ranch anymore, but i don't know, and id love to. I adore horses, cattle, and the country life- i've a little experience farming, and living in the sticks i'm used to navigating the country a bit- i suppose i'm just sick of living in a shitty country working a shitty job. I could happily drop everything and move immediately (barring family and other shit) so i guess my real question is:

If i were to go to the states tomorrow, go to texas, or montana, or somewhere like that, how would i go about getting a job as a total beginner with no experience as a cowboy/cattleman?

All answers appreciated, honesty needed, and feel free to rib me, i know how i sound.

I get it, horses are cool, hats and boots are aesthetically pleasing, but pushing cows is dusty, dirty, full of cow pies, and generally nothing more than hard work. Why do so many people make it into some romantic dream? Do their views of it change once they've done it for a while? I enjoy it, and if it wasn't for the fact that it drove me to borderline bankruptcy I'd still be doing it, but dang man, some of you act like it's a job befitting demigods.

Hi I'm from the uk, and am very interested in life over there, so if you don't mind me joining. I might ask some stupid questions, but its a learning curve for me. We're going through the hottest, driest summer on record, and the animals are needing extra feed and hay. How do you guy's cope. Because we're rubbish.

Hi all! I’m looking for western stores that arent your typical Boot Barn or Cavenders in Kissimmee? Looking for a belt or buckle. Thanks!

I want a western belt I can wear with my dress pants and my jeans, would a 1.25 be a bad choice? would it make me look like a woman?

I am going on a cattle drive in mid September and I would really like to take my horse with me but I'm not sure if it's a good idea of not. I went on a drive with this same ranch this summer and I feel like the terrain and work is within his ability level, I am more worried about temperature and elevation. I live in Kansas where the elevation is below 3,000ft and I'd be going to Colorado where the elevation is closer to 7,000ft. The temperature would also likely be below freezing at night which is much colder than what Kansas is in September.

I would be stopping at a ranch for a night or two to meet up with the ranch I'm working for so he would have a little bit to adjust. I also do have a blanket I could use on him in the evenings.

I worked for a big rodeo family so maybe I'm just used to horses being pampered.

Any advice is appreciated!

Hello! I am currently working on a story and am interested in making a character be a cowboy from wyoming. I can't seem to find any info about wyoming cowboy culture online, I was hoping maybe any of you could help me out. I'm interested in traditions, clothing, any gear that might've been used, maybe how a cowboy in wyoming would've been raised. Literally anything and everything will be useful, thank you!