Cowboy Myths and Truths Game:

1. The cowboy life was glamorous. 
Myth: It was very difficult working 18-hour days and the long trail rides were sometimes boring.

2. Most cowboys had small or medium physical frames. 
Truth:  Large men were too heavy to ride mustangs.

3. A cowboy would ride his favorite horse all day. 
Myth: Cowboys would ride a string of horses depending on what task was at hand. For example, a mild horse would be used at night and a quick horse would be used for cattle roping and tending.

4. Many Texas cowboys were Mexican or African-American. 
Truth: During the Cowboy Era (1866-1886) one sixth of the cowboys were Mexican, and many others were African-American or Native American.

5. Most Texas cowboys were older, experienced wranglers. 
Myth: Most cowboys were young men who learned on the job.

6. Women could not be cowboys.
Myth: Several women owned ranches and ran their own cattle drives, including Amanda Burks and Lizzie Johnson.

7. Cowboys often had to fight off Native Americans. 
Myth:  Cowboys rarely if ever fought Native Americans.

8. The word “cowboy” was invented in Texas. 
Myth:  Actually, the job of a “cowboy” came from the Mexican and Spanish “vaquero.” Many cowboy words and practices come from the Spanish language and Mexican culture. 

Here are a few examples of Spanish and English words related to ranching:

Vaca = Cow
Ranchero = Rancher
Corro = Corral
Mesteños = Mustangs
Cocinero = Cook