COWBOY TERMS & VAQUERO TERMS

Cowboy Terms
ACE IN THE HOLE: a gun carried in an unexpected place.
AFOOT: cowboy without a horse.
AIR-TIGHTS: canned goods.
ALFORJA: from Spanish meaning saddlebag.
AMBLE: to go.
AMIGO: friend or companion.
ANGORA: chaps made from goat hide with the hair left on.
ANKLE EXPRESS: to walk.
APAREJO: large packsaddle.
ARCHING HIS BACK: a horse getting ready to buck.
BACK TRAIL: a trail just covered.
BAKE: to overheat a horse by riding it hard.
BALLY: a bald-face horse or cow.
BAND: a group of horses.
BANGTAIL: a wild or feral horse.
BAR DOG: bartender.
BAREFOOT: an unshod horse.
BATCH: unmarried man.
BAYO COYOTE: a dun colored horse with a black stripe down his back.
BEAN MASTER: a cook.
BED GROUND: place cattle are held at night while on the trail.
BEDROLL: a large tarp, usually 7' X 18', containing a cowboys bedding and personal
gear, rolled up for easy carrying.
BEEF BOOK: a tally book used to record ranch records, usually an inventory of cattle.
BELL MARES: generally old mares (wearing a bell), used as leaders in pack trains or
put in a remuda to locate where horses are grazing at night.
BELLY GUN: pistol carried in the waistband.
BELLY UP: dead.
BIG ANTELOPE: a steer belong to someone else that has been killed for food.
BIG FIFTY: a Sharps .50 caliber rifle.
BIG HOUSE: the home of the ranch owner or foreman.
BISCUIT ROLLER: ranch or camp cook.
BIT: (el brocado del freno) - metal mouthpiece.
BITING THE DUST: being thrown form a horse.
BLINDING: covering a horse's eyes to calm it down while saddling.
BLIND TRAIL: a trail with few markings.
BLOWING A STIRRUP: losing a stirrup.
BLOWING OUT HIS LAMP: to kill someone.
BOG HOLE: a mud hole or quicksand.

 BONE ORCHARD: cemetery.

BOGGERED UP: crippled.
BOOK COUNT: the number of cattle carried on the ranch books.
BOOMER: a settler or squatter.
BORDER DRAW: a type of gun draw where the gun is carried with the butt forward
and is drawn across the body with the hand opposite the gun.
BOUGHTEN BAG: traveling bag used by an eastener.
BRAND ARTIST: a rustler that is handy at changing brands.
BREAST BAND: (la antepecho, la pechera, el pretal) - leather strap that passes around
the animal's chest and is attached to the front sides of the saddle.
BREED: short for half-breed, a person of mixed blood.
BRIDLE: (la brida, el freno) the head harness for a horse, basically consisting of the
headstall, bit and reins, but at times including also a brow band, nose strap, and throat
latch.
BOSAL: (la jaquima) noseband with headpiece.
BROADHORN: a term used for Longhorn cattle.
BRONC BREAKER: a cowboy that breaks wild horses.
BRONCO: an animal that has never been broken to saddle or harness use. Also spelled
broncho, bronk, and bronc.
BROOM TAIL: a western range horse; a poor, ill-kept horse of uncertain breed.
BRUSH BUSTER: a cowboy skilled at running cattle in heavy brush.
BUCKAROO: (vaquero) a cowboy.
BUCKSKIN: a yellow colored horse.
BUGGY BOSS: a ranch owner or manager from the east, who lacks the skill to ride a
horse, and rides in a buggy.
BULLDOG: to trip and throw a steer.
BULLDOGGER: a steer wrestler.
BULL WAGON: a wagon that is drawn by oxen.
BUNCH: to herd cattle together.
BUNKHOUSE: a cowboy's sleeping quarters at a ranch.
BURN POWDER: to shoot a gun.
BUSHWHACK: to ambush or shoot from behind.
CABALLADA: band of trained or broke horses.
CABALLERO: horseman
CABALLO: broke horse.
CABRON: an outlaw.
CALABOOSE: jail.
CALF TIME: springtime.
CALICO: either a pinto horse or a woman.
CALICO FEVER: lovesickness.
CALIFORNIA PANTS: heavy stripped or checkered wool pants often used by
rangehands.
CALIFORNIA REINS: closed style reins made of one piece of leather.
CALIFORNIA SADDLE: a light high-horned saddle with a center-fire cinch, and
covered stirrups.
CALLING THE BRANDS: giving brands a name.

