CHAPS are worn primarily to protect his legs from high brush, cold wind and rain. SPURS are not worn for ornament, neither are they worn to punish; the cowboy uses them as “reminders” to help him control his horse and urge it to quick action. STETSON the wide-brimmed, high-crowned hat is an earmark of the West, has “six times a dozen” everyday uses. It serves as shade, protection from the elements, a drinking cup for horse and rider, and when waved it’s extremely handy to turn stock. BOOTS high-heeled boots are a mark of distinction, the sign of a riding man. The high heels keep his feet from slipping through the stirrups. The heels also serve as an aid on the ground, allowing the cowboy to dig in when he is throwing his rope or holding stock. GUNS the cowboy “totes a gun” only for protection against Nature’s hazards to his work. The days of the “two-gun man” and the “quick-draw artist” have been relegated to the realm of the Wild West story and movie. A cowboy’s working clothes usually consist of sturdy Levis, high-heeled boots, “Stetson” hat, heavy shirt, and chaps when needed. [Illustration: CALF ROPING] A COWBOY’S WORK IS ALSO HIS FUN The rodeo is purely and exclusively a cowboy’s sport. In fact, it is a popular sport which originated in America. At first it was simply a demonstration of the cowboy’s skill, usually performed before other cowboys. Contesting naturally followed and, of course, such thrilling exhibitions of skill and courage soon attracted more and more spectators. Today, rodeos are national and international events. Experts in bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and bull riding often pocket prize money amounting to as much as $35,000 in a year. [Illustration: Bucking bronco] Now, regularly scheduled events, staged by popular demand, rodeos are attracting larger and larger crowds. Be they big or small, a thrilling performance is assured the spectators. Bronc riding is one of the most exciting of rodeo events and is always popular with the cowboy himself. A man who follows the hazardous trade of horse-breaking as a steady business has to be good. He must have courage, experience and unusual ability; a good one is hard to find. The best cow hands can ride the “snuffy” ones, but won’t. Good bronc riders stay with their horses. When they feel themselves going they do not throw away the reins, start relaxing and look for a soft spot to land. With skill, muscle and grim determination they will wage a desperate battle to stay aboard. [Illustration: A “RARE” OCCASION]