Cowgirls vs Cowgirls

Out in the blogisphere there is a controversy over calling someone a 'cowgirl' if they don't actually have cows. Here in the mid-Atlantic area a 'cowgirl' is ANYONE that is a horsewoman, cows or not. If the blogisphere had its way all the dairy maids would be called cowgirls, but they usually don't have horses and certainly can't go camping because they have to milk those cows. The dairy maids usually don't have horses because they wouldn't have time for them on account of the schedule of milking and caring for the herd.
Cows are a business, horses are a recreational hobby. There is no 'free range' to chase cows or drive them to market. Beef cattle are kept in a controlled environment and don't need herding. Not all horse owners are the Dressage type or have race horses. And not all of them are lawn ornaments. There are lots of activities here for horses: parades, pony clubs, amateur horse shows, Mounted shooting, organized trail rides, and riding clubs. There are lots of 'ride for the cure,' too.

Suburbia really encroaches on these operations, but in our county the farmers have absolute rights and complaints about the farms will not be entertained. We are allowed to cut corn, hay or soy beans any time, day or night. No noise, odors, or anything relating to the operation of the farm will be addressed. It doesn't mean that everybody knows that.