Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy?

 Chris Amundson, the editor of Nebraska Life, spoke at a Nebraska Press Women’s conference I attended and I loved listening to Chris talk about the great things to be found in Nebraska.

However it was a little distracting to have this picture blown up into a poster right behind his back. It was the cover for an article they did on small town rodeo.

Here’s a link to a lot more great rodeo pictures.

http://www.nebraskalife.com/SmallTownRodeos1.asp

It hits close for me because we have a rodeo in the next town down the road called the Hoot Gibson Memorial Rodeo in Tekamah, Nebraska. And we’ve got neighbors who are big time into rodeo, entering and competing when the rodeo is in the area, although they don’t follow the circuit.

So today I’m including a little history, a quick look at events and some great, great pictures all about rodeo.

 Fun Fact: Rodeo is the official state sport of Wyoming and Texas, and the iconic silhouette image of a Bucking Horse and Rider is a federal and state registered trademark of the State of Wyoming.

 Rodeo Quote: I can remember sittin’ in a cafe when I first started in rodeo, and waitin’ until somebody got done so I could finish what they left.
Chris LeDoux(1948-2005) Real  life cowboy and Country western singer of Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy among many great hits.

Main Rodeo Events

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is an exclusively women’s sport. In a barrel race, horse and rider gallop around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels, making agile turns without knocking the barrels over. Look at that picture on the left. Really notice how low the horse is, almost on it’s side.

Bulldogging

A calf is roped around the neck by a lariat, the horse stops and sets back on the rope while the cowboy dismounts, runs to the calf, throws it to the ground and ties three feet together. (If the horse throws the calf, the cowboy must lose time waiting for the calf to get back to its feet so that the cowboy can do the work. The job of the horse is to hold the calf steady on the rope) This activity is still practiced on modern working ranches for branding, medical treatment, and so on.

 In spite of popular myth, most modern “broncs” are not in fact wild horses, but are more commonly spoiled riding horses or horses bred specifically as bucking stock. Rough stock events also use well-trained riding horses ridden by “pick up men” (or women), of whom there are usually at least two, tasked with assisting fallen riders and helping successful riders get safely off the bucking animal.

Bronc riding

There are two divisions in rodeo, bareback bronc riding, where the rider is only allowed to hang onto a bucking horse with a type of surcingle called a “rigging,” and saddle bronc riding, where the rider is allowed a specialized western saddle without a horn (for safety) and may hang onto a heavy lead rope, called a bronc rein, which is attached to a halter on the horse.

Bull riding

An event where the cowboys ride full-grown bulls instead of horses. Although skills and equipment similar to those needed for bareback bronc riding are required, the event differs considerably from horse riding competition due to the danger involved. Because bulls are unpredictable and may attack a fallen rider, Rodeo clowns, now known as Bullfighters, work during bull riding competition to help prevent injury to competitors. 

Some interesting rodeo facts: Rodeo stresses its western folk hero image and its being a genuinely American creation. But in fact it grew out of the practices of Spanish ranchers and their Mexican ranch hands (vaqueros), a mixture of cattle wrangling and bull fighting that dates back to the sixteenth-century conquistadors. But you know…what does American mean if not a melting pot from all over the world?

 There would probably be no steer wrestling at all in American rodeo were it not for a black cowboy from Texas named Bill Pickettwho devised his own unique method of bulldogging steers. He jumped from his horse to a steer’s back, bit its upper lip, and threw it to the ground by grabbing its horns. He performed at local central Texas fairs and rodeos and was discovered by an agent, who signed him on a tour of the West with his brothers. He received sensational national publicity with his bulldogging exhibition at the 1904 Cheyenne Frontier Days. This brought him a contract with the famous 101 Ranch in Oklahoma and its traveling Wild West exhibitions, where he spent many years performing in the United States and abroad. I’ve seen bull riding competitions and it’s a mean sport. I don’t care for it. But the crowd goes wild.

 I remember a few years ago some company was selling ‘Great Rodeo Moments’ on TV and they’d run these awful clips, over and over, of riders getting gored by a bull or trampled by a horse. I went and looked at YouTube but honestly the clips there are pretty hard to watch. So I’m not sending you there. Go at your own risk.