 CAMPANYERO: friend or companion.

CAMP STALLER: a horse that refuses to leave camp in the morning.
CANTLE: (la teja) arched, often dished portion of saddletree connecting rear of
sideboards.
CANNED COW: canned milk.
CARVIN' HORSE: a horse used for cutting cattle.
CATGUT: a rawhide rope.
CATTLE KATE: any woman involved in cattle rustling.
CAT WAGON: a wagon that was used by prostitutes to service cowhands on the range,
or on cattle drives.
CAVERANGO: a wrangler, or one who tends horses.
CAVY: a band of horses.
CAYUSE: a range-bred horse.
CHAPS: (las chaparreras) Leather or hairy leggins worn by cowboys as protection
against the brush and weather.
CHAIN GANG: the wagon crew on a roundup.
CHEW GRAVEL: to be thrown from a horse.
CHIVARRAS: chaps usually made from goat hide.
CHOKE DOWN: to subdue a wild horse by choking it with a rope.
CHOKE THE HORN: to hold on to the saddle horn while riding a bucking horse.
CHOUSE: handling cattle roughly.
CHUCK LINE RIDER: a cowboy out of work, and riding from ranch to ranch to eat.
CIMARRON: an animal or person who lives alone.
CINCH: (la cincha) a leather or fabric band (or girth) that is the portion of the girthing
system that passes under the horse's body; usually it is fastened to leather straps (latigos)
that hang from the rigging on each side of the saddle.
CIRCLE RIDERS: cowboys starting at a designated point, widely separated as soldiers
in a skirmish line gather the cattle and driving them to the round-up grounds for branding
and tallying for ownership.
CLAW LEATHER: to hold onto the saddle horn while riding a bucking horse.
CLEAR-FOOTED: a sure-footed horse that is adept at dodging gopher or prairie dog
holes.
CLOSE COUPLED: a horse with a short body.
CLOUD HUNTER: a horse that rears.
COB: a stylish, high-actioned horse used for driving and riding.
COLD TRAIL: a trail that is old and cannot be followed.
COMANCHERO: Mexicans who traded with the Comanche Indians.
COMMUNITY LOOP: extra large loop thrown by a roper.
CONCHO: (la concha) a metal disk, often of silver, set on a leather rosette that secures
saddle thongs.
CONVERTER: a preacher.
COOKIE: a range or trail cook.
COOL YOUR SADDLE: to take a break while riding.
CORRAL: an enclosure for horses or cattle.
COTTONWOOD BLOSSOM: a man hanging from a tree.
COWBOY BOOTS: are made with high heels to keep them from slipping through

stirrups and as a brace in roping, and easy riding.

COW CAMP: headquarters or camp when on a roundup.
COWBOY CHANGE: small coins were scarce in the west and gun cartridges were
often used as change.
COW HORSE: a horse that trained to roping, cutting, working out a cow-herd.
COWMAN: a ranch owner that makes a living raising cattle.
COW-PUNCHER: also called Buckaroo, Cow Poke, Waddie, Cowboy, and in Spanish a
Vaquero.
COW RIGGING: the outfit worn by the cowboy when working.
COW SENSE: a horse that has been broken to the use of roping, cutting and general
cow work.
COW TOWN: the town at the end of the cattle trail from which cattle were shipped.
CRAWFISH: a horse that pitches backward.
CREASING: shooting a horse through the cartilage of the neck, which completely stuns
the animal though causing no serious injury.
CRIBBER: a horse that, out of habit, chews on wood.
CRITTER: often in speaking of cows or horses a cowman calls them a "Critter".
CRIOLLO: a breed of South American horse; a small sturdy horse used a cow horse.
CROCKHEAD: a stupid horse.
CROWBAITS: very poor horses, decrepit animals.
CROW-HOPS: mild bucking motions.
CUTTING HORSE: certain cow-horses used at a round-up in cutting out cattle for
ownership and brand.
DALLE VUELTA: "Dally" rope by taking turns around the saddle horn
DAY WRANGLER: cowboy that takes care of the remuda in the daytime.
DIE-UP: wholesale death of cattle caused by drought or winter storms.
DINERO: from Spanish meaning money.
DIRTIED HIS SHIRT: thrown from a horse.
DOG FIGHT: a fist fight.
DOGTOWN: a large community of prairie dogs.
DOGWOOD: sagebrush.
DOUBLE RIGGED rim fired: - two cinches, one forward and one (flank) behind the
seat.
DOUGH WRANGLER: cook.
DOWNED: killed.
DOWN IN HIS BOOTS: cowardly or frightened.
DRAGGING HER ROPE: a woman trying to catch a husband.
DRAG RIDER: the rider on a cattle drive that brings up the rear of the herd.
DREAM SACK: sleeping bag.
DRIVE: to move cattle from one place to another.
DRY CAMP: a camp without water.
DRY-GULCH: to ambush or shoot from behind.
DUFFER: a useless person.
DUMPED: thrown from a horse.
DUSTED: thrown from a horse.
EARMARK: a sign of ownership cut into the ears of cattle.

