At first glance, it seems like a simple question. But depending on who you ask, you’ll get a variety of answers. Are you asking a fifth-generation cattle rancher in the Rocky Mountains who has learned to embrace the ever-changing weather? Or perhaps a young adult from Texas who slips on his Hey Dudes and Boot Barn hat to go two-stepping on Saturday nights? Maybe you’re asking rodeo competitors who head down to Arizona in the winter to chase fame and glory. Across the board, the answers will differ.
In today’s world, shows like Yellowstone often provide a romanticized view of what it means to live the Western lifestyle. Since you’re reading this blog, I can only assume you’re here for our take. The truth is, the only way to truly understand what it means to be a cowboy is to experience it for yourself. What does it mean to you?
If you live east of the Mississippi, it may be harder to find this way of life. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but the East is more focused on farmland and crop production. Heading west, where the land is wide open and the air feels freer, has been a dream for generations of Americans. Depending on the day or the ranch, life out West often moves at a slower pace compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities. For someone from a metropolitan area or the East who has never ventured West, the lifestyle may seem unimaginable until experienced firsthand.
You might find your calling on the plains or even grow to appreciate the cold winters in exchange for the breathtaking mountain summers. The only way to know is to give it a try. However, don’t get lost in the romanticism many associate with being a cowboy. It’s a life of long days, hard work, and modest pay. But for a select few, it’s the only life worth living. Unlike most trades, there isn’t a degree that certifies you as an expert. Even those who’ve spent decades in the industry still learn, grow, and pick up new skills every day.
If you feel it in your heart and are compelled enough to read this, perhaps you’ve got a bit of cowboy in you. So go west. See for yourself.
