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The Man Who Became an International Celebrity From Biting Cows
Despite facing racism and physical dangers from his profession, Bill Pickett became one of the most famous cowboys in the world
People become famous for all sorts of reasons. The discovery of a particular talent, both widely known and obscure, can create a celebrity overnight. Such was the case of cowboy Bill Pickett, who pioneered the sport of cattle wrestling after perfecting his method for subduing cattle by biting them on their lips.
Born in Texas in 1870 as the second of 13 children, Pickett was of Black and Cherokee heritage. He grew up poor, and constantly working cattle made him a natural cowboy. Dropping out of school when he was just 10, he decided not to wait any longer to pursue his chosen profession full-time, finding employment as a ranch hand. When he was 13, he and his brothers opened their own horse-breaking business venture; the Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders. It was tough work, but allowed him to gain incredible experience and insight that served him well later in life.
During his youthful exploits as a cowboy, Pickett observed the success cattle dogs had in subduing unruly cows by grabbing the bovines by their lip and twisting them to the ground. The lip is a very…
