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The Internet Cowboy
The Internet has changed everything…even the cowboy. Technology’s impact is so far reaching that even the most remote ranch now has easy instant access to global
information. Wireless satellite internet service links ranches and buyers thousands of miles apart in a split second. Even so, many outfits still depend on word of mouth to market cattle, sell a good horse or find a new hand, but, the internet has redefined “word of mouth” to include anyone who is just a click away!
Websites like Dreamhorse.com offer free text ads, or photo ads for a fee, while providing buyers with pedigrees, show records and links to sale horse web pages. Dreamhorse.com
founder Janet Williamsen simply wanted to offer on-line ads for buyers and sellers but ended up starting a trend in equine marketing that has revolutionized how buyers search for equine prospects. Its success as a sales and information site is apparent by the many competing sites now providing similar services (including the Today’s Horse Trader website). An on-line search displays dozens of major horse-related sites that specialize in connecting buyers to sellers.
Accustomed to viewing sale videos? Many sites have sale horse videos available for download as well as the standard printable
pedigrees and show records. With all the research done, all that remains is a test-ride, Vet exam and e-mailing a
check! Best of all, these sites are so easy to use that even a low-tech cowboy can successfully promote, market and sell his best ranch gelding
from the comfort of the
bunkhouse.
Cyber auctions and cyber shows are a favorite place for the young cowboy-to-be internet junkie. These sites have “cyber” events such as sales, shows and play-days. Participants can “buy”, “”sell” and “show” horses in the make-believe realm of cyber-space while sitting in the supervised comfort of their parent’s home. No more dirty boots from the sale barn or weekends lost to show-prep and travel. Cyber-space horse activities provide kids with all the fun… no manure fork, trailer or fat checkbook required. Cyber-research gives the cowboy the ability to access pedigrees, breed data and stallion service information within seconds. Never before has it been so simple to research the perfect pairing for your mare and the ideal cross for your stallion. Careful breeders take advantage of the internet resources while continuing to thoroughly investigate breeding options via farm visits, references and breeding
histories. Although the Internet is helpful for finding information, it can never replace a personal visit to a breeding facility, stallion barn or ranch.
Most major breed associations have extensive databases available to members for research at no charge. This means you can accurately access the health and show information
necessary today and make informed breeding decisions tomorrow.
On-line tack shops have revolutionized the way horsemen shop in remote areas. No longer does the supply wagon control what we eat, what we wear or what we ride on. Cyber-shopping allows an Oklahoma cowboy to buy a saddle from Arizona, a hat from New Mexico and chocolate from Hawaii. The local ranch supply will always be the preferred shopping destination, but store size and sales determine inventory and supply, meaning it’s doubtful that Hawaiian chocolates will fill the small town store shelves anytime
soon.
There is a down side to e-shopping. This incredible access to goods has led to a reduction in regional cowboy distinctions. In the past you could easily identify a cowboy’s home by the style of his boots, saddle, hat or bandana. With universal markets and unlimited purchasing opportunities, you may soon see a vaquero dressed the same as a buckaroo.
Lonesome Dude?
Countrysingles.com, Cowboysingles.com and e-harmony.com as well as many other relationship-related dot-com’s, provide the dateless cowhand a means to find the cowgirl of his dreams. Cowboys from all over the world place ads touting their virtuous ways, hoping to end up with a date that can rope, ride and trailer a load of calves. But does it work? Any lonesome dude can create a screen name like Cowboy4real and post a pretty portrait that came with the frame, so it’s up to the person making the cyber-contact
to verify who it really is that you have a hankerin’ for on these sites. Some services are better at checking their membership than others. Investigate what the company does to maintain your safety and privacy before signing
on the dot.com line. Being safe and smart seems to be the key when meeting
on-line.
Got Hay?
Hayexchange.com connects you to hundreds
of hay growers and brokers all over the country. Simply click on your state, select the type of hay you’d like to purchase and contact the seller. This site has been a great resource for me in obtaining specific types of hay that were hard-to-find locally. Before purchasing, be sure to ask a lot of questions in advance,
including:
1. Is the hay guaranteed?
2. Has it been tested?
3. Where was it grown?
4. Can you provide me with names of current customers in my
area?
5. What type of payment do you
accept?
Knowing what to expect by doing your homework in advance takes the surprise out of buying hay on-line. It’s also a good idea to actually visit a facility where the hay is being used and personally inspect a bale or two. Some dealers will even leave a bale for you to try at no charge. Profit margins in hay sales
are slim, and many hay growers depend on family labor for the long hours of cutting/baling/
stacking/delivering in order to keep costs low and remain in business, so a polite hand pays for the trial bale when they receive their
order.
Looking for Training
Advice?
Veterinary information?
The latest tack?
A place to chat about your favorite equine event? Horsecity.com is the on-line place to tie your horse and sit a spell. Friendly, monitored
chat rooms offer a variety of discussions between horse lovers and owners of all levels. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world find that they speak the same language when in HorseCity. It’s like a 24-hour horse fair with free admission and unlimited clinics! It’s also a great place to access information from horse owners ANYWHERE if you need advice on accommodations, feed and activities when hauling in parts
unknown.
The granddaddy of all-things western for sale is the western collectables section of e-bay. Need an antique horse hair crop? e-bay has it. How about a lime green saddle pad for Flicka’s next barrel race? e-bay again. Once you get familiar with e-bay’s buying and selling process, most any cowboy can shop on-line at this giant worldwide auction. You do not need a credit card to shop, nor do you need one to register. e-bay sellers accept a variety of payment and in many cases the vintage paper check works just fine. This site is a great way to make some extra cash off the old, unused tack in the barn or a great place to find the perfect set of training spurs.
The Internet has changed everything… even the cowboy. Last week at the feed store I saw a local hand buying a brand new pair of boots and a new hat. When I asked how he suddenly became so wealthy he told me he sold his old chaps on ebay for three times what he paid for them new. There’s a cowboy
wanna-be in Japan, proudly sporting his expensive, but genuine New Mexico USA vintage
chaps. Maybe he needs a hat to match?
Christina Fleming lives in Tucumcari, NM, and gives lessons and offers clinics on a variety of subjects. She has a BS in Biology and is a certified instructor, judge and guide. Visit her at www.nmhorsetraineer.com or send her an E-mail at nmvaquera@plateautel.
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