Herding cattle is a practice that goes back thousands of years, to when humans first realized that controlling large groups of animals could help provide them with steady sources of food. Today, we call those wranglers “cowboys” or “cowgirls.” In the United States, they’re most commonly found in the West, wearing wide-brimmed hats, leather boots, chaps and carrying a lasso or two.
We’ve all seen the Hollywood depiction of a cowboy, but what does a real wrangler look like? Take a look and find out.
A young rider saddles up on a white steed in Chicago—not the first city that comes to mind when one thinks of cowgirls.
Michele Lee, Illinois, 2019
Some say the cowboy hat is a spinoff of the Mexican sombrero.
Kelley Dallas, Colorado, 2021
A barrel race competitor moves quickly through the obstacle course.
Zhenhuan Zhou, Canada, 2022
A herd is on the move, kicking up some dust on the way.
Jeff Vanuga, Wyoming, 2013
A white horse seemingly wonders what an approaching cowgirl intends to do with that lasso.
Robert Dawson, Oregon, 2015
An energetic horse, not too interested in boarding a trailer, tries to evade capture.
Kelsie Meaden, Canada, 2023
Ranch hands observe the rodeo from a safe space behind the action, while one prepares to head to the ring.
Dan Toomer, Montana, 2022
A cowboy holds on while his horse frolics in the snow.
Rory Doyle, Mississippi, 2018
A vaquero (Mexican cowboy) is seemingly in deep in thought near the United States-Mexico Border in Tijuana.
John Touloupis, Mexico, 2018
A cowgirl rides with some giddyap.
Jeremiah Murphy, South Dakota,…
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