Some Great Rodeo Movies—it seems like they always have them riding the bulls.

8 Seconds-starring Luke Perry

Electric Horseman – starring Robert Redford

Pure Country – Starring George Strait

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys – Starring Scott Glenn.

 If you want to see some more really cool rodeo photos by Erik Stenbakken who took the picture at the top of this that I’m calling Mud Soaked Cowboy go here: http://www.stenbakken.com/ Click on Portfolios and then Rodeos. Very talented guy.

Any rodeo fans here today?

Seriously, have you ever been to the rodeo?

Have you got a favorite rodeo movie or rodeo cowboy I didn’t mention? What’s a cowboy got in him that makes him climb on that bull? There are cowgirls out there, too, and they’re pretty tough. Let’s hear rodeo memories, opinions or just tell me Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy……

I wrote The Bounty Hunter’s Bride for one reason. I got an eyeful of Tom Hart, the cowboy on AMC’s Broken Trail, and I knew I wanted to do another western. The guy isn’t at all good looking. He’s not hero material in the sense of charm, but he had more grit than any hero I’d seen in ages. That mini-series reminded me why I love westerns. It also took me down memory lane with thoughts of my favorite cowboys, both fictional and in real life.

My favorite “real life” cowboy is my brother. The Bounty Hunter’s Bride is dedicated to him and I’m as proud as a peahen to be John Bylin’s sister. He has a Monday-through-Friday job, but on weekends he works cattle on a friend’s ranch. There’s a line in The Bounty Hunter’s Bride about quarter horses having big rumps and pretty faces. That’s from John. I’d have named one of the horses “Whiskey” after his favorite mare, but I went with “Ricochet” instead because it fit the story.

My favorite fictional cowboys come from television. At the top of the list is Ethan Cord from Guns of Paradise. The show ran from 1988-90 and I loved every episode. Who could resist a gunslinger with four adopted children? Add a lady banker and it’s the stuff of historical romance. There’s no doubt that show fed my imagination. If it ever comes out as a DVD boxed set, I’m buying it.

If you asked my husband and sons to name my favorite western song, they’d shout, “El Paso by Marty Robbins.” The song is almost fifty years old, but the story is timeless. A cowboy in love with a saloon girl gets shot and dies in her arms. I still choke up when I hear it, which is fairly often since I play music while I write.

One last favorite . . . I keep one book on my desk for inspiration. The story kept me up to all hours and when I put it down, I felt as if the characters were still breathing. It’s The Outsider by Penelope Williamson. Johnny Cain is a gunslinger rather than a true cowboy, but he’s one of my favorite heroes. Johnny wouldn’t have survived without Rachel Yoder, a heroine of true faith and honor. Maybe that the real reason I love westerns. At the heart of it, men and women stand side by side, fighting the same battles . . . and winning!

Vicki is giving away two autographed copies of THE BOUNTY HUNTER’S BRIDE!  Watch for your name to be drawn from the comments. 

Hi everyone! Spring is in the air and I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled…my toes stay cold all winter and that makes me grumpy, so I welcome the sunshine with open arms and warm toes. J

For those who don’t know me, I’m Debra Clopton, and I have an ongoing series with Love Inspired called the Mule Hollow series. No, it isn’t historical but it is about Texas and cowboys—which I absolutely love as much as springtime.  I adore watching and reading about all types of cowboys. The dark brooding cowboys with deep dark secrets, the dangerous cowboys that make a girl want to risk everything for love, the confused cowboy who has absolutely no idea what to do with a gal who refuses to stay out of trouble, the hurting cowboy who needs a gal to step in and rescue him.

There are all types of cowboys and I believe a cowboy at heart is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I love the movie Silverado—what’s not to love? You’ve got every type of hero. You’ve got Emmet (Scott Glen) your tough guy with tortured past. Mal (Danny Glover) the good guy who only wanted to live a quiet life but had to step up to save his sister.

