* The terrain: Riding over flat, open plains is vastly different than navigating mountainous or rocky areas.
* The purpose of the ride: A long cattle drive would require different endurance than a quick trip to town.
* The condition of the horse: A well-rested, healthy horse could handle a longer ride than a tired or injured one.
* The weather: Extreme heat, cold, or rain could impact the rider's endurance.
* The rider's skill and experience: Experienced cowboys were better at conserving their horse's energy and could handle longer rides.
While some accounts mention cowboys riding for 24 hours or more, this was likely an exceptional case. A more typical ride for a cowboy would be 8-12 hours, with breaks for rest and grazing for the horse.
It's important to remember that these are just general estimates. There's no fixed rule about how long cowboys could ride without stopping.