National Day of the Cowboy: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Day of the Cowboy (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Day of the Cowboy is observed on July 22nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Day of the Cowboy, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you may want to know about National Day of the Cowboy.

📅 What day is National Day of the Cowboy 2024?

In 2024, National Day of the Cowboy is on Saturday, July 22nd. It is the 4th Saturday in July; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about July 22, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The National Day of the Cowboy, which falls on the fourth Saturday of July (July 22 this year), aims to show that cowboy culture is still vibrant and thriving, despite the misconception that it has dwindled in the face of the Information Age.

📜 National Day of the Cowboy History

In 2005, the National Day of the Cowboy (NDOC) group introduced a proposal to the Wyoming House and Senate. This proposal aimed to preserve and celebrate cowboy culture and heritage, and establish a holiday dedicated to it on the fourth Saturday of July. The measure was successfully passed and other states followed suit, with a total of 15 states approving it by July 2019.

NDOC has been actively promoting cowboy culture through various initiatives such as rodeos, cowboy history museums, and country fairs with rope demonstrations. Despite our exposure to cowboy culture mainly through television shows like “Gunsmoke” and “The Rifleman,” we fully support these efforts to ensure the cowboy image remains alive.

The NDOC group continues to make progress and operates with a hierarchical structure, led by a chairman, treasurer, and secretary, as well as a dedicated team of volunteers. Since its establishment in 2005, this grassroots movement has been steadily gaining momentum in its mission to establish NDOC in all 50 states.

✅ National Day of the Cowboy Facts

🔖 Hang on tight
To be considered qualified, a rider must stay on the back of a bull for a minimum of eight seconds. There are three ways the clock can be stopped during the ride: if the rider’s free hand touches the bull, if the rider’s other hand releases the rope, or if the rider’s body makes contact with the ground.

🔖 Hard to handle
Red Rock, a bull who participated in professional rodeos in the 1980s, proved to be quite the challenge for riders. Throughout his career, he managed to throw off more than 300 riders, preventing anyone from successfully staying on his back for the required eight seconds.

🔖 “How much you got?”
The emergence of bull riding as a standalone rodeo event occurred when a group of 20 cowboys collectively contributed $1,000 each to establish the Professional Bull Riders Association.

👍 Why Is National Day of the Cowboy Important

NDOC is intended to preserve the heroic, daring ideal of the pioneer and rancher, who carved their own pieces of unclaimed land and increased their herds, resulting in financial success. Other nations have a history of cattle ranching, but the authentic cowboy is a stereotype associated with the United States.

In truth, the Wild West was hazardous, rugged, and even dark. Today, on National Cowboy Day, it’s OK to watch films or read about Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, and other cowboy legends.

We think “genuine grit” is the finest way to define folks who live, work, and play in cowboy culture today. The Cowboys own it. Let us celebrate.

🙂 How To Observe National Day of the Cowboy

⚡ Participate electronically
Browse the internet for cowboy-related material and spread it on social media with the hashtag #NationalDayOfTheCowboy.

⚡ Attend a rodeo

⚡ Study cowboy culture
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and the Cowboy Museum in Oakdale, California, are both exceptional institutions that are committed to safeguarding and celebrating the rich legacy of the American West. We invite you to visit these museums and explore the fascinating history they offer firsthand!

📅 When is National Day of the Cowboy?

View all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Day of the Cowboy. So be sure to check back soon.