A group based in Hillsborough County is working to keep alive the legacy of African-Americans tending vast herds of cattle on the prairies of 17th Century Florida. They call themselves "cowbros."

• Historians: Some of earliest cowboys in Florida were black men
• "Cowbros" say they live by cowboy code: love, respect for the horse, animals
• Group performs typical cowhand work: cowherding, exercising horses

"Oh goodness, I've been riding horses since I was knee high to a duck," said Cary White, Sr.

Growing up in the country, White said he was introduced to horses by working on a farm.

"You have to look back on your heritage, you have to look back on your history and realize that whatever's in you is going to come out of you. That's where it comes from," said White.

The "cowbros" said they want to share their love for riding and the story of black cowboys with the community. They often appear in parades and work with inner-city youth.

"It means a lot to me to have the camaraderie that I have with the other black cowboys," said Melton Johnson.

"See there's a misconception that there are no black cowboys, or African-American cowboys, but there are," said Devin Ray, Sr.

History backs them up. Researchers said some of the earliest cowboys in Florida were black.

"If you go back and look at history cowboys were your blacks, Hispanics, they were considered as your 'cowboys,' and you know, the Caucasians were considered as your 'cattlemen,'" said White.

Like those cowboys before them, they do traditional chores like cow herding, sorting and exercising the horses.

"What do I love about this horse?" said Ray, gesturing to the horse standing right at his side. "Ah, this is my baby here. Her name is Brickhouse, I've had her for 10 years now."

The men said the horses are almost like family.

"My wife has actually said, 'You're going to have to make a choice between me and the horses,' and I said, 'See you,'" joked Johnson.

The "cowbros" live by the cowboy code.

"It's the respect that the animal brings to the table," White said. "It's the love that the horse demands in exchange. It's just respect."

History anchors them, and they said the bonds are unbreakable.

"As long as I'm of sound mind and body, I will have a horse. I will be on a horse," said Johnson.

"I'll be riding horses until I die," added White.