What group of people introduced the cowboy ranching and lariat to Texas?

The cowboy ranching and lariat practices were introduced to Texas primarily by Spanish settlers and their descendants, known as Tejanos, in the 18th century. They brought with them cattle ranching traditions from Spain, which included the use of lariats for roping cattle. This practice was further influenced by Mexican vaqueros, who developed their own techniques and styles of ranching. Together, these groups laid the groundwork for the cowboy culture that became iconic in Texas and the American West.