Harry Smith, the Ranch Hand

Co-anchor Harry Smith was offered a job as a ranch hand during his 20s, getting paid $250 a month plus room and board. He never took the offer, but has wondered to this day what a day-in-the-life of a cowboy would be like. Thursday morning, he found out as he shared his experiences with the nation on "The Early Show".

It was a change from the skyscrapers of New York City to the plains of Tongue River Ranch in Texas, just a few hours outside of Amarillo, where the eye could see for miles and the sun rise filled the horizon.

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Smith joined Tom Morehouse and his family, who have been ranch handlers for as long as anyone can remember. Smith and Morehouse chatted about the draw of cowboy life, and they agreed, there's something undeniable about the job, but you just can't put your finger on it.

"I think it's the romance of it," said Morehouse. "There is just something about it that draws you in, it's in my blood stream and I think it's in yours; you just took the wrong trail."

As the day went on, Smith saddled up his horse-with a little help from Morehouse's son, Gage-and then they were off. Morehouse and his team adhere to the traditions of the old west, where everything is done on horseback.

The Morehouse family has a big horse operation. They breed and raise some of the finest quarter horses in the land. Smith got to take part in moving a herd of mares and colts to a different pasture. As the herd ran past them barebacked and full speed, Smith said "scenes like this would make coming to work mighty easy."

To see Harry Smith lasso and brand, click on the video below: