3rd generation cattleman here. I’d say I’m blessed to not have rough starts to the week.

My Mondays consist of going to the stockyards, delivering/picking up equipment I’ve rented to customers, a little roping to remind myself I’m still that guy, & potentially cooking dinner for the wife while having a pour or two of some good bourbon.

Something you use for your reps

They don’t sell the ones I bought last time any more. Thanks!

I don’t know if this sub likes stories like this, but here goes. I’m a transplant to Wyoming from the Midwest. 15 years ago my then high school age son and I built our house on a county road in a sparsely populated county. Others told me about a fellow down the road they claimed was Wyoming royalty, told me he was riding pick-up for bareback and saddle broncs at CFD the day Lane Frost was killed. When George Strait was grand marshal of the CFD parade, he didn’t want to ride on a wagon, he wanted to be up in a saddle. He rode my neighbor’s pick-up horse named Smokey. There are so many other things I’ve learned about this man, enough stories to fill a western novel.

I still hadn’t met him until eight years ago. I was at a ranch rodeo up on the Laramie plains. I still wore a ball cap because I didn’t grow up ranching or on horses, I work a blue collar job and only learned about cows, bulls, pairs, and what branding day is all about after moving here. At one point during the rodeo I was walking to the beer wagon when I heard a friendly voice say, “Hey, neighbor, where’s your hat?” I walked to him, shook his hand, and introduced myself. We visited, I told him I figured hats were earned and that I’d never been on a horse in my life.

Later that week, his truck pulls up my lane and he and his wife get out and come up on the porch. He took a worn black felt Hamblin off his head and put it on mine. “We watched you and your boy build this house, working in weather that would keep most men inside by a fire. You built a barn and planted trees in a rock pile, and they’re growing. You don’t have to ride a horse to be a cowboy, you just gotta have grit and be tough enough to stick it out.”

We became fast friends and got to know each other real well. He even got me on a horse and taught me to throw a loop. My friend now has dementia and it’s really progressed. When I visit, most days he doesn’t know me but he always puts on a pot of coffee and I get the privilege of hearing all the stories over and over. His mrs is cleaning out the place and they’re moving into senior housing soon. She gave me a huge brass bucking horse trophy he won in Reno as a prize for a wild horse race and it sits in my living room. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. Say a prayer, if you’re inclined, for old Doug. Maybe someday I’ll get to pass that Hamblin on to a worthy young cowboy and along with it, some stories of the man who wore it.

I’m planning to attend my first rodeo and would love some advice from people who are actually part of the community.

What would you recommend wearing for a casual rodeo or Western event? Are there any common mistakes that make an outfit look too costume-like or impractical?

I’m especially curious about footwear, bags, and what works for being outdoors and walking around all day. Thanks!

I have cowboys! I’ve got a little dilemma. I’m stuck between two choices: a 5.5-inch SAA Colt and a 7.5-inch one. The 7.5-inch looks a lot more beautiful and badass, while the 5.5-inch has its own charm and unique look. Honestly, I love both. Can you give me a few reasons why I two questions

Culture must endure. I hope I can always provide moments like this

I was going to delete this but decided not to 😂 I just won the ultimate TikTok battle and this is my way of celebrating

Does anyone have a clearer/cleaned up photo of Buckaroo Sam? (Ah Sam) or a detailed description of his features? Like where his facial scar was and how big/ what shape? I’m trying to draw him in his younger years but I’m having trouble finding an exact description

Core strength maxxed out!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Name: texas ribhouse voort, the Netherlands

I know people who pay to get a facial treatment with dirt on their faces; today it was free.

Finally got my hands on a pair of brunts! So far had no complaints with them aside from the leather needing broke in, but that goes for all boots. Anybody in here had experience with these suckers?

Cow-boy who catch a wolf in Wyoming back in 1887.

I am a horse person in Canada currently looking at buying acreage and setting up a horse barn.

I would like to appeal to appeal to adults in urban and suburban environments that have little to no experience with horses that are looking to break into the cowboy lifestyle. This is just an idea right now, so please let me know if this sounds appealing!

Would you sign up for these sorts of programs? Would you feel comfortable with the cost associated? Let me know your thoughts or send me a DM!

1) Weekend “cowboy up” camp where you’d gain first exposure to horses

- Designed to give a fast and dirty 360° overview of horse management, handling, and riding
- Could decide if the actual cowboy lifestyle and horses are for you without a full lifestyle change
- Gives you the basics of horse handling to give you a leg up if you wanted to pursue a ranch career

Estimated cost = $1500-2000 for 3 days including food and lodging

2) “Cowboy club” weekly drop-in sessions for adult beginners working in groups (overseen by coach) on various horse training methods

- Inclusive environment with other adult beginners looking to pursue cowboy life (not sharing time with kids or advanced riders)
- Ability to skill up at your own pace
- Horse handling hours can count towards certification courses in farriery or equine physio
- Building skillset to use towards ranch work, racetracks, show parks, or breeding farms

Estimated cost = $100 per 90 min drop-in

3) Competition pathway for Extreme Cowboy Racing (obstacle course races on horseback in an arena)

- Fastest growing horse sport in US, so lots of opportunities for future growth in both competitions and training horses
- Obstacles based on real-life ranch work, so doing well in the sport has a direct practical application
- Individual sessions on provided horse to focus on specific goals

Estimated cost = $100 per 45 min

We won't need to take a shower today

While photographing in Houston, I spent time with riders, families and young people connected to the area’s Black cowboy culture, including cowboys gathering and working cattle. These photographs were made across multiple locations in the Houston area, not one ranch. I wanted the series to show the work, relationships and traditions continuing there today.

Ig - rj43mm