The last time I lived with Cowboys in New Mexico

New Mexico circa early 1990’s had a reputation of being a cowboy state but after seeing the in 1994 with Kiefer Sutherland and Woody Harrelson I was sure the connection was legitimately inferred and accurately described through the lens of a Hollywood movie. 

On the other hand, living almost 30 years in this state I can tell you first hand there are plenty of “cowboys” roaming that state and plenty more where they came from. This movie does no justice to the real cowboy way of life in the country or open ranges but it opens the door to the notion.

It could have well been Wyoming or Texas or even Colorado but New Mexico was a good choice.  It does however in a very weak sense capture some of the culture and traditions related to customs, traditions, promises and a wacky sense of duty or code to help those in need and rectify mistakes or make good on things said and done in the past. 

Driving their beat up trucks and listening to their favorite country stations it was and is a common sight to watch even in some of the big cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe or Las Cruces. Cowboys in New Mexico are still very much alive and the culture is still thriving for the young boys and girls .growing up around the culture. 

Cowboy hats and boots are normal daily wear for the real cowboys and even those who wannabee cowboys engage in the facade as they play the part as urban cowboys doing it up so well with their rhinestone outfits and shiny belt buckles never earned and store bought for a good impression with the girls. 

Cowgirls on the other hand like to look at these four wheel drive trucks and peek or gander at the most opportune moment to see if the guy behind the wheel is a cute country boy listening to Cash, Hank, Willie and Waylon. 

These boys aren’t cowboys if they aren’t listening to a good tune by those already mentioned or George Strait and some of the other boys whose songs and lyrics will put them in the mood for love so it seems. 

The word “cowboy” is a noun meaning a reckless or irresponsible person, especially a show-off or one who undertakes a dangerous or sensitive task heedlessly. The word “hick” is also a noun meaning “an unsophisticated, boorish, and provincial person.” Finally, the word “redneck” is a noun meaning “an uneducated white farm laborer, especially from the South.

Depending on the time of the evening or night there could be a delicate situation here where all of the above can appear before the night is over.  It all depends on how much beer or whisky they have consumed. Fortunately one can find them all in one place as it depends how drunk they are for you to tag them with the right label. 

Funny how that corresponds to the image of ranch hands, a herd of cattle, a rodeo or other farm like setting rather than horses, wide open country and bars. It seems there is no relationship there at all but when you put it all together, you have captured the culture.

Everyone including myself dressed the part feeling as though I had transitioned into a fashion world of plaid shirts, worn out jeans, and cowboy boots which seemed to be a common casual fashion trend during the moment. Going out to a nightclub prompted me to dress in a rodeo fashion and the hardest decision I had to make was black hat or white hat depending what mood I was in. 

The fact was before you reached the country western nightclub you were entertained by men and their women who found good tail gate party spots near the city limits and parked their jacked-up trucks and jeeps while they played drinking games such as “stump” that included a tree stump, nails, and the steady throw of a hammer.  Cruising the main strips later on they would shout and holler out their windows to get the attention they needed to feel like a part of the crowd. 

On weekends and holidays they are found roaming the county fairs and rodeos. The small town of Belen has a fantastic rodeo event each and every year and you had to come early to witness the roping, barrel racing, wrangling and most of all the cookouts of foods prepared for those who like BBQ on their lips and roasted chili on the side. After all, the arena is only so large and most of the time its standing room only. 

They would display their American pride with flags, and boast about their success in hunting and off-roading from the past as they drank cheap beer and whiskey. The lyrics to all the typical country songs that I had previously heard seemed to be perfectly fitting right for me as it gave me an exact visual of what a cowboy should look like and act. 

There is no doubt that people will always stereotype the country genre with cowboys and its coinciding lifestyle is one that many New Mexicans are guilty of living and very much enjoying. Country living can be fun and going to the city would be a great night out on the town while you drive your pickup truck to the nearest nightclub or bar where it fits right in with the other.