The Real Cowboys

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  • The Real Cowboys
    • The Cowboys came from a variety of backgrounds
      • Large numbers were Mexican or African Americans
      • Some ex-soldiers of Civil War
      • Most young and single
      • Little time for famlily
      • Small number of women
      • The Beakers sisters ran a ranch in the San Luis Valley in the 1880s
    • Cowboys job was tough and badly paid
      • Boredom and discomfort
      • Longhorns were big and aggessive
      • Indians often charged a levy for crossing their land
      • Sometimes Indians and other rustlers would steel or stampede cattle
      • High dicipline
      • Low pay
    • Cowboys needed the tools of their trade
      • HAT-Broad-brimmed felt hat to give protection from all weather
      • BANDANNA- Large handkerchief worn around the neck or over the nose and  mouth to protect the from dust
      • HORSE-The best horse for Cowboys was the American Quarter Horse. Sturdy and compact, this breed could manoeuvre well and travel all day
      • CHAMPS-Leather over-trousers that protect the legs from thorn and cattle
      • LARIAT OR LASSO-Used to rope cows especially during roundups for branding
      • BOOTS-The high-heeled boots originated from Mexico and helped the feet stay in the stirrups
      • SADDLE-Large with a high pommel (at the front) and cantle (at the back) for support- increasing comfort for both rider and horse. The cap on the pommel allows a rope to be tied off
      • PISTOL-Used to shoot wolves and rustlers. Pistols like the Colt 'Peacemaker' (introduced in 1873) fired brass cartridges. They were more reliable, safer and quicker to reload than the 'cap and ball' revolvers of the Civil War

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