What It Really Means to Be a Cowboy

Hint: It’s not just about the boots.

Ask ten different people what a cowboy is, and you’ll get ten different answers. Some picture a ranch hand riding the fence line at dawn. Others think of a rodeo champion, a dusty trail rider, or a ranch mom hauling a trailer full of horses to jackpots every weekend. And then there are folks who live in the city, throw on a hat, and just feel something different when they wear it.

So, what does it really mean to be a cowboy?

At Crazy House, we’ve heard just about every version—and we’ve lived a few of them too. We’ve always said: Being a cowboy isn’t just what’s on your feet or your head. It’s what’s between your ears.

It’s Not a Costume. It’s a Mindset.

It’s not about pretending. It’s about carrying yourself with a sense of purpose. It’s about showing up with grit, humility, and a readiness to work hard—whether you're saddling a horse, raising a family, or running a small business. It's about knowing who you are and owning it.

You can haul hay or work in high-rises. You can wear your hat every day or only for special occasions. If you dream about wide open skies more than traffic lights—there’s a cowboy in you.

“Just Be Who You Are”

That phrase comes up a lot around here. Maybe it’s because Charlie and his wife built Crazy House for everyone. Not just working cowboys. Not just rodeo stars. But families, folks who love western style, and people who feel most like themselves in a good pair of boots and a well-shaped hat.

We don't believe in gatekeeping the cowboy lifestyle. You don’t need a thousand acres and a herd of cattle to wear your western proud. All you need is character, respect, and a sense of who you are.

The Cowboy Code, Crazy House Style

We’ve seen a lot of boots walk through our doors over the years, and we’ve noticed something. The people who live by that old-school cowboy code aren’t usually loud about it. But you’ll know them when you meet them.

Here’s what we think it means to live that way:

• Be honest. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
• Work hard. Earn what you have and take pride in it.
• Treat everyone the same. Whether you’re buying a $20 hat or a $500 pair of boots—every customer matters.
• Stand tall, walk straight. Even when it’s tough.
• Give back quietly. Not for recognition—but because it’s the right thing to do.

That’s the way Charlie did it. That’s the way we still try to do it today.

You Don't Have to Look the Part to Be the Part

So no matter who you are—whether you’re heading out to rope, run errands, or rock a concert—if you carry yourself with integrity, take pride in your roots, and live with purpose…

You’re already a cowboy.