As the sun sets on the vast, open plains of the American West, cowboys and their herds retire to their camps for a well-deserved rest. But their work is far from over. With a lasso in hand and a horse at their side, these rugged individuals spend their days wrangling cattle, battling the elements, and of course, causing a whole lot of trouble in the process.
From wild pranks and practical jokes to daring feats of bravery, the cowboys of old were some of the most entertaining characters to ever ride the range. In this article, we’ll explore the hilarious tales of cowboy antics, from the small screen to real life scenarios.
The Seed Keyword: Cowboy Antics
Before we delve deeper into the world of cowboy antics, let’s take a moment to define the term. Cowboy antics refer to the playful and mischievous behaviors of cowboys, both on and off the job. These antics can range from harmless pranks to dangerous stunts, often performed for the amusement of fellow cowboys or bystanders.
The Great Outdoors
There’s no denying that cowboys spend a lot of time outside, working in the elements, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. But for some cowboys, the call of the outdoors is too powerful to resist. Take, for example, the story of a cowboy named Old Joe, which was recounted by author Jack Schaefer in his book “Shane.”
“Old Joe would take off his clothes and run through the sagebrush naked as a jackrabbit, whooping and cavorting like a madman.”
While Old Joe’s actions might seem strange to some, they were simply an expression of his love for the great outdoors.
Fun Fact: Did you know that sagebrush is a common plant found in the American West, and is well known for its distinct, pungent smell?
Wild West Pranks
One of the most entertaining aspects of cowboy antics is the wide range of pranks and jokes they play on one another. From the classic spitball to the more elaborate hoaxes, cowboys always find a way to keep things interesting.
In his book “The Mountain Men,” historian George R. Stewart recounts the story of a cowboy named Kentucky who pulled off one of the greatest pranks of all time.
“Kentucky decided to play a trick on the cook. He went out and shot a small calf, and brought it back to camp. Later, when dinner was being served, Kentucky brought out the calf, fully dressed and cooked, and laid it on the table. The cook was so outraged that he chased Kentucky out of camp with a frying pan.”
While Kentucky’s prank might have been a bit cruel, it certainly made for a good laugh among the cowboys.
Top 5 Cowboy Pranks
If you’re looking to add a little fun to your own cowboy adventure, here are five cowboy pranks you can try out:
- The classic spitball
- Fake snake in the bedroll
- Staggering Drunk routine
- Switching the salt and sugar
- Whistling in another’s ear
Larger than Life Characters
When it comes to cowboys, there are a few larger than life characters that really stand out. One of these is a cowboy by the name of Yosemite Sam. While not a real-life cowboy, Yosemite Sam was a popular character in Looney Tunes cartoons, known for his short temper and comically oversized mustache.
But Yosemite Sam wasn’t the only larger than life character in the world of cowboys. There was also Wild Bill Hickok, a lawman and gunfighter who was famous for his quick draw and sharpshooting skills. And of course, no discussion of larger than life cowboys would be complete without mentioning Buffalo Bill Cody, the showman and army scout who became famous for his Wild West shows.
Cowboy Wisdom
While cowboys were known for their antics and pranks, they were also a wise bunch. In fact, many famous cowboy quotes are still used today as words of wisdom. Here are a few of our favorites:
- “Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse.” – Will Rogers
- “The only good reason to ride a bull is to meet a nurse.” – Shug Fisher
- “Never drink downstream from the herd.” – Anonymous
- “If you’re riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there.” – Will Rogers
- “Don’t squat with your spurs on.” – Anonymous
Real Life Cowboy Antics
While many cowboy antics are fictional, there’s no denying that real life cowboys have had their fair share of wild adventures. In fact, one of the most famous cowboys of all time, John Wayne, was known for his daring feats on and off the screen.
One of the most impressive stunts Wayne ever pulled off was in the 1961 film “The Comancheros.” In the movie’s climactic scene, Wayne’s character jumps off a cliff and tackles his enemy mid-air, both men landing safely on a nearby stack of hay.
While that might seem like a Hollywood invention, Wayne actually pulled off the stunt himself, with no special effects or trickery involved.
Fun Fact: Did you know that John Wayne’s real name was Marion Morrison? He changed it to “John Wayne” when he began his acting career in the 1930s.
Cowboy Tales in Literature
Cowboy antics have also been immortalized in literature, with countless books and stories centered around the wild, rugged world of cowboys. From the classic novels of Zane Grey to the more contemporary works of Cormac McCarthy, cowboy tales have entertained readers for generations.
One of the most beloved works of cowboy literature is Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove,” a sprawling epic that follows a group of cowboys as they journey across the American West. Filled with comedy, tragedy, and unforgettable characters, “Lonesome Dove” offers a glimpse into the world of cowboys that is both humorous and poignant.
A Table to Remember
To help you keep track of some of the key characters we’ve discussed in this article, here’s a helpful table:
| Name | Occupation | Claim to Fame |
|---|---|---|
| Old Joe | Cowboy | Known for running through the sagebrush naked |
| Kentucky | Cowboy | Pulled off a prank that involved serving a cooked calf at dinner |
| Yosemite Sam | Cartoon Character | An iconic Looney Tunes character known for his fiery temper and giant mustache |
| Wild Bill Hickok | Lawman/Gunfighter | Famous for his quick draw and sharpshooting skills. |
| Buffalo Bill Cody | Showman/Scout | Became famous for his Wild West shows, which featured cowboy stunts and reenactments of famous battles |
Wrangling it All Together
Cowboy antics might seem like nothing more than a silly diversion, but they actually play an important role in the history of the American West. Whether it was to break up the monotony of long cattle drives, or to blow off steam after a hard day’s work, cowboys always found a way to have fun.
From wild pranks and practical jokes to daring feats of bravery and humor, cowboy antics will always have a special place in our hearts. So the next time you find yourself out on the range, take a moment to appreciate the spirit of mischief and playfulness that defined the world of cowboys. Who knows, you might just be inspired to pull off a few pranks of your own.
References
- Schaefer, J. (1949). Shane. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
- Stewart, G. R. (2000). The Mountain Men. Chapter House Publishing.
- McMurtry, L. (1985). Lonesome Dove. Simon and Schuster.