In INSP’s new original series, The Cowboy Way, viewers across the country get an insider’s look at family ranching in today’s world.
Let’s meet real cowboys, Bubba Thompson, Cody Harris, and Booger Brown, three best buddies and ranchers who, like the cowboys of old, raise cattle and horses, and live according to the cowboy code—dedication to faith, family, hard work, and American values.
In addition to being a rancher, Bubba is a talented carpenter and skilled in all things mechanical. Being around horses and cows is what drives him. He’s been riding since age five, but to him, ranching is not just a way to make a living.
“I would have to say it’s in my blood and definitely in my heart. I’ve been doing this all my life,” he says.
He may be practical, but he’s not above a good prank!
Cody has been around cattle and horses his entire life, and that’s just where he wants to stay.
“My favorite part of being a cowboy is the lifestyle, and the good and bad that comes with it. I’ve always worked for myself and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Cody says.
Cody is the numbers guy, and these days he also applies his business acumen to the world of rodeo. A longtime pro-rodeo, calf-roping champion in his own right, Cody is now retired from competition, and adapting to life outside of the arena as a rodeo producer.
“I’ve won a bunch of saddles and buckles…a bunch! But the greatest accomplishment I have is my salvation and family,” Cody says.
Chris “Booger” Brown grew up on the family farm. He’s been a rancher his entire life, and is a renowned horse trainer. While all cowboys ride, and many train horses, few possess the natural instinct to “think like a horse.” Booger has the ability to get inside a horse’s head, and understand what makes it tick. He’s taken, what one would consider, rogue horses, worked out the quirks, and turned them into safe riding or working horses.
Along with training horses, Booger is best known for his skills at gathering cattle and penning them, from horseback and with the aid of his well-trained herding dogs. It’s no surprise that he’s competed in and won several ranch rodeo events.
Booger hopes one day to run a ranch rodeo. In the meantime, he loves the training that goes into competition.
What does Booger love about being a cowboy?
“Waking up early. There’s a new adventure every day. Wide open freedom. The challenges…” And he loves his animals, his horses, dogs, and cattle.