 EAT GRAVEL: being thrown from a horse.

EL DOMADOR: colt in a hackamore.
EWE-NECKED: a horse with a long and thin neck.
FANTAIL: a wild or feral horse, or a horse with a long, bushy tail.
FARTKNOCKER: a hard fall from a horse.
FEATHER-HEADED: light-headed, slow, or stupid.
FENCE CRAWLER: a cow or horse that cannot be kept in a fenced pasture.
FENDER: (el alero) leather piece projecting back from stirrup leather to protect the
rider's legs from the animal's sweat and dirt.
FERAL: a wild horse that has escaped from domestication and become wild.
FILL A BLANKET: roll a cigarette.
FILL YOUR HAND: to draw a gun.
FIRE ESCAPE: a preacher.
FLAME THROWER: a pistol or rifle.
FLAT-HEELED PUNCHER: either a sodbuster turned cowboy, or a greenhorn.
FLEABAG: a sleeping bag.
FLUNG HIM AWAY: thrown by his horse.
FLUNKY: a cook's helper.
FOREFOOTING: roping an animal by the forefeet.
FORK: (el fuste) saddletree, bows of saddletree, or to mount a horse.
FORTY-FIVE: a .45 caliber pistol.
FOUND: food.
FREAK: an unwilling, or complaining worker.
FREEZE TO IT: to hold on tight.
FRIED GENT: a person caught in a prairie fire.
FRONT-DOOR PUNCHER: a cowboy that spends most of his time in town.
FROTHY: angry.
FUZZ-TAILS: wild range horses.
FUZZ-TAIL RUNNING: hunting wild horses.
GANTED: thin or poor.
GATHER: cattle herded together in a roundup.
GELDING: it is a range custom to let male colt run at large until he becomes a 2-year
old, he is then castrated and becomes a gelding.
GELDING SMACKER: a saddle.
GET: the progeny of a stallion.
GO HEELED: to carry a six-shooter.
GOT BUSTED: thrown from a horse.
GRABBIN' THE APPLE: holding the saddle horn when riding a bucking horse.
GRADE UP: to improve the breed.
GRANGER: a farmer.
GRAPPLIN' IRONS: spurs.
GRASS-BELLIED: bloated cattle.
GRASSED HIM: thrown from his horse.
GRASSERS: grass fed cattle.
GRASS HUNTING: thrown from a horse.
GREEN HORSE: a horse with little training.

 GREENHORN: a tenderfoot or inexperienced person.