Paden (Kevin Kline) your bad-boy-with-a-heart who is redeemed by love…but it is the one and only Jake who stole the show for me back in 1985 when the movie aired.  

The happy- go-lucky-all-I-want-to-do-is-have-a-good time younger brother who is like the other three cowboys when it comes to risking everything to save his brother’s son and the town from the greedy cattle barren.

But the thing that set Jake apart from the rest of these cowboys was the fact that Jake went into battle with a smile…and oh what a smile it was! Played by an unknown actor at the time by the name Kevin Costner <g> I fell in love the moment the playful cowboy entered the scene. And of course everyone else did too. I will never forget a few years later when I was watching Kevin’s breakout movie (which I can’t even remember the name of at the moment!) and the light bulb in my memory blasted on and I realized I was seeing Jake on screen again! True, it was this movie (the one I can’t remember the name of) that made Kevin a household name. But I loved him before I even knew his name and still think that flirting cowboy from Silverado is his best role…at least it’s the role that makes me smile. 

When I created Dan Dawson, the hero of my April book HER BABY DREAMS I wanted that kind of cowboy. I wanted a guy that just made me feel good.  So I created a modern day version of Jake, with a to-die-for smile and a lets-play attitude. I think Dan is the perfect man with which to curl up with on a beautiful Spring afternoon. Although my heroine, Ashby Templeton isn’t buying it. She’s dreaming of marriage and babies and not at all pleased that the only cowboy in all of Mule Hollow who is asking her out is playboy Dan!  

My next cowboy was equally fun to create. In my July book THE COWBOY TAKES A BRIDE I decided to switch things up and make my cowboy dream of weddings. All Ross Denton wants is to see his name on wedding certificate and all city gal Sugar Rae Lenox wants is to see her name up on a Hollywood marquee…getting these two together was loads of fun.  So, I hope if you’re looking for a smile you’ll pick up a copy of one of my books. The gang in Mule Hollow promise you’ll leave with a big ole grin on your face.  

You can find out more about me and my books at debraclopton.com. Thanks for having me here, ladies, I really enjoyed it!

DEBBIE’S GIVING AWAY AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF “HER BABY DREAMS,” SO CHECK BACK TO SEE IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN!

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Complete Prize list:

5 Harlequin Western Romances to one lucky person

Hardback copy of “Give Me a Texan”

“Maverick Wild” and gunslinger beaded bookmark

Book from Charlene Sands’s backlist and P&P hand fan

“Petticoat Ranch” and P&P hand fan

Book from Elizabeth Lane’s backlist

Choice of one of Patricia Potter’s westerns

5 Petticoats and Pistols Hand Fans

WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN AT 7:00 EASTERN STANDARD TIME!!!

All right ladies, get you come chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream. Pull up a chair and be social. Only don’t get too close to these sexy men or they’ll melt your ice cream quicker than cellophane under a heat lamp! We’ve sure got us a passel of lookers and that’s no joke. We want you to vote on your pick for best cowboy. Take your time. One thing about it, you don’t want to get in a rush and get all flustered. Hee-hee. Don’t rightly know when I’ve seen such a bunch of handsome men in one place. I will say I guarantee you’ll probably leave here all hot and bothered. This ice cream won’t cool you for long. Might oughta have a second helping.

The cowboys are below. Cast your vote to get your name entered in the drawing. The prizes include a hardback copy of “Give Me a Texan,” a bundle of Harlequin western romances, a copy of “Maverick Wild” with a gunslinger beaded bookmark, and some hand fans that feature a handsome devil on the front.

So, go on now. Go vote. Do us Fillies proud.

DYLAN

CONNOR

Happy April’s Fool Day! I regret that I don’t have any tricks to play on you to celebrate the holiday. Just can’t think of any and I’m too nice anyway. Ha! If you only knew me. I’m sure you don’t mind it though that I’m going to talk about a favorite subject–heroes and the different types. My Filly sister, Elizabeth Lane, touched on this subject a bit in her Thursday blog but I wanted to approach it from another angle. Besides, I already had this one written and it’d be a pure sin to waste it. lol

All of us can agree that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. We have our dark brooding kind, the fun-loving ones, the ordinary men who have hero status thrust on them, and the professional men who are born heroes and can’t be anything different. A lot of heroes are a combination of several types and that’s interesting.

