There has been some debate over the years regarding if cowpunchers are more efficient than buckaroos or vice versa. The truth? Cowpunchers and buckaroos both have the ability to do the same job exceptionally well, they just do it differently. Read below to discover some of the major differences between cowpunchers and buckaroos.
1) The tack: Buckaroo gear stems from the Spaniards who occupied California centuries ago. Horsemanship was of the highest importance to the Spaniards, and, as such, they took great pride in developing tack that was not only highly efficient but also provided extra protection for the horses they rode. Fast-forward to the present, and buckaroos are still embracing tradition by using saddles without swells and romal reins.
Cowpunchers have certain geographical concerns to consider when choosing tack, such as unpredictable terrain and an abundance of brush, and opt for saddles with swells and split reins. It is also uncommon to see a cowpuncher with tack that is as embellished as the tack that buckaroos sport, a difference that can be attributed mainly to culture.
Cowpuncher and the Buckaroo painting by Mike Capron.
2) Clothing: A key difference between cowpunchers and buckaroos is that the former wears full-length chaps, batwing or shotgun when ranching, and the latter wears armitas or chinks. As mentioned above, cowpunchers often ride through harsh terrain which is why they prefer maximum leg protection.
Photo courtesy of TravelNevada YouTube.
3) Handling livestock: The way that cowpunchers and buckaroos rope and tend to cattle is very different. Cowpunchers use a considerably shorter rope than buckaroos, generally working with a 35 or 40-foot rope vs. the 60-foot rope that a buckaroo is likely to use. This contrast can again be attributed to differences in the region.
Photo credit to Vaquero Traditional Ranch Roping Facebook page.
4) The Lingo: You won’t hear a cowpuncher say a phrase like “cavvy,” but for a buckaroo when they use this term they are simply referring to a pack of saddle horses. The reason for the difference in lingo is simply that most buckaroo phrases derive from Spanish words. For example, the word above “cavvy” comes from the word “caviata.”
There are other differences between cowpunchers and buckaroos, but these four help define the variations in lifestyle. It’s important to remember that not every rancher will be 100% cowpuncher or 100% buckaroo. At the end of the day, personal style and horsemanship skills say the most about who you are.
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