Here’s Why You See Cowboy Boots On Fence Posts in New England

Are you ready for this touching fun fact and how it changed once telephones were invented?

Picture this: You're driving through the more rural areas of New England, and you see a cowboy boot or boots upside down along a fence, usually on one of the posts.

Well, according to the Classroom website, there are a couple of reasons for this, and they will definitely make you look at these drives differently the next time you see a boot on top of a fence post.

The Boot Honors the Human-Horse Relationship

As with any relationship between a human and a pet, the bond is like no other. It's a strong, emotional one for sure.

Our pets and animals are truly part of the family, and in this case, when a horse is sold or passes away, cowboys and non-cowboys often hang a pair of boots on fence posts to pay their respects to their beloved equine.

READ ON: Meaning Behind Those Quilts Painted on Barns Around New England

The Boot Honors a Worker on the Farm

According to Classroom, this is a beautiful tribute to ranchers and workers who have passed away. It's also a way of saying thank you to those workers who retire or relocate to warmer weather, especially if they're no longer needed.

When this happens, the farm owner often places boots on the fence in their memory or as a gesture of thanks.

Such a beautiful tradition. So, how did it all begin?

How This Form of Communication Started

You see, in the old days, if the boots were pointing toward the home or inward, it meant the rancher or farmer was home, while outward meant he was out and about working. Once we had phones, keeping this form of communication alive in an honorary recognition continued, and it does so for many to this day.