History's Hotshots COWBOYS Rough and Rowdy Rider's Lely Doudna Checkerboard Library An Imprint of Abdo Publishing abdopublishing com
RIDING the RANGE 4
Your hands blister as you grip the leather of your horse’s reins The animal kicks up dust as you guide it toward a runaway calf at full speed Within seconds you’ve thrown your lariat around the calf’s neck You catch your breath as you guide the animal back to the herd The cattle herd is your responsibility You work with ten other men but you are in charge You have spent the past two months driving the 3,000 cattle along the open range You have traveled nearly 1,000 miles 1,609 km across the American West Along the way you have defended the herd from wild animals and cattle rustlers You’ve calmed the herd when it was frightened by bad weather You’ve even raced around the herd in circles to stop the cattle from stampeding With the runaway calf returned to its herd you urge your horse forward You are nearing the railroad where the cattle will be shipped and sold You are tired but you are ready to begin another adventure Your skills are put to the test every day But you can handle it You are an American cowboy 5
