A generation ago the East knew the cowboy as a bloody demon of disaster,
reckless and rowdy, weighted down with “six guns,” wearing a ten-gallon
hat, bright silk shirt, woolly chaps and clanking spurs. Today, except
for his hat, high-heeled boots and spurs, you’ll find few cowboys in
complete regalia except on show days at the rodeo.
Nowadays, the cowboy wears each garment “a-purpose.” _For example_:
CHAPS are worn primarily to protect his legs from high brush,
cold wind and rain.
SPURS are not worn for ornament, neither are they worn to punish;
the cowboy uses them as “reminders” to help him control his
horse and urge it to quick action.
STETSON the wide-brimmed, high-crowned hat is an earmark of the
West, has “six times a dozen” everyday uses. It serves as
shade, protection from the elements, a drinking cup for
horse and rider, and when waved it’s extremely handy to
turn stock.
BOOTS high-heeled boots are a mark of distinction, the sign of a
riding man. The high heels keep his feet from slipping
through the stirrups. The heels also serve as an aid on the
ground, allowing the cowboy to dig in when he is throwing
his rope or holding stock.
GUNS the cowboy “totes a gun” only for protection against
Nature’s hazards to his work. The days of the “two-gun man”
and the “quick-draw artist” have been relegated to the
realm of the Wild West story and movie.
A cowboy’s working clothes usually consist of sturdy Levis, high-heeled
boots, “Stetson” hat, heavy shirt, and chaps when needed.
[Illustration: CALF ROPING]