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Cowboys

Definition

Cowboys were skilled horsemen who herded cattle on ranches in the American West during the 19th century.

Analogy

Think of cowboys as a combination of long-distance truck drivers and tour guides, leading their bovine passengers across vast landscapes to their final destination.

Related terms

Ranching: This is the practice of raising livestock on large tracts of land - it's like farming, but with animals instead of crops.

Rodeo: A competitive sport that evolved out of the skills and tasks involved in cowboy work - think about it as an Olympics for cowboy skills!

Frontier Life: Refers to life on the edge of settled areas or civilization during westward expansion - imagine living on a new street where houses are still being built and rules are still being established.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.