The dark brooders are those who’ve seen a passel of grief and wouldn’t know a smile if it bit him on the butt. Life is serious business for these men, but he’s more than capable of handling whatever it throws at him. He’s had to learn things the hard way. This is my favorite kind of man to write. My hero, Duel McClain, in Knight on the Texas Plains was a brooder. But my ultimate bad boy was Brodie Yates in Redemption. Brodie was even more dark and tortured. Both Duel and Brodie had been through hell and back and didn’t see much sense in pretending they hadn’t. Yet, their spirit was unbroken by life’s trials. In fact, the trials had only served to make them stronger and more determined. They were men few would dare cross.

Fun-loving heroes are interesting and a joy to write. They come across as men who are full of tomfoolery. They like to joke and laugh, but underneath all the merry-making lies a gritty toughness. Men of this nature can deliver stiff punishment to those who trample on their idea of law and order. Any man would be a fool to think these heroes are soft or weak. I’ve only written one hero that falls in this category. That’s Luke McClain in The Cowboy Who Came Calling. Luke had so much heart and a need to be helpful that it sometimes got in the way of listening to the heroine’s desires, especially when it came to taking care of her farm. Luke could charm the horns off a Billy goat in nothing flat. Fun-loving heroes are simply irresistible.

Ordinary men who have hero status thrust on them are great characters to write. They can be shopkeepers, blacksmiths, ranchers, or plain old dyed-in-the-wool saddle tramps. They really have no desire to achieve glory or to be anything more than what they are. They only want to do their jobs and live their lives. It’s when they run up against bad men that they find strength they don’t know they have. Ordinary men can be formidable when it comes to writing wrongs. Payton McCord, my hero in The Love Letter of the “Give Me a Texan” anthology was this type of man. He had no desire to be anything more than a good cow hand, tend the cattle, and draw a fair day’s wage. But when everyone turned on the woman sheep herder and tried to run her off her land, he had to step in to help her. And he does it in fine fashion I might add.

The professional hero, the toughest and most rugged, is a man who hasn’t had to learn his skills. They were simply born to him. He’s not a brooder, although he does brood. To put it simply, he’s a doer and a seeker. It’s his job to fight injustice wherever he finds it and he feels his duty deep down in the marrow of his bones. He has a strength and power that is unequaled. No one is going to get the best of him without a heck of a fight on their hands. He can outshoot, outfight, and outwit the meanest of the mean. This kind of man is fun to pit against a stubborn, god-awful determined woman. Makes for some searing sparks. I use this type of hero in my upcoming story, Texas Tempest, which is part of a new anthology called “Give Me a Cowboy.” McKenna Smith is a gun-for-hire with a conscience. He can handle anything life dishes out. . .except for a beautiful widow who’s buried five husbands.

So there you have it without the April fool. What kind of hero are you holding out for? What kind makes your heart flutter and your knees go weak? Inquiring minds want to know. 

Thank you wonderful ladies at P&P for inviting me to blog this weekend! I’m so excited to be here, surrounded by other people who read and write western romances. In my opinion, there is no better era to write about than the old west. It was a time of growth and prosperity, of poverty and loneliness. It’s a time I love to read about, a time I love to imagine, and a time I’m really happy I didn’t have to live through.

One of my favorite parts of writing westerns is creating the hero; a man who is larger than life, a man who will do whatever it takes to protect his woman, even if it means protecting her from himself. So I thought I’d talk a little bit about what it is that makes a cowboy….well, so downright yummy.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a cowboy is:

(1) one who tends cattle or horses; especially: a usually mounted cattle-ranch hand

(2) a rodeo performer

(3) one having special qualities (as recklessness, aggressiveness, or independence) popularly associated with cowboys

With all due respect to Mr. Webster, I think Will James (www.willjames.com) sums it up more succinctly. “A cowboy is a man with guts and a horse.”

