| Jacal - A small hut or shack, usually adobe. Often misspelled "jackel." | |
| Jack - A male donkey; also called a jackass. | |
| Jack Sores - See Summer Sores. | |
|
Jackass - 1. A male donkey. 2. A stubborn, foolish person; someone who exhibits donkey-like behavior. |
|
| Jackleg - Unprofessional, unscrupulous, or crooked, such as "a jackleg lawyer." Origin uncertain; a possible reference to the multiple bends in the hind legs of a jackass: "He's as crooked as a mule's hind leg." | |
| Jamestown Weed - See Jimsonweed. | |
| Jasper - A man, especially a hick; someone who is awkward or not very intelligent. | |
| Javelina - A wild pig of Mexico and the Southwest U.S.; usually gray with an indistinct white collar. | 
|
| Jayhawkers - Kansas abolitionists. | |
| Jehu - A stagecoach driver. The name is derived from the often reckless behavior of the drivers combined with the Bible verse in Second Kings 9:20 "And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously." | 
|
| Jenny - A female donkey | |
|
Jerk line - 1. A single line or rope used to control a large team of draft animals. When the driver wishes the leaders to go to the right he gives a strong, steady pull; when he wishes the team to go to the left he jerks the line -- the latter operation giving this line its name. Also called a jerk rein.
2. A rope used by a calf roper to cue his horse to back up, pulling the calf toward the dismounted cowboy. |
|
| Jerky - Strips of dried meat, usually beef or venison, that can be stored for long periods. | 
|
| Jimmyweed - See Jimsonweed. | |
| Jimsonweed - A very poisonous range weed having foul-smelling foliage, large trumpet-shaped flowers, and prickly fruits. Scientific name: Datura stramonium. Also called Jimmyweed, Gypsum Weed, Stink Weed, Loco Weed, Jamestown Weed, Thorn Apple, Devil's Trumpet, Devil's Snare, and more. | 
|
| Jingle bob - A piece of metal dangling next to a spur rowel which makes a ringing sound when moved. Jingle bobs are designed to keep livestock from being spooked by the unexpected appearance of a cowhand, especially in the dark of night. | 
|
| Jockey - See Fender. | |
| Jog - A slow Walk with a slight break in rhythm. | |
| John - A male mule. He may also be called a horse mule. | |
| John B. - A Stetson hat. | |
| John Henry - A person's signature. Said to be a corruption of "John Hancock," which is also used to signify a signature. | |
| Johnny Cake - (also: journey cake) Corn bread baked on a griddle. | |
| Jolt Buggy - See Buckboard. | |
| Jolt Wagon - See Buckboard. | |
| Joshua Tree - Scientific name: Yucca brevifolia Engelm, a large, tree-like member of the Yucca family. Native only to the Mojave Desert, it grows anywhere from 15 to 40 feet tall and can as long as 150 years. Initially known simply as "The Joshua" it became more commonly known as the Joshua Tree in the early decades of the 20th century. The origin of the name is a subject of debate. The Joshua Tree is also known as the "Yucca Palm" or "Tree Yucca." | 
|
| Judas Steer - A steer which is used to lead a herd on a drive or into a slaughter pen. It is named for the disciple whose betrayal led to Jesus' crucifixion. The term "Judas" may also be applied to a goat, mare, cow, etc., used in a similar fashion, as well as a human who betrays a friend. See also "Madrina" | |
| Juvenile - A two year old horse. | |
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