Cowboy

thumb| A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and became a figure of special significance and legend. A subtype, called a wrangler, specifically tends the horses used to work cattle. In addition to ranch work, some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos. Cowgirls, first defined as such in the late 19th century, had a less-well documented historical role, but in the modern world work at identical tasks and have obtained considerable respect for their achievements. Cattle handlers in many other parts of the world, particularly South America and Australia, perform work similar to the cowboy. Quotes What keeps the herd from running, stampeding far and wide? The cowboy's long, low whistle and singing by their side. Anonymous, "The Jolly Coyboy", st. 5. John A. Lomax (ed.) Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads, rev. ed. (New York: Macmillan Co., 1916), p. 285 External links Category:History of the United States