The main difference between cowboy and wrangler is that cowboy is a person who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, performing much of his work on horseback, while wrangler is a person in charge of horses or other livestock on a ranch. In brief, wranglers are a subtype of cowboys.
Both cowboys and wranglers work on a ranch, tending cattle and horses. Although most of us tend to use these two words interchangeably, there is a slight difference between cowboy and wrangler.
Key Areas Covered
1. Who is a Cowboy
– Definition, Responsibilities
2. Who is a Wrangler
– Definition, Responsibilities
3. What is the Difference Between Cowboy and Wrangler
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cowboy, Ranch, Wrangler
Who is a Cowboy
A cowboy is a man who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in North America. A cowboy traditionally goes about most of his work on horseback. Cowboys work on ranches and perform a range of ranch-related tasks. They are responsible for feeding the livestock, branding cattle, tending to animal injuries and other needs, taking part in round-ups and cattle drives. Working cowboys are also required to patrol the rangeland, checking for damaged fences, predation, water problems, and any other issues. In addition to these, they may perform various other jobs, depending on the size of the ranch, the terrain, and the number of livestock. Furthermore, most modern cowboys, in addition to ranch work, take part in rodeos, sing Western music, and immerse themselves in the Western way of life.
We can trace the origins of the American cowboy to the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico. It was Western movies that popularized cowboys and their lifestyles all over the world formed a certain stereotype. Today, most of us associate cowboys as men who are bold, daring, and independent or as reckless and out of control.
Cowboys also dress in a certain way. Most cowboy attire, also known as Western wear, grew out of practical need and the environment in which they worked. Most of these items were also adapted from Mexican vaqueros. Some of these items include cowboy hat, cowboy boots, chaps, bandana, glove, and jeans made of sturdy canvas or denim.
Who is a Wrangler
A wrangler is a person in charge of horses or other livestock on a ranch. Wranglers may be responsible for taming, controlling and handling various animals, especially horses. In a traditional sense, their work involves herding cattle and bringing horses in from the paddock. Wrangler is a subcategory of cowboys. They often work for other cowboys.
The work of a wrangler has developed over time, as they have learnt to do more work in the ranch. There are variations of wrangling, including managing herds, dude-wrangling, rodeo and managing horses as a part of stunt work in the film industry.
Difference Between Cowboy and Wrangler
Definition
A cowboy is a person who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, performing much of his work on horseback, while wrangler is a person in charge of horses or other livestock on a ranch.
Work
Cowboys may be responsible for feeding the livestock, branding cattle, tending to animal injuries and other needs, taking part in round-ups and cattle drives, patrolling the rangeland, and checking for damaged fences, predation, water problems, and any other issues. Wranglers, on the other hand, are responsible for taming, controlling and handling various animals, especially horses.
Conclusion
The main difference between cowboy and wrangler is that a cowboy is a person who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, performing much of his work on horseback, while wrangler is a person in charge of horses or other livestock on a ranch. In brief, wranglers are a subtype of cowboys.
Reference:
1. “Wrangler (Profession).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Nov. 2020, Available here.
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