The Western culture is very much alive today, despite obvious modernization such as trucks and machinery. On many ranches roundups are still best done on horseback. They provide the perfect excuse for friends to get together to be cowboys/girls for the day. Competitions in the Western events try to imitate as much as possible the skills needed on a ranch. At elite level the prize money can be a minor fortune. For some people a guest ranch vacation is the best option. Giddy up!