The document discusses various tools and items of clothing used by cowboys as described in the book All the Pretty Horses. It mentions hobbles used to limit the movement of horses while grazing, hackamores used on young horses instead of bits, knives, boots, chaps, bandanas, spurs, ropes, and cowboy hats and their importance in protecting cowboys from the elements.

1. Cowboy tools and attire One of the biggest factors giving John Grady’s character a sense of authenticity as a cowboy in All the Pretty Horses was his use of real, actual working cowboy tools and clothing. Some less well known items are mentioned in the book from time to time.

2. Cowboy Tools and Attire Hobbles are mentioned in the book more than once. Hobbles are leather, rope or chain cuffs which are placed around the lower legs of horses while they are turned out to limit there ability to wander off while grazing. Hobbles can be very useful to a cowboy needing to let his horse feed while camping in the backcountry. Photo from craigcameron.com.

3. Cowboy tools and attire John Grady and Rawlins use a hackamore during there work with horses. Hackamores are frequently used by cowboys on young horses that are not ready for a bit. Hackamores apply pressure to the nose and face but are easier on the young horses mouths. The bosal (bosalea in spanish) as mentioned in All the Pretty Horses is typically the noseband region of the hackamore and is usually constructed of rawhide. Photo from horsearoundtack.com

4. Cowboy tools and attire Other common tools and attire Knife-used for common chores, hunting and eating. Boots-protect lower legs and smooth bottoms slip in and out of saddle stirrups easily. Chaps- protect legs from shrubs, elements and from saddle scrapes.

5. Other common tools and attire continued Wild Rag- bandana used for warmth, sun protection, to wipe sweat, possible tourniquet for wounds, can even be used to lead a horse. Spurs- used by rider to initiate movement in horses while mounted. Rope- (lariat or reata) is used for catching livestock.

6. Cowboy tools and attire cont… Perhaps one the most defining features of a cowboy’s outfit is the hat. Cowboy hats come in all shapes and sizes and can vary depending on the region a cowboy is from. Hats provide shade, warmth protection from rain and can be used by cowboys in many different creative ways.