I grew up in an entire community of cowboys. And when I say cowboys, I don’t just mean the men who rodeo and/or ranch. There is so much more to being a cowboy, and it is certainly not limited to the male sex. When I say cowboy, I mean the men and women who know how to survive and thrive and have a different level of grit than most others. And I think that applies to most of the people I know. So here is a little shout out to the true cowboys out there.
Though your skills in a saddle or with a rope contribute to your cowboy status, being a cowboy is far more about who you are. Wearing a hat doesn’t make you a cowboy. Riding a horse doesn’t make you a cowboy. Being a rodeo star doesn’t make you a cowboy. Being a cowboy is a badge of honor. It isn’t a position, it’s an identity. It comes with a code of ethics that are known and implemented, but rarely talked about. Being a cowboy means being resilient, strong, determined, independent, and persistent. It requires grit. It means living above the line.
I am proud to know so many wonderful cowboys, both as ranchers and in the arena.
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