Heck, even Willie Nelson cuts right to the chase: “Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold.”

For a man to be the hero in my books, he must be honorable, strong, and dependable, and more often than not, he’ll also be stubborn and single-minded to a fault. The heroine might want to crack him upside the head for being so obstinate, but at the same time, she wouldn’t have him any other way. He never shirks his duties nor does he quit before the job is done. If he says he’s going to do something, then durn it, he’ll do it, no matter how hard, and no matter how dangerous. He’s quick to defend the weak and the young, and though he doesn’t usually go looking for a fight, it’s not in him to back down if he’s challenged. 

Cowboys of the old west lived by rules all their own, and these things are brought to life in our books. A long while back, when I was researching something for a book, I came across this list of Cowboy Wisdom www.cowboyup.com/cowboyup_meaning.html. I haven’t included the whole list, just the ones I enjoyed the most, but I’m pretty sure the world would be a better place if we all took heed of some of these rules.

If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of influence, try orderin’ around another man’s dog.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Don’t name a cow you plan to eat.

Meanness don’t happen overnight.

Don’t sell your mule to buy a plough.

Every trail has some puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

Don’t squat with your spurs on.

Sometimes silence is the best answer.

It don’t take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

Oddly enough, it’s this last bit of wisdom that leads me to segue into my upcoming book. In The Devil’s Daughter, Lucille Firr is the devil’s daughter who’s used to getting what she wants when she wants it. She is not used to picking up buffalo chips, which is only the first of many arguments with her new human husband, Jed Caine.

Jed is every bit the cowboy. He likes things simple. He wants his wife to be simple, and with everything that’s going on in his life, he doesn’t have time for frippery or a woman’s romantic notions. Good thing Lucy’s not interested in romance. All she’s interested in is seducing the pants off him and stealing his soul. And if that means she has to pick up a few chips along the way then….ugh….that’s what she’ll have to do.

Theirs is a unique marriage to say the least, starting out with a whole lot of lies, unrealistic expectations and many, many failed attempts at making a decent pot of coffee. (When I put it that way, I guess it’s a lot like many marriages, isn’t it? LOL)

Lucy is determined to win Jed’s soul, because the alternative is unthinkable. And given who she is, it really shouldn’t be that difficult. But five minutes after marrying this human, she begins to doubt her abilities. He makes her collect buffalo droppings, he expects her to cook, and despite her best efforts, he still hasn’t made her his wife in the one way she needs. There’s no question he wants her, but he wants more than just her body. He wants her to respect him before he takes her to bed. Who ever heard of such a thing?

And if this isn’t frustrating enough, her foolish and traitorous heart is beginning to want the same thing! How is she ever going to explain this to her father?

Harriet Klausner calls The Devil’s Daughter “devilishly delightful” and Kathe Robin of RTBOOKReviews says, “It reads like the best of Americana, with the right hint of devilishness, proving that naughty can be good.”

Writing westerns is a lot of fun, but it’s even more fun when I can come to a place like Petticoats and Pistols and chat with others who enjoy them as much as I do. May we continue to enjoy page after page of strong, hot cowboys and the women who put a little hitch in their giddy-up. Thanks for inviting me over!

Do you have any other bits of wisdom from the old west or perhaps a saying that’s been passed down by your parents or grandparents?

One lucky commenter today will receive a book tote that’s stuffed with lots of goodies.

My love affair with cowboys began before my interest in the male species developed. In all actuality, infatuation with cowboys grew out of my love for horses; a love that began before I could walk. Combine a love for horses with a love for reading and you wind up with a cowboy fanatic. After all, a cowboy without a horse is not really a cowboy, now is he?

Hi! My name is Pamela S Thibodeaux. I write “Inspirational with an Edge!” romantic fiction and I’d like to tell you a little about my favorite cowboys, but, before we get into the cowboys, let me tell you about the setting for my ‘Tempered’ series.