GRIT: bravery.
GRULLA: a mouse-colored or bluish-gray horse.
GULLET: (el interior del arzon) inside of the pommel or the front edge of the forward
arch of the saddle.
GULLY WASHER: a very hard rain.
GUNMAN'S SIDEWALK: the middle of the street.
GUNNY: a man for hire as a killer or intimidator.
GUN SHY: cowardly.
GUT WARMER: whisky.
HACIENDA: homestead of a ranch owner.
HACKAMORE: (la jaquima) a band or rope that fits over the horse's nose with a strap
behind its ears, as part of a bridle or halter.
HAD HIS PONY PLATED: had his horse shod.
HAIR CINCH: a cinch made of horse hair.
HALTER: (el cabestro) rope or strap, usually with a headstall, for holding an animal.
HALTER BROKE: a horse broke to lead, but not yet to ride.
HAND: a measurement used in the height of a horse - one hand equals four inches.
HANDLE: saddle horn.
HARD MONEY: coins.
HARDTAIL: mule.
HARDWARE: guns.
HAJATO: a string of pack animals.
HAWG'S LEG: an old long barrel Remington or Colt's six-gun.
HAY BURNER: horse.
HAY SHAKER: a farmer.
HATWIRE OUTFIT: an inefficient ranch or outfit.
HAZER: a steer wrestler's assistant.
HEADQUARTERS: the business office of a ranch.
HEELED: armed with a gun.
HELL BENT FOR LEATHER: in a great hurry.
HERD: a bunch of cattle.
HERD BOUND: a horse who refuses to leave a group of other horses.
HIDE-OUT: a shoulder holster used to conceal a weapon.
HIGH LONESOME: a big drunk.
HIGH ROLLER: a horse that leaps high into the air when bucking.
HOBBLES: (manellos) straps around a horses legs to keep it from wandering off.
HOG LEG: any large pistol.
HOLDING SPOT: site selected for working a herd on a roundup.
HOLD THE CUT: to hold cattle cut from a herd.
HOLE UP: to stay indoors out of the weather.
HOLSTER: (la funda) A case, usually of leather, to carry a pistol or a rifle, on a person
or saddle.
HONDA: a ring of rope, rawhide, or metal on a lasso through which the loop slides.
HOOSEGOW: jail.
HOPPIN' DOG HOLES: riding in prairie dog country.

 HORN: (la cab ezal) the projection, often bent forward, above the pommel.
HORNIN' IN: intruding, butting-in, or meddling.
HORSE LENGTH: eight feet; the distance between horses in a coloumn.
HORSE MAULER: a cowboy who handles his string of horses with deliberate cruelty.
HORSE PESTLER: a wrangler or herder of saddle horses.
HORSEPLAY: pranks, jokes, and tricks.
HOSS-WRANGLER: a cowboy that cares for the remuda or saddle horses on a roundup.
HUGGIN' RAWHIDE: sticking to the saddle while a horse bucks.
HUNG UP: catching a foot in the stirrup, and being drug by a horse.
HUNG UP HIS ROPE: quit his job.
HUNTIN' LEATHER: looking to grab the saddlehorn when a horse begins to buck.
HYMNS: the songs a cowboy sings to cattle on the trail.
IMMIGRANT CATTLE: cattle brought to a range from elsewhere.
INDIAN-BROKE: a horse that can be mounted or dis-mounted from either side.
INDIAN-UP: to sneak up one someone without making any noise.
IRON MAN: the cowboy handling the branding irons at branding time.
JACK: a male donkey or ass.
JACK A MAVERICK: to brand a maverick.
JAMMING THE BREEZE: riding fast.
JEHU: the driver of a stagecoach.
JENNETTES: offsprings from a Jack burro, and a small mare.
JERKED DOWN: a horse that has been jerked to the ground by a roped steer.
JERKY: dried beef.
JOCKEYS: separate leather pieces, front and rear, that lie over the larger skirts of
western saddles; attached to the saddletree, side jockeys cover the upper stirrup leather.
JOHN HENRY: a cowboy's signature.
JUGHEAD: a foolish or stupid horse.
KEEPER: (Fiador) keeper or safety latch.
KETCH HAND: the cowboy that ropes calves for branding.
KETTLE BELLIED: a person or animal with a pot-belly.
KICK THE LID OFF: to begin bucking.
KILLER: either a bad man or a vicious and dangerous horse.
KISSING THE GROUND: thrown from a horse.
KNOBHEAD: a mule.
LACED HIS TREE UP: saddled his horse.
LADINO: an outlaw, and vicious cow.
LADY-BROKE: a horse that has been competely broke, and is reliable.
LARIAT: (el lazo) a long rope (also called "lasso" or "riata"), of braided rawhide or
hemp, with a loop or eye in one end (honda) through which the other runs.
LASSO: a long, rawhide rope, with a running noose.
LAST ROUNDUP: death.
LATIGOS: (el contraenreatado) leather straps to which the cinch is secured, each
suspended from a latigo ring (or rigging ring), one on the near or on-side (el latigo) and
one on the off-side (el contrala-ti go) of a single rigged saddle; on a double-rigged saddle
there is also a flank cinch.

