Yes, it’s a rugged life and one which calls for strong men with clear eyes and steady hands. Under these men must be sturdy, sure-footed horses. This combination of man and horse has contributed greatly to the romantic history of America; and, even today, typifies a way of life unlike any other. [Illustration: Boots and spurs] It’s no wonder that this Western life has developed a strange and flavorful language of its own ... distinctly different from that used in other walks of life. It’s natural, too, that special clothing should be worn. Above all, it is essential that the cowboy’s greatest asset, the horse, should be specially bred and trained. There are many of the words of the trail and cow camp in these pages. You’ll become familiar with the type of clothing worn by the Western cowboy. Most of all, you’ll see and learn about the magnificent horses that he rides. At work, at play and in the show ring ... the horse is dominant! [Illustration: HIGH PLACE] [Illustration: “A RANCH IS NO BETTER THAN ITS HORSES”] FRIEND AND SERVANT A good cow horse must possess strength and intelligence, and be well trained to use both. He has a natural instinct for sensing direction and detecting danger, both by day and by night. He is game and brave and will drop dead in the performance of his work, if need be. He is well adapted to his place ... tough and inured to the hardships of his life. His lightness of foot and quickness of motion fit him better for this work than any other type of horse. [Illustration: Saddle] He must have good feet, good limbs, a strong heart and strong lungs to meet the demands of his work. The cow horse soon learns to know his rider as they work together, and his good sense is his outstanding characteristic. [Illustration: CLOTHES ARE WORN FOR A PURPOSE] THE COWBOY’S CLOTHES A generation ago the East knew the cowboy as a bloody demon of disaster, reckless and rowdy, weighted down with “six guns,” wearing a ten-gallon hat, bright silk shirt, woolly chaps and clanking spurs. Today, except for his hat, high-heeled boots and spurs, you’ll find few cowboys in complete regalia except on show days at the rodeo. Nowadays, the cowboy wears each garment “a-purpose.” _For example_: