Cowboys and technology don’t usually go together—unless you are Charli Alayna. She went from city life in Washington state to the plains of Montana, where she immersed herself in the cowboy lifestyle. She then made her way to Hawaii, where she continues to ride and work cattle, all while sharing tips and inspirational stories on TikTok and Instagram under the handle of @charlialayna. Her goal is to show people that the Western lifestyle is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background,
We spoke to Alayna about her journey from greenhorn to influential cowgirl.
Western Life Today: How did you go from being a city girl to a Western lifestyle influencer?
Charli Alayna: I actually wasn’t a complete city girl! I was born in rural South Carolina, then moved to the city when I was young. But even after we moved, my parents made sure I stayed connected to those country roots. They had this saying, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl,” and it really stuck with me. I always felt a strong pull toward the Western lifestyle, gravitating toward people who lived it. After I got my driver’s license, I started riding lessons and leased my first horse. It all just snowballed from there.
WLT: Did you have a moment or experience when you realized the Western way of life was your passion?
Alayna: There wasn’t one single defining moment, but my time in Montana really solidified it. Working with cattle, experiencing that deep connection to the land and the animals—it definitely changed me. I realized, “Man, no wonder everyone wants to grow up and be a cowboy these days.” You’re so exhausted after the day is over but it’s such a rewarding experience that you can’t wait to wake up and do it all over again the next day. It really made me realize this wasn’t just a passing interest for me—it was a real passion.
WLT: When and how did you learn to ride?
Alayna: While I’d been around horses here and there, I knew nothing about horsemanship skills or the mechanics behind what you’re doing. So, I started taking riding lessons. They gave me a solid foundation, but honestly, a lot of my experience comes from trial and error with a dash of YouTube. I believe in hands-on learning, and that’s been a big part of my riding experience.
WLT: Do you have a horse right now?
Alayna: Currently, I don’t own my own horses, but I’m hoping to change that in the near future. My first horse lease was a beautiful black-and-white Paint named Maggie, and she really ignited my passion. When I get my own horse, I’d love to explore barrel racing and maybe even cutting. I have a soft spot for blue roans, but ultimately, I’m looking for a horse with a good temperament and a willingness to work. It’s really all about finding that good partnership.
WLT: Montana and Hawaii could not be more different. How was it going from cold, snow, and mountains to sun, sea, and tropical weather while maintaining your Western lifestyle?
Alayna: You’re absolutely right, they’re polar opposites in many ways! I found the transition to Montana more challenging. My body really thrives in warmer climates. I had a taste of that in Florida, and with my Polynesian heritage, I was excited to explore Hawai’i. There are a lot of similarities that most people wouldn’t know unless they visited here. The paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture here is incredibly vibrant, with rodeos and cattle ranches everywhere, so it felt very familiar. The biggest adjustment has been adapting my riding to the terrain. I was very used to the flat prairies of Montana, so with all the rugged terrain here on the islands, it’s really put my riding skills to the test. I try to make sure I stay really involved in the community here. There’s always rodeos and Western parades going on, as well as actual cattle brandings. It’s been nice having friends who own cattle here because it helps me keep things fresh in my mind and learn new things, but it also helps them have an extra set of hands.
WLT: What are you hoping to accomplish with your posts on Instagram and TikTok?
Alayna: My main goal is to connect with people who are genuinely interested in the Western lifestyle and want to learn more. I love sharing my experiences and offering advice to those who are just starting out. When I receive messages from people who’ve been inspired by my posts, it’s so rewarding. I feel very honored to help in their journey. I really want to create a community where people feel encouraged to pursue their passions, and I hope my content can play a part in that.
| Getting Started in Cowboying If you’d like to try your hand as a cowboy (or cowgirl), here are some ways to get some experience. ◆ Ranch Vacations A great way to immerse yourself in the cowboy lifestyle is to take a ranch vacation. Find a place that has cattle, and lets guests work them. A good place to start searching for a cowboy vacation is equitours.com. ◆ Take Riding Lessons If you are new to horses, start your introduction to the cowboy way by taking Western riding lessons. Do an internet search for “riding lessons near me,” and check out reviews on the facilities that come up. ◆ Attend a Rodeo Spend the day at a rodeo, watching real life cowboys and cowgirls showing off their skills working cattle and handling horses. This is great way to learn what the lifestyle is all about. Visit prorodeo.com/schedule to find a rodeo near you. ◆ Volunteer at a Ranch If you are lucky enough to live near a working ranch, find out if they take volunteers. Being around horses, cattle, and working cowboys while you learn how to do ranch work can be a lot of fun. |
This article about Charli Alayna appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