 LAWDOG: a sheriff.
LAY THE DUST: to take a drink.
LEAD CHUCKER: a pistol.
LEAD RIDERS: two cowboys that ride on each side of the 'lead steers' in a trail herd.
They swing the steers in the general direction they wish to follow.
LEAKY MOUTH: someone who talks too much.
LEAD MAN: the lead rider on a trail drive, who determines the direction the herd will
take.
LINE RIDER: a cowboy who regularly patrols a ranch's boundry.
LIVIN' LIGHTENING: a bucking horse.
LIZZY: saddlehorn.
LOAFER: a timber wolf.
LOCOED: horses and cattle become addicted to the eating of Loco weed, thereby
causing the victim to become thin; with injury to eyesight, muscular control and brain;
causes an abnormal growth of hair on the mane and tail of horses - on cattle an extra
increase of hair on flanks.
LONG-ROPE COWBOY: a cattle rustler that ropes and burns over brands.
LONG-HAIRED PARTNER: a cowboys wife.
LONG RIDER: outlaw.
LONE WOLFING: living alone.
LOST HIS HORSE: a cowboy thrown from his horse.
LUNGER: a person suffering from tuberculosis.
MACARDY: (el mecate) a rope of braided horsehair.
MAIL-ORDER COWBOY: tenderfoot dressed in mail-order clothes.
MAKIN' DUST: leaving in a hurry.
MAKINGS: smoking tobacco and papers.
MALETA: a rawhide bag.
MAN FOR BREAKFAST: a killing.
MAN KILLER: a vicious horse.
MAN STOPPER: a gun.
MARTINGALE: (la gammara) strap from the (front) cinch to the bridle, or ending in
two rings through which the reins pass, to keep the horse from throwing the head.
MAVERICK: an unbranded stray.
MAVERICK BRAND: unregistered brand.
MEAT IN THE POT: a rifle.
MESS WAGON: a chuck wagon.
MESTENERO: a mustanger or hunter of wild horses.
MET HIS SHADOW: thrown from a horse.
MILL RIDER: a cowboy responsible for the upkeep of the windmills on a ranch.
MISTY BEYOND: death.
MOCKEY: a wild mare.
MONTURA: a riding horse.
MOTHER UP: cows when they claim their calves.
MOUTHY: a person that talks too much.
MULE: a cross between a jack and a mare.
MULE-EARS: cowboy boots with pull-on straps.

 MULEY: a hornless cow.

MULEY SADDLE: a saddle without a saddlehorn.
MUSTANG: a wild range horse.
MUSTANGERS: men who trap, catch and break wild range horses.
NAG: a horse of poor quality.
NEAR SIDE: the left side of a horse.
NELLIE: an old cow or steer.
NIGHT DRIVE: a cattle drive at night.
NIGHT HERDERS: cowboys that constantly ride around the herd at night, holding the
cattle under a spell by singing to them until they bed down for the night, keeping a close
watch in fear of a stampede.
NIGHT WRANGLER: a cowboy that herds and cares for the saddle horses during the
night.
NO BREAKFAST FOREVER: died in a prairie fire.
NOTCH IN HIS TAIL: a horse that has killed a man.
NUBBIN': saddlehorn.
OFF SIDE: the right side.
OFF HIS FEED: said of someone not looking or feeling well.
OILY: tough and/or mean.
OILY BRONC: a bad or mean horse.
OKLAHOMA RAIN: a dust storm.
OLD TIMER: a person who has lived in a particular place a long time.
ON THE DODGE: running from the law.
ON THE DRIFT: looking for a job.
ON THE HOOF: live cattle.
ON THEIR HEADS: cattle that are grazing.
ON TICK: on credit.
OPEN RANGE: cattle range that has not been fenced.
OPEN STIRRUPS: stirrups without tapaderos.
OTERO: a particularly large steer.
OTIE: a coyote.
OUTFIT: the equipment of a rancher or horseman.
OUTLAW BRONCHO: a bucking horse whose spirit is unconquerable.
OUT COYOTE: to outsmart.
OUT RIDER: a cowboy commissioned by the range boss to roam the open range or
holdings to give watchful care to all livestock.
OXBOWS: old-style wooden stirrups.
PACKSADDLE: (la albarda) simple wooden framework with crossed ends placed on
animal's back to carry loads.
PACKS A LONG ROPE: cattle rustler.
PAINTING HIS TONSELS: drinking whiskey.
PALOMINO: a golden colored horse with a creme colored mane and tail.
PANCAKE: english saddle.
PANTS RATS: body lice.
PAPER-BACKED: weak or puny.
PARADA: a herd of cattle.

