What does "The Cowboy Way" mean?

Question

I heard it used in conversation and presumed it has something to do with ethics..?

Answer 1

The traditional way. Kinda like the concept 'just rub some dirt in it'. Basically traditional, simple, and basic but efficient.

Answer 2

Ugh.  When are people going to get over that idea that cowboys beat their horses into submission?  That's just ignorant and stereotypical.

I guess it depends on the context and the person using the term. Obviously some people think the cowboy way means to do it quick and rough (that sounded dirty...sorry).  To me the cowboy way means just to suck it up and do it the right way...you know, like when they say "cowboy up."  You just quit whining and do what it takes to get it done.

Answer 3

"The Cowboy Way" mean many things to many people, but mostly it mean not taking bull sh@#. Just because a cowboy may "pop" some one in the face for being an idiot, does not mean that they beat their horses into submission Ashley. In fact its the charro's that are known for beating their horses not cowboy.

In short it mean not taking BS and laying it on the line. Putting everything on the table so everyone can see. THAT is the cowboy way.

Edit- Natural horsemanship is a new term to an old old old old way of working with horses. Trainers like Parrelli use the same methods as the old Vaqueros but they have renamed the methods and terms to make money and convince that they have found a new method.

Answer 4

If it's about horses, then I think it means beating a horse into submission, verses natural horsemanship, which focuses on understanding the horse and learning to speak its 'language'.

Answer 5

For me it means speaking your mind no matter whether people want to hear it or not.  I WILL NOT tell someone to do something with their horse that I know will get either one hurt.  I also won't try to make a western pleasure horse out of an english horse.  I tell people I train horses for that if they bring me a horse that is completely untouched and expect me to be riding it in a month it's NOT going to happen..... I try my best to do things right and not push the horse, or it's owner past its limits.  This is what "The Cowboy Way" means to me.  

Any REAL cowboy will not beat his or her horse into submission simply because then they don't have a reliable mount.  Your horse need to trust that you won't put it into a dangerous situation, not be so afraid NOT to do something right that it will do anything you want.

Answer 6

go watch bucking horse that will tell u the cowboy way that is how thay did it and it worked for hundereds of years that is the way i train horses call me crule call me what ever you want but thats the way as far as im consirned and could care less what people think about it

Answer 7

The Cowboy Way means to me .... pride, honesty, and respect were a way of life. The most valuable thing you owned is your name, your best friend is your horse and you were at home when you were in your saddle. When you gave your word you kept it.  And for someone like Ashley up there to totally demoralize that word/life style because of ignorance is just awful. It is the values you are taught as a child. That is The Cowboy Way.

Answer 8

I used to think I knew, it meant a ideal and a set of rules of conduct...however since "brokeback mountain" I aint real shore anymore!!!!

Answer 9

the cowboy way is something that is passed down from generation to generation,it is not written down and the lessons are not forgotten because if you do forget a lesson you will be reminded of it one way or another.it is mostly a code of ethics that was set down a long time ago by people who are long forgotten and from an age where we relyed on each other for survival.

HTTY

Answer 10

They are various codes of ethics.

Here are some examples:

http://www.elvaquero.com/The_Cowboy_Code...

Answer 11

In general, I think it stands for traditional wholesome values and honorable living.