Cowboys

The sun feels warm on my face. I wear a big hat to give my eyes some cool shade. My boots are strong for walking, and they go clomp, clomp, clomp on the dusty ground. I ride my big, strong horse across fields that are wide and green. We watch over all the big animals. They go moooooo all day long. My job is to keep them safe and happy. Do you know who I am. I am the spirit of the Cowboy.

My story started a long, long time ago. It began way back in the 16th century. That was when people from a faraway place called Spain brought the very first cattle, or cows, to the Americas. In a warm, sunny land called Mexico, there were special horse riders called 'vaqueros'. They were so good at taking care of the cattle. They were the very first cowboys. Many years later, after a big war in America was over in the year 1865, I became very important. Between the years 1866 and 1886, I helped guide millions of mooing cows on super long walks called cattle drives. We walked for many, many miles to help them get to the new train tracks.

Those extra-long walks with the cows are over now, but I am still around. You can find me on big farms called ranches. People there still wear boots and hats and ride horses to help take care of all the animals. My story is in fun movies you can watch and happy songs you can sing. You can see me in games about adventure and being brave. Whenever you see someone working hard outside or helping a friend, you are seeing a little bit of the cowboy spirit. It’s all about having a brave heart and being ready for a big adventure.