 PASTURE COUNT: counting cattle on the range without herding them together.
PAUNCHED: gut-shot or shot in the stomach.
PECOS: killing a man and rolling his body into a river.
PECOS BILL: a liar.
PEELING: skinning the hide off an animal.
PEEWEES: cowboy boots with short tops.
PELADO: a stupid or ignorant person.
PELON: a hornless cow.
PETMAKERS: spurs.
PICKET: to stake a horse to a pin or stake that is driven into the ground.
PICKIN' DAISIES: thrown from a horse.
PIEBALD: a streak of white on a horse's forehead extending to the nostril like the letter
T inverted.
PIE BOX: chuck wagon.
PIG: saddlehorn.
PILED: thrown from a horse.
PILGRAM: a tenderfoot or greenhorn.
PILL ROLLER: a doctor.
PINTO: a paint or spotted pony.
PIMPLE: english saddle.
PISTOL WHIP: to beat someone with the barrel of a gun.
PLANT: to bury someone.
PLOW CHASER: a farmer.
PLUNDER: personal belongings.
PODDY: orphan calf.
POINT RIDER: on a cattle drive, the rider at the head of the herd.
POKE: a small bag to carry personal belongings.
POMMEL: (la campana) forward, arched portion of saddletree linking the sideboards.
PONY: a horse under 14.2 hands.
PORCH PERCHER: a loafer, inclined against work.
POWDER BURNIN' CONTEST: a gun fight.
PRAIRIE DEW: whisky.
PUDDIN' FOOT: a clumsy or large footed horse.
PULLIN' IN HIS HORNS: backing down from a fight.
PULLIN' LEATHER: holding on to the saddlehorn.
PUMPKIN ROLLER: an agitator, trouble maker, or complainer.
PUNCH THE BREEZE: to leave in a hurry.
PUT ON THE NOSE BAG: to eat.
QUIRT: (la cuaria) short, leather strap(s), often attached to a handle, to whip the horse
for speed.
QUIRLY: a cigarette.
RAG-OUT: to get dressed up.
RANGE BOSS: manager of a cow outfit out on the range.
RANAHAN: a top hand. A good all-around cowboy.
RANK: an hard to ride horse.
RAWHIDE: the hide of a cow or steer.

 REATA: braided rawhide rope.

REDEYE: whisky.
REIN: (la rienda) strap or cord (in pairs) that runs from the bridle bit around the horse's
neck, held by the rider.
REMUDA: all saddle horses on a roundup are thrown together and are called a 'remuda'.
The remuda is in the charge of a cowboy whose duty is to herd and bunch them when the
cowboys want a fresh mount. Sometimes called a 'caviada' or 'Cavva-yard'.
RIDE HERD ON: to take care of.
RIG: saddle.
RIGGING RING: (la argolla) latigo ring.
RILED: angry.
RIM FIRE: a saddle with one cinch that is usually placed far forward.
RINGEY: angry.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CANARY: a burro, sometimes called a Colorado Mocking bird.
ROAD AGENT: robber or bandit.
RODEO: roundup.
ROLL HIS TAIL: leaving in a hurry.
ROOSTERED: drunk.
ROSETTE: (la roseta) a circular design; on western stock saddles, a small leather disk
with two slits for thongs or ties to pass through, securing skirts to saddletree.
ROUND-UP: the spring and fall gathering of cattle on the ranges in order to brand and
ear-mark the calves, cut out for ownership and those wanted for shipment to market.
ROWEL: (la rodaja, la estrella) the pointed disk or star set in the end of the spur's shaft
or post, which turns as the rider's heel rakes the horse's flank.
RUBBERNECK: a horse with a very flexible neck, hard to rein.
RUSTLER: a horse or cattle thief.
ROUGH STRING: saddle horses that buck every time they are saddled, some never
become real gentle.
SADDLE: (la silla) seat type device set on an animal to facilitate riding it.
SADDLE BAGS: (las cantinas) large leather piece with attached pockets, placed over
the rear extensions of the saddle.
SADDLE GUN: a rifle.
SADDLE PAD: (el cojin, el baste) heavy, blanket-like piece placed under the saddle to
protect it from dirt and to fit it to the animal's back.
SADDLE STRINGS: (los tientos) narrow strips of tanned leather, usually in pairs, that
lace through the saddletree or coverings, and are held on surface by rosettes; the long
ends are decorative and also serve to tie on ropes, and other pieces of equipment.
SADDLETREE: (el fuste de silla) framework, often of wood covered with rawhide,
consisting of two side-boards connected by two forks for the pommel and cantle; the
conformation of these parts gives the saddle its characteristic shape and name.
SALLIE: a cook.
SALTY: a good hand or worker.
SALTY BRONC: a mean or untrustworthy horse.
SALTY RIDER: a brave or good rider.
SAWBONES: doctor.
SCALAWAG: a wild and worthless cow.

