The cowboy's hands are rough, calloused, and rarely resting. Their touch can be forceful, handling the rope that throws the calf to the ground. They also possess the magic to calm a spooked horse with a simple stroke, gently guide a newborn calf into the world, kindly ease a thorn out of a dog's paw, or delicately patch a broken rein.

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National Geographic Photo Gallery: African-American Cowboys >>

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