Howdy

Cowboys

Cowboys played an important role in the settling of the west. Ranching was a big industry and cowboys helped people run the ranches. They herded cattle, repaired fences and buildings, and took care of the horses.

Horse and Saddle

The most important possession of any cowboy was his horse and saddle. Horses were so important that horse stealing was considered a hanging offence!

Clothing

Cowboys wore special clothing that helped them with their jobs. They wore large hats to protect them from the sun and the rain. They wore special cowboy boots with pointed toes that helped them slip in and out of the stirrups when riding a horse.

Cowboy  Code

The cowboys of the Old West had an unwritten code that they lived by. The code included such rules as being courteous, always saying “howdy”, not waving at a man on a horse (you should nod), never riding another man’s horse without his permission, always helping someone in need, and never putting on another man’s hat.