 SCATTER GUN: shotgun.

SCORCHER: branding iron.
SCRUB: an animal of poor breeding.
SEGUNDO: assistant trail boss.
SHADIN': resting.
SHADOW RIDING: a cowboy that rides along while admiring his shadow.
SIDEBOARDS: (las tablas) two horizontal pieces, also called "side bars," under and
joining the two forks to form the saddletree (el fuste).
SINGLE RIGGED:(center fired) - one cinch, center rigged cinch suspended under the
center of the seat.
SKIRTS: (las faldas) large leather panels attached to the saddletree, under the jockeys
on Western U.S. saddles, to protect the rigging and give form to tbe saddle.
SOOGANS: old comforts (blankets) used in camp beds sometimes spelled 'suggans' or
'Sougans'.
SPOOKY-BRONC: a horse that is always shying.
SPUR: (la espuela) U-shaped device attached to rider's heel to goad the animal to
greater speed, or to make a horse buck.
STAMPEDE STRINGS: a long buckskin string run half way round crown of sombrero
then through a hole on each side and ends knotted, placed under chin or around back of
head which keeps hat in place in windy weather or when riding a bucking broncho
STETSON: a cowboy's hat, generally a sand color, sometimes having an extra high
crown and a four to six-inch brim...Acts as an umbrella in stormy weather, a shade for the
eyes in hot weather, the brim when grasped between the thumb and fingers and bent into
a trough makes a good drinking cup.. It is also used to fan in to activity camp fires.
STARGAZER: a horse that holds his head too high.
STRAY: an animal found strayed away from owner or from the range where it belongs.
STIRRUP: (el estribo) a device hung from each side of a saddle to receive the rider's
foot.
STIRRUP COVER: (tapadero) also called taps.
STIRRUP LEATHERS: (los arciones) adjustable straps that suspend the stirrups from
the saddletree.
SUN FISHER: when a bronk bucks and twists his body into a cresent, and throws head
alternately to right and left...looks as though he is trying to sun both side of his body.
SUNDAY HOSS: a good looking horse with a good gait... used to go to town or to go
'gallin'.
SWAPPING ENDS: when a bronk is bucking and goes up facing one direction but lands
facing the opposite direction.
SWELLS: bulging of the shoulders of the pommel.
SWING RIDERS: the cowboys that keep the main body of the trail herd together and
keep them moving.
TAIL RIDERS: cowboys that follow the trail herd and keep the cows and young calves
a-movin ... Especially those that are tired and draggy
TALLY-MAN: a cowboy that stands beside the branding-fire at a round-up and makes a
tally mark for each animal branded and ear-marked showing to whom it belongs.
TIE-MAN: a cowboy roper that ties the end of his rope to his saddle horn while roping
horses or cattle.

 TOP HORSE: every cowboy has his pick of the horses in his string...this horse is only
used as a cutting or roping horse.
VICE: an acquired habit that is annoying, or may interfere with a horse's usefulness.
WET PONIES: stolen ponies which have been smuggled across the Rio Grandee from
Old Mexico.