Self proclaimed as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” Bandera, Texas is one of the most visited cities in the United States where tourism is concerned. Located fifty miles north/west of San Antonio, Bandera County is dotted with working ranches as well as dude ranches. The town itself is pretty and quaint, the people are friendly and the décor doesn’t appear to have changed much since its inception in 1852. What better place to set a series of contemporary cowboy stories than in a West-Texas town which is stuck somewhere in time between two centuries?

One of my favorite childhood memories is when my grandparents took me with them to Bandera to visit a family friend. The thing I remember the most (other than the horses) is when we sat on the porch in the evenings, counted stars, and listened to the coyotes.

Now about those cowboys…..

Craig Harris, owner/operator of the Rockin’ H Ranch in Bandera, Texas tops the list in Tempered Hearts, book 1 of the series. Mix an arrogant, chauvinistic ranch owner and a feisty veterinarian and you get a recipe for disaster…or a flaming love affair.

Blurb: Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.  Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.  It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life. 

Next in line, Dr. Scott Hensley. More than a cowboy, Scott is the ultimate cowboy doctor and the perfect hero to heal the battered heart of heroine Katrina Simmons in book 2, Tempered Dreams. Although Scott is raised in Bandera, TX, this story takes place in Lafayette, Louisiana where he moved after the death of his wife and parents. His life-long friendship with Craig Harris–as well as the question as to whether or not the two are actually blood relatives–keeps the connection alive.

Blurb: Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

Third in line is Stanley Morrison, a horseman with the unique, God-given talent to pick, break and train horses into loyal creatures. His subtle, gentle approach can tame the wildest of beasts but can he prove himself worthy and gain the acceptance of wealthy ranch owner Craig Harris while winning the hand of his daughter? Find out in Tempered Fire, book 3.

Blurb: Amber Harris is a good girl on the brink of womanhood. Stanley Morrison is a young man at the start of his life. For each other, they have always felt the fireworks that two people in love should feel. But the questions about his past, his pride, and Amber’s father might be the end of what could be a strong relationship. As the two try to protect their budding romance, some unlikely but powerful forces conspire to keep them apart. Will they survive the wishes of everyone around them with their relationship intact?

Last but certainly not least is All-Around-Cowboy, Ace Harris. The only son of Craig and Tamera Harris, Ace is more than a cowboy; he’s a champion bull rider. But Ace is determined not to fall in love. The death of his mother leaves a hole in his heart and emptiness in his soul. Along comes Lexie Morgan (Scott & Katrina’s adopted daughter) who thinks rodeo cowboys have “rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.” Can these two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief? Find out in Tempered Joy, book 4.

Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire are available now in Ebook and Print from Com Star Media, LLC.

Tempered Joy will be released this year.

Well folks, now that you know about 4 of my favorite cowboys, I’d love to hear more about yours!

Until later remember….only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.

Pamela S Thibodeaux 

“Inspirational with an Edge!”

PS: One lucky commenter will receive a .pdf of Tempered Hearts, book 1 in the series!

In my last post we  took a peek into my heroine’s carpetbag, giving us a view of Lily’s attire.  Last week I received the cover for THE GUNSLINGER’S UNTAMED BRIDE, and I was thrilled to see Lily in the background wearing a fabulous fashionable dress of her era.  Juniper is looking deliciously dangerous, his Stetson tugged low on his brow, hands hovering above his revolvers…his range coat whipping in the wind–which hopefully isn’t too chilling, as he didn’t have time to pull on his shirt.

I thought I’d take a look at the guys this time around.  Namely of the Cowboy variety.  While Juniper Barns is an ex-gunfighter in THE GUNSLINGER’S UNTAMED BRIDE, he’s also an ex-cowpuncher/cowpoke. I read somewhere that these terms came into use in the stockyards where cowboys used poles to prod (punch/poke) cattle into the appropriate pen and up the ramps of  loading chutes. 

When I think of cowboys, I automatically think wide-brimmed hats, range coats and cowboy boots! In the book I’m currently writing (third in my WILD series) Garret Daines is a cowboy to the root of his soul.  Raised on the cattle trail, he’s finally owner of his own cattle ranch–which he’ll have to fight to keep.  His cowboy attire isn’t just hunky…it’s necessity, designed for his life in the saddle, and as much a part of his job as his horse and trusty cowdog.  Garret’s dog is a fun addition in this book.  Boots was a Christmas gift in the first WILD book, and saves Garret’s life in his own book. 

