<P> A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch - related tasks . The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and became a figure of special significance and legend . A subtype, called a wrangler, specifically tends the horses used to work cattle . In addition to ranch work, some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos . Cowgirls, first defined as such in the late 19th century, had a less - well documented historical role, but in the modern world have established the ability to work at virtually identical tasks and obtained considerable respect for their achievements . There are also cattle handlers in many other parts of the world, particularly South America and Australia, who perform work similar to the cowboy in their respective nations . </P> <P> The cowboy has deep historic roots tracing back to Spain and the earliest European settlers of the Americas . Over the centuries, differences in terrain, climate and the influence of cattle - handling traditions from multiple cultures created several distinct styles of equipment, clothing and animal handling . As the ever - practical cowboy adapted to the modern world, the cowboy's equipment and techniques also adapted to some degree, though many classic traditions are still preserved today . </P>

When did the term cowboy come into use