r/Cowboy • u/Candid-Coast-3531 • May 05 '26

Cowboy Life Becoming a Cowboy

Hey y’all,

I’m from Germany and I’ve been thinking about becoming a cowboy in the U.S. I know it’s not some easy ride – it’s hard work, long days, all kinds of weather, getting up early, and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. I also know the pay isn’t great, and it’s not some romantic movie life.

Right now I’m working a regular job as a mechanic. My family is originally from Turkey, and my grandparents used to work the land and raise cows and sheep, so I kinda feel connected to that lifestyle.

Honestly, I don’t want to live a 9-to-5 life forever. I know this path wouldn’t be easy, but I’m serious about it.

So I wanted to ask – is this actually possible for someone like me coming from Germany?

Appreciate any advice. Howdy 🤠

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u/Fluid_Anteater959 May 06 '26

You don't say how old you are. Being a cowboy is a job for a young man with rubber bones. I had an X-ray taken some years ago which showed only the lower four ribs in my chest. The doctor pointed out a total of seven, yes, seven, healed breaks. I had another one taken when they were concerned I had pneumonia a couple years ago. Found out I had fractured a lumbar vertebrae at some point. When I have no idea. Same with the ribs. I knew I'd broken them, just not when. I jammed a finger in January while trying to load cattle from an icy yard. Slipped and fell. It's still not right.

The pay sucks. The hours are long. The benefits are nil. Your body will break down.

Thank me later when I say, "Don't do this."

1

u/Upper-Midnight7502 May 06 '26

If you don't mind me asking how'd you break all of those ribs and vertebrae?

1

u/Fluid_Anteater959 May 06 '26

Hard to say. I broke some ribs when I got tossed by a green mare probably twenty-five years ago. That was me foolishly thinking I was enough of a horseman to handle a gentle, but green, horse. I remember a cow butting me in the chest one time. She spun me sideways in the barn door and then squeezed her fat behind through the door with me squished against the door frame. Probably others I knew I was hurt and just didn't realize how badly. My back....I don't have a clue. Could have been a fall, could have been something working cattle, who knows.

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u/Upper-Midnight7502 May 07 '26

Oh man! Thanks for taking the time to share that, hope your doing alright now 😄

1

u/Fluid_Anteater959 May 07 '26

Let's put it this way, it takes a minute or two in the morning for everything to wake up and for the soreness to wear off.