<P> A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America , traditionally on horseback , and often performs a multitude of other ranch - related tasks . The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and became a figure of special significance and legend . A subtype , called a wrangler , specifically tends the horses used to work cattle . In addition to ranch work , some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos . Cowgirls , first defined as such in the late 19th century , had a less - well documented historical role , but in the modern world have established the ability to work at virtually identical tasks and obtained considerable respect for their achievements . There are also cattle handlers in many other parts of the world , particularly South America and Australia , who perform work similar to the cowboy in their respective nations . </P>
<P> A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America , traditionally on horseback , and often performs a multitude of other ranch - related tasks . The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and became a figure of special significance and legend . A subtype , called a wrangler , specifically tends the horses used to work cattle . In addition to ranch work , some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos . Cowgirls , first defined as such in the late 19th century , had a less - well documented historical role , but in the modern world have established the ability to work at virtually identical tasks and obtained considerable respect for their achievements . There are also cattle handlers in many other parts of the world , particularly South America and Australia , who perform work similar to the cowboy in their respective nations . </P>
when did the term cowboy come into use
when did the term cowboy come into use
late 19th century
late 19th century