Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this whole “cowboy” thing, right? It’s not as easy as it looks in the movies, I can tell you that much.
First off, I realized I needed to look the part. I mean, you can’t just roll up to a ranch in sneakers and expect to be taken seriously. So, I went out and got myself some gear. A decent hat – not one of those fancy ones, just a good, sturdy one that’ll keep the sun out of my eyes. And boots! Real cowboy boots. Man, breaking those in was a pain, but they feel pretty good now. Jeans, of course, but not the skinny kind. You need room to move in these things.
Then came the hard part – actually learning what to do. I figured the best way to learn was by doing, so I started hanging around a local ranch. They have these feedlots and also hold some local sale barns, I just asked them if they need a hand, they said they don’t need one at this moment, but they let me hang around to observe.
I watched how they handled the horses, how they moved the cattle, you should know that, these animals are way bigger up close! It’s all about being calm and confident, I guess. They showed me how to mend fences, which is a lot more work than you’d think. Every day, I learned a little more. But the work was tiring, I’m not gonna lie. It’s a whole different kind of tired than sitting at a desk all day.
Here’s what I picked up so far:
- Horses are not cars. Seems obvious, but you gotta be gentle and patient with them. They have a mind of their own. They are not that easy to control!
- Cows are heavy. And they don’t always go where you want them to. You gotta learn how to guide them, not just shove them around.
- Fences are important. Keeps the cows in, keeps the predators out. Building and fixing them is a constant job.
- It’s hard work. Like, really hard work. You’re outside all day, in all kinds of weather. But it’s satisfying, you know? You see the results of your labor right there in front of you.
I’m still a greenhorn, no doubt about it. But I’m learning. It’s a slow process, but I’m starting to feel like I belong out there. It’s not just about the hat and the boots, it’s about the work ethic, the respect for the animals, and the connection to the land. It’s a whole lifestyle, and I’m just starting to scratch the surface. I know some folks are talking about this “American Cowboy Academy” where you can get real formal training, I may go to that place one day.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be a real cowboy, but I’m enjoying the journey. It’s tough, but it’s real. And that’s something, isn’t it?
