Definition and OriginThe term shod mule refers to a mule that has been fitted with horseshoes on its hooves. The practice of shoeing mules has deep roots in equine management…
Definition and OriginThe term travois refers to a two-wheeled cart, traditionally used by Native American tribes and later adapted by cowboys in their travel across the American West. Originating from…
Definition and OriginThe term desert rat refers to individuals, particularly prospectors and miners, who historically operated in arid regions of the American West. Originating in the late 19th century, the…
Definition and OriginThe term branding iron refers to a tool used in cattle ownership to permanently mark livestock, facilitating ownership identification. Typically made of metal, the branding iron is heated…
Definition and OriginThe term cow town refers to a community that primarily serves cattle ranching and related industries. These towns often serve as crucial hubs for the livestock trade and…
Definition and OriginThe term Sodbuster in the context of horse tack refers to a specific type of saddle designed for practical use, often associated with the rugged lifestyle of early…
Definition and OriginThe term tail dragger refers to cattle that are sluggish or slow-moving, particularly during a cattle drive. This term comes from the visual image of a cow that…
Definition and OriginThe term wild horse trap refers to a specialized type of enclosure designed to capture mustangs--wild horses that roam freely in the North American West. These traps are…
Definition and OriginThe term range war originally referred to conflicts that arose over land disputes in the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The phrase, however,…
Definition and OriginThe term cattle brand refers to a distinctive symbol or design that livestock owners inscribe onto cattle to identify and claim ownership. This practice has roots in ancient…