Did cowboys sleep in houses when they were herding horses?

Not usually. Cowboys were often on the move with their herds, so they slept in the open, under the stars.

Here's why:

* Constant Movement: Cowboys would drive their herds for long distances, making it impractical to have a house at every stop.

* Limited Resources: Houses were scarce in the wild west, especially during the time when cowboys were most active.

* Practicality: Sleeping outdoors was a practical choice, allowing cowboys to be close to their horses and to spot any potential danger.

They would use bedrolls to sleep on the ground. These were typically made of a blanket or a tarp, sometimes filled with straw or grass for padding. Cowboys also used chuck wagons which were mobile kitchens, providing them with food and a place to prepare their meals.

While cowboys might have slept in houses during rare occasions, like visiting a town or staying at a ranch, their primary sleeping arrangement was under the open sky.