Khalil can use the context clue fix-up strategy to better understand what a "Saltwater Cowboy" is. He can look at the surrounding sentences to gather information. For instance, he sees that "Saltwater Cowboys" are involved in herding wild ponies and leading them across a channel. This suggests that they might be a type of cowboy with a specific connection to the water or coastal environment, given that they work on an island (Chincoteague Island) and deal with ponies.
Khalil could also think about what he knows about cowboys—people who work with livestock—and combine that knowledge with the term "saltwater," which implies an association with the sea or ocean. He might conclude that "Saltwater Cowboys" are cowboys who specifically work with animals in a coastal setting, using their skills to manage the ponies in that unique environment. If necessary, he could look up the term online or ask someone for more information to further clarify his understanding.