used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BRONCHO BUSTER.
afootadverbUS /əˈfʊt/
on foot; walking
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
terminate
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
bredverbUS /bred/
inflected form of “breed” — call forth
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
BRONCHOnoun
an unbroken or imperfectly broken mustang
From this reading A BRONCHO BUSTER.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
BUSTERnounUS /ˈbʌstər/
an informal form of address for a man
From this reading A BRONCHO BUSTER.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
cattle-ranch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
coltsnounUS /koʊlts/
plural of “colt” — a young male horse under the age of four
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
cow-ponies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
cow-puncher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
cowboynounUS /ˈkaʊbɔɪ/
a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
cowboysnounUS /ˈkaʊbɔɪz/
plural of “cowboy” — a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
deigningverbUS /ˈdeɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “deign” — do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
many times at short intervals
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
herdnounUS /hɜːrd/
a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
horsebacknounUS /ˈhɔːrsbæk/
the back of a horse
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
of great significance or value
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
the force of workers available
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
absolutely essential
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
the local environment
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading The care and raising of the horse herd were consequently very important parts of the cattle-ranch business.
RanchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
ranchman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
requiringverbUS /riˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
-ing form of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
riddenverbUS /ˈrɪdən/
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
put a saddle on
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
strayverbUS /streɪ/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
precisely as stated
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
well-knownadjectiveUS /ˈwelˈnoʊn/
widely or fully known
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
at the time that
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
which person or people
From this reading The cow-ponies were bred on the ranch and allowed to run free (it being a well-known fact that they would not stray very far) until the colts were old enough to break to the saddle, when they were taken in hand by certain of the men who showed particular skill in that direction.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The Sun River Ranch was a large one, and many cowboys were employed to look after the stock; practically all the work was done on horseback, the cow-puncher or the ranchman never deigning to go afoot--indeed it would not have been possible to cover the necessary ground by any other means.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading A great many horses therefore were needed, each cowboy requiring three or four, especially at those times of the year when they are ridden very hard and have to be changed frequently.
