What is National Day of the Cowboy?

Cowboys! This Is Your Day!

Riding. Roping. Rodeoing. Cowboys are not just a symbol of America’s West, the subject of myth, legend, lore and dime novels. They were the real-life gutsy, gritty men and women who tamed the frontier. Now, generations later, cowboys continue the work of their predecessors, herding cows, training horses, riding bulls and much more.

What is the National Day of the Cowboy?

The non-profit organization, National Day of the Cowboy saw a need to remember our pioneer heritage so, it took steps to create an official holiday that recognizes cowboys past and present.

Who do we honor on the National Day of the Cowboy?

Here’s to the noble and notorious cowboys of the past! And to today’s hard-working men and women who continue the often unpredictable, dangerous and grueling job of raising cattle and horses and those who carry on the tradition in the rodeo arena, bull and bronc riding, roping, reining, barrel racing and more. At INSP, we include all the great Western stars who bring the Wild West to life on the silver screen, and the TV screen—John Wayne, Audie Murphy, Randolph Scott, Clint Eastwood, Taylor Sheridan and others.

When did the holiday begin?

The first National Day of the Cowboy was celebrated July 23, 2005. In 2024, the National Day of the Cowboy organization celebrates its 20th anniversary. According to its website, the organization is committed to the “… preservation of America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage …”

Favorite Film Cowboys

John Wayne as GW McLintock in McLintock!