So You Want To Be A Cowboy? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Boots

Cowboy boots were not made for walking, but cowboys never intended to walk very far. They rode! The pointed or rounded toe of the boot made it easier to put the foot into the stirrup, and the higher heel gave needed leverage while working on the ground with cattle, and also enabled the cowboy to rest his foot once it was in the stirrup.

The pants were typically tucked into the uppers that typically reached the knee; this protected both the cowboy and his pants! It is interesting to note that in the beginning there was no right or left foot to a pair of boots, but there were usually mule ear flaps on the top to help with pulling them on.

The Hyer and stovepipe boots became popular in the 1870s; they were a bit more costly at $12-$14 than the granger boots, which normally were sold for $2-$4.

Answer: Bandana

A very important component of the cowboy's wardrobe, the bandana protected the face from wind, cold, and dust storms, as well as the back of the neck in the searing heat. Not only that, but it could be used as a tourniquet or washcloth if necessary. Typically bright red in color, the bandana also helped cowboys locate each other, especially in bad weather.

Answer: Chaps

Long leggings worn over the pants to protect from thorns and cactus, chaps (short for chaparejos) came in a variety of styles. Made to fit over the legs, chaps were connected by a narrow belt. In colder regions they were made of wool or fur, while in the Southwest, they were typically made of smooth leather. Sometimes, however, hair was left on the skin because it helped to disentangle from thorns. Needless to say, chaps were also handy in cold or wet weather!

Answer: Hat

Good for both shade and an umbrella, the hat was a vital piece of a cowboy's ensemble, although it varied somewhat by region. In the Northwest, the brim was a bit more narrow and the crown was lower in an attempt to keep the wind from blowing the hat off; in the Southwest, the brim was wider and the crown was higher in order to better protect from the sun.

The famous Stetson hat, known as the "Boss of the Plains" was first introduced in 1865. Selling for $5, it came in one color - natural. It also came unformed at first, so that a cowboy could shape it the way he wished. Later many styles and prices were available.

Answer: Gloves

Gloves were vitally important to cowboys, as they protected his hands while riding and from the weather, as well as other hazards along the way. The fringe, which was sometimes found on gloves, was mostly decorative, although it did help in the drying process when the glove got wet.

Answer: Spurs

The use of spurs, which come in many different shapes and sizes, is believed to date back at least to the time of the ancient Romans. During the Middle Ages, "earning one's spurs" was a point of honor, meaning movement to a higher rank. Cowboys used them to emphasize the command they gave to their horse. Of course, it was important to not overuse the spurs, as the horse was one of the cowboy's most valuable possessions.

As Hopalong Casssidy wrote, in his "Creed for American Boys and Girls", "Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them".

Answer: Cuffs

Also called wrist cuffs, the leather bands served many useful purposes. Not only did they protect the sleeves of the shirt from becoming too quickly frayed, they also covered the wrist if the sleeves were too short, and kept the sleeves out of the way if they were too long.

In addition, they protected the arms from branches and brambles while riding, and while working with the cattle, were welcome protection from horns and hooves.

Answer: Pants

Right after the Civil War most cowboys wore their old uniforms or wool trousers. Levi Strauss introduced his jeans in 1868; however, they were not made of denim or blue material as one might expect. Likewise, a cowboy's shirt was probably an old military shirt; later on collarless pin-striped shirts became popular.

Answer: Slicker

Invented by Charles Macintosh in the 1820s, the slicker was made of weather-proof oilskin, and was similar to the overcoat worn by fishermen in coastal areas. The slicker was tied at the back of a cowboy's saddle when the weather permitted; when the weather turned cold, a blanket coat, made of canvas and flannel was used.

Answer: Belt

The belt used by a cowboy was made to carry his gun (the most popular is said to have been the Colt Peace Maker), and had nothing to do with holding up his pants! It was not worn around the waist, but lower on the hips. The belt, which could get pretty heavy, carried the holster for the gun, and was made with loops for carrying about fifty extra cartridges.