FR seems to be in love with the meme that these guys are 'sheep herders' and that the use of the term 'cowboy' is some kind of nefarious plot.
But if you saw the movie or read the short story, you'd know that one of them is a rodeo cowboy - a bull rider, even. Have fun with that one. The other works at a ranch after their initial sheep wrangling adventure. Herding cattle.
There's plenty to pick at without having to make stuff up.
Hey, Cowboy, who put the burr under your saddle! If you feel you must defend the movie, I applaud you courage in the choice of this particular forum. No, I have not seen it, read the short story on which it is based, nor have I gone into glorious spasms at an attempt to mainline conduct that I find personally reprehensible. Intense interpersonal relationships between males does not interest me be they cowboys, sheepmen or interior decorators. Since you obviously have a different view, I apologize for having disturbed your peace. By the way, there is an indie Canadian picture out that depicts the glorious relationship between an English teacher and his thirteen-year-old male student. I can't remember the title, but I'm sure you'll find your way to it.