Here’s some fun facts on rugged Cowboy duds, listed head-to-toe, and how they protect and assist him:

Cowboy Hat - a cowboy’s trademark, and usually made of high quality, durable felt. The wide brim shaded his eyes and protected his face and neck from the sun, as well as tree branches. In the rain, his hat acted as a mini umbrella and kept him warm–and could also be used to dunk into a watering hole for a drink.

Bandana - or as Lily calls it, “a multi-purpose tool”, provided extra sun protection and was also used as a dust mask while driving herd.  Juniper found his handy for tying up an unruly woman, and then as a useful bandage after her retaliation. 

Long Johns - while not the sexiest of his attire, these one-piece suits were usually made of red wool and served an essential purpose.  They kept him warm in winter, and in the summer, they also kept him cool.  The wool would absorb his sweat, acting as a coolant, and preventing his shirt from rotting.  Juniper likely could have benefited from a pair, as his shirt seems to have turned to dust 

Shirt - long sleeved with a collar, even in the summer, again to provide protection from the sun, thorns, branches, and steers. 

Duster - Long coat, range coat, this cowboy jacket was usually made of oiled canvas and would act as a rain slicker in wet weather and also protected him from the dust and thorny scrub.

Gloves - A cowboy needed a pair of buckskin gloves to prevent rope burns.

Pants - My cowboys tend to like denim britches, though wool was the most common.  Levi’s were available in the 1800’s and worn by some cowboys, but they began mainly as mining attire.  Suspenders were also used to hold up his britches.  Belts and decorative belt buckles didn’t gain popularity until the 1900’s.

Chaps - a sexy addition to any cowboy, or cowgirl.  Chaps protected pants and legs from thorny scrub, onrey steers, and biting horses.  They kept a cowboy dry in the rain and worked as a an anchor to hold him in the saddle of a bucking horse.  Chaps come in a few varieties, and I’ve used different styles in my books.  In MUSTANG WILD, Skylar wears armitas chaps, which are fringed on the side, ankle length and held in place by the buckle above the posterior and three straps that wrap around the backs of her legs.  In MAVERICK WILD Chance wears batwing chaps, they go clear to his boots, and flair wide down the leg and at the bottom, flapping out when he walks across the scene.  In the third WILD book, Garret is ranging during a Wyoming winter, and he wears woolie chaps, made of fluffy buffalo hide–an extra layer of warmth.  These fury chaps were also made from shaggy sheep wool.

Cowboy Boots - unlike the verse of a certain song, a cowboy’s boots were NOT made for walking.  It’s been said that a cowboy would try to do just about anything from a saddle, and for a good reason, his boots are made for riding.  The pointed toes and wedged heels didn’t make for comfortable long-distance treks afoot, but they worked great for slipping into stirrups, and the tall shafts protected them from snake bites, thorns and horns. 

Spurs - On a large ranch, cutting horses (used to herd and sort/cut cattle) were rarely groomed which resulted in thick, matted horsehide.  Spurs were not meant to hurt the horses, but to act as a prod through densely matted horsehair.  In a lot of the old west movies, spurs jingle…but that wasn’t a necessity–jinglebobs were added decorations, as were silver conches on a the spur straps. The styles of spurs are endless.

Saddle - as much a part of a cowboy’s attire as his chaps.  While a cowboy rarely owned the horse he rode, he did own his saddle. Spending up to fifteen hours a day on his horse, a good saddle was essential to his lifestyle, and could last up to thirty years of wear and tear.

Last but not least, his gun belt.  Most cowboys were packing, wearing a low riding holster which hung loosly at the hip.  Riding through rough country posed many dangers…coyotes, cougars, bears, and cattle rustlers.

Put that all together, and you’ve got a rugged and ready cattle wrangler.

So…what are the first images that come to mind when YOU think of a cowboy???