In Texas, giant cowboy statues are everywhere, from “Big Tex” in Dallas to “Scary Giant Cowboy” in Conlen to “Tex Randal” in Canyon. But if you’ve ever driven through the deserts of eastern New Mexico between Roswell and Vaughn, you’ve probably seen (and maybe even taken a photo with) two statues towering 18 feet tall on either side of U.S. 285.

The statues, called “Cowboy Ruckus,” were created by California muralist John Cerney and are located just 73 miles north of Roswell, where it’s not uncommon to drive past depictions of aliens, spaceships and other oddities (some of which are also by Cerney).

Nevertheless, these towering figures have become an unexpected landmark in the desert landscape.

Known for his large-scale, realistic murals and cut-out sculptures, Cerney has a penchant for creating works that surprise and captivate the viewer. His creations often blur the line between art and reality, inviting viewers to pause and take in the world around them. Cowboy Ruckus is no exception.

Installed at the Marley Ranches in 2019, Cowboy Ruckus has quickly become a favorite among travelers and locals. The statues depict two cowboy brothers, Mike and Mark Marley, the ranchers who own the land. The two statues are engaged in a lively, seemingly heated conversation frozen in time. One cowboy points an accusing finger at the other, who stands in a defensive “who, me?” stance.

The question is perhaps whether these brothers really are getting on badly or whether this is more of a satirical and somewhat silly display of brotherly love. It’s art, so the answer may depend on how you interpret it. We asked the artist for his opinion but were unable to reach him.

Although neither brother had ever worked as a model before, Cerney managed to get them in the right poses to capture the scene he envisioned. The real inspiration for Cowboy Ruckus, however, came from a very different place – Cerney came up with the idea while driving through his hometown of Salinas, California.

He witnessed a dramatic argument between two prostitutes shouting at each other across the street.

“It was a scene that was impossible to ignore because of its drama. It stuck in my mind,” Cerney said earlier. This intense confrontation was the trigger for his vision of two cowboys engaging in a heated exchange of blows in the pasture.

Eastern New Mexico is deeply rooted in cowboy culture, and ranching remains an important part of the region’s economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are over 1.5 million head of cattle in New Mexico, making the state one of the top 15 states for cattle production. The state’s vast, open landscapes are ideal for ranching, and the industry plays a critical role in supporting rural communities.

Mark Marley, along with his son Taylor Marley, operates countless ranches from Llano Estacado to the Capitans in southern New Mexico.

In addition to cattle ranching, New Mexico is also a major player in the dairy industry. Mike Marley is not only a cattle rancher; he and his wife Dianne also operate Corrales Dairy in Roswell. The dairy covers 1,100 acres and is home to 7,000 cows. Although Mike is a fifth-generation farmer, he is a first-generation dairy farmer and built his dairy operation from the ground up.

For the past 15 years, Mike has held leadership positions in the dairy industry including serving as president of Zia Milk Producers, a board member of Farm Credit of New Mexico, and a committee member of the Chaves County Farm Service Agency. He currently holds positions with Dairy MAX, CoBank, and Assurance Home Foundation, and also serves on the board of the United Dairy Industry Association.

New Mexico ranks ninth in the United States in milk production, with dairy farms making a significant contribution to agricultural production. In 2023, New Mexico’s dairy industry produced over 8 billion pounds of milk annually, primarily in the eastern part of the state. The combination of ranching and dairy farming forms the backbone of the region’s agricultural economy, making the presence of Cerney’s cowboy statues all the more fitting.

Cowboy Ruckus is more than just a roadside attraction; it’s a work of art that captures the spirit of the American West. It’s a reminder that art can appear in unexpected places and add something special to an otherwise ordinary ride.

So when you’re on US 285, take a moment to appreciate Cowboy Ruckus and the creativity of Cerney. It’s a unique glimpse into American culture that combines humor, history and art into an unforgettable part of your trip.

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