A woman or man who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western U.S., and who traditionally goes about most of her work on horseback. a woman or man who exhibits the skills attributed to such cowgirls, especially in rodeos. a man who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western U.S., and who traditionally goes about most of his work on horseback. a man who exhibits the skills attributed to such cowboys, especially in rodeos.