Cowboys

For some ranchers, mustangs are seen as trash horses that litter the range, taking much-needed grass from cattle and destroying expensive fencing and water infrastructure. Ashley heads to Winnemucca, Nevada to talk to a fifth-generation rancher who runs his cows in wild horse country. But unlike many ranchers, Will DeLong doesn’t want the wild horses gone – they’re entwined with his family’s history – he just wants them better managed. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Boo bucks Ashley off and she gets teased about it by the cowboys at the local bar.

The allure of the American cowboy attracts many visitors to our region. But cowboys don’t only exist in the West. They’re known in Italy, where the tradition goes back centuries and has a surprising connection to Buffalo Bill Cody.

Equestrians have long worn boots with tall, protective tops. In the late 19th century, bootmakers along cattle trails from Texas to Kansas developed the stitching and heels that made American cowboy boots works of art. For those who design and wear custom-made boots, expression can be found in everything from stitch patterns and custom inlays to the kinds of leather used.

Most of the things we use every day aren't built to last. But, that's not the case for the cowboy gear Jeff Minor makes. He sources raw materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

The 84th Caldwell Night Rodeo began on Tuesday and runs through Saturday. We check in with the events and festivities.