The Cowboy Code of the West...Words to Live By

"Few cowboys ever owned much. The primary reward of being a cowboy was the pleasure of living a cowboy's life."

 
The life of a cowboy was hard working with simple pleasures. The cowboys of the old west worked the land with their own hands. They had simple rules...

Cowboy Code of the West

-If it's not yours, don't take it.

-If it's not true, don't say it.

-If it's not right, don't do it.

-Cowboy's word is his sacred bond

-Bargains sealed with handshake are more binding than legal documents

-be loyal

-Demand square dealings

-Be proud of your occupation

-Lay down your life, if necessary, for the privilege of defending your outfit

-Grant quick assistance to friends and strangers in need

-Never tolerate cowards

-Be cheerful

-Endure hardships without complaining

-Don't make excuses

-Try to be better than the other fella

-Never quit

-Share anything you own with a fellow worker

-Be generous with your life and money

-Treat women like ladies

-Never shoot an un-armed or un-warned man

-Stealing and rustling are evil wrong doing


The cowboy code of the west meant that in the Old West a contract was sealed by a handshake. A cowboys word meant something. Good character was a valued commodity. A cowboy's reputation followed him from town to town.

The code of the west helped the cowboys to know that when a wrong was done to someone there were consequences. That people who did not follow the code were probably not of good character.

Hence why there were not that many laws in the old west...... (like today!!). 

Cowboys and ranchers knew from the code what right and wrong were. It was wrong to steal a horse. Breaking into a man’s cabin and assaulting his daughter was wrong period, no excuses!



Today, our world is missing these basic of common sense "laws". I know today's world is much different from the world of the old west- but the values and common sense of the code of the west need to be apart of all our lives today.

There are many cowboy and cowgirl's who live by this code today........

Myself and my company, Buckaroo Leather, started over 35 years ago stand by and live the Code of the West. I strive to keep the spirit of the old west and the code alive today, evident in our Buckaroo Leather Creed....

The greatest asset a business can have is its reputation in fair dealing. This achievement can come only by exact adherence to definite principles of business conduct, which assure future relationships with its customers. Since the inception of Buckaroo Leather in 1979 we have remained steadfast in our belief.

Buckaroo Leather Creed

-    That a business succeeds only as it continues its endeavors to render better service.

-    That our business is to furnish merchandise to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers at a fair value.

-    That no transaction is complete until our customers are satisfied with the quality and the price of the goods and service rendered. 

-    That retaining the business of an old customer is of as much importance as obtaining the business of a new customer.

-    That strict adherence to these principles will assure the continued growth of our business through the maintenance of mutual confidence with our many customers.

I encourage all you cowboys and cowgirls to do the same..........Ride American!!!!!!



All the pictures featured in this blog are the Buckaroo John family.

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Why Buckaroo Leather Products???

Buckaroo Leather booth at Western States Horse Expo

 

Why Buckaroo Leather Products??

"A Cowboy is loyal to his "brand," to his friends, 

and those he rides with”….Old West Cowboy Code 

There are many leather horse tack companies to choose from, so why choose Buckaroo Leather Products?

First and most importantly Buckaroo Leather Products is proud to say that we are a family owned business that has been manufacturing quality leather horse tack for over 30 years right here in the good old USA!!......

......and Buckaroo Leather Products is proud to shout it from the rooftops!!

"A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, 

no matter his job." -- John Wayne

From Buckaroo Leather Creed….

“The materials which go into the making of Buckaroo Leather Tack and the craftsmanship employed in it’s making 
are elements of the highest importance. 

You could have no higher guarantee of quality 
and workmanship than the name 

Buckaroo Leather upon your Tack.” 

 

 Happy customers outfitting their mules in custom tack

Along with fine American craftsmanship, Buckaroo Leather only uses quality leather tanned and cured right here in the USA by Hermann Oak Leather. We start with the best leather to create a finished piece of horse tack that is not only beautiful but also unmatched in its quality and durability.

Heart on Ride Breast Collar and Headstall set

Buckaroo Leather has two generations of experience and knowledge in the making of leather riding equipment. We use the most exacting standards to meet your needs for the perfect custom horse tack with your exact fit, style and design. 

Loping Soft Nose Hackamore

Buckaroo Leather prides itself on our customer service. We are here to help you get exactly what leather horse tack you need for your special four-legged friend. The greatest asset a business can have is its reputation in fair dealing. 

“Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.”.... Cowboy Code of the West

Tooled Browband with silver and cowboy dots

From Buckaroo Leather Creed…..

• That our business is to furnish merchandise to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers at a fair value.
• That no transaction is complete until our customers are satisfied with the quality and the price of the goods and service rendered.
• That retaining the business of an old customer is of as much importance as obtaining the business of a new customer. 
 

 

The Cowboys of the old west communicated around the chuck wagon campfire or at the saloon. Today with the vast ever changing world of technology, Buckaroo Leather has many forms of communication with you our customer. From our Buckaroo Leather facebook page, monthly newsletter, twitter, our How-to-Video’s and this Buckaroo Leather blog we have many ways to connect…but never losing our core spirit of the old west Cowboys and their code.

Californio Vaqueros

 
Buckaroo Leather loves to create horse tack styles influenced by the traditional western cowboy tack and the Vaquero and Californio styles of the old west. Many of our quality horse tack have this influence in the style and function. Yet, we also create horse tack with a modern “sheekaroo” style with quality functionality. 

"We love supporting future cowboys and cowgirls"...John Brand owner Buckaroo Leather

Picture above is John Brand with the Youth award winner and his prize a Buckaroo Leather breast collar at the Bishop Mule Days. 

Buckaroo Leather Products was honored to donate custom leather breast collars (pic. below) for Bishop Mule Days.

Buckaroo Leather can hand craft any style of quality leather award for your next event

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand 
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

National Day of the Cowboy...Cowboy Code

This Saturday, July 28th is National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirls.  In the spirit of this National Day, I thought it would be appropriate to post the cowboy's "golden rule".  The Cowboy Code of the West was an unwritten code that all cowboys followed and knew. 

They lived their lives by this code and expected all other cowboys to do the same or deal with the consequences. 

Below is the expanded version of the Cowboy Code of the West. I have also included a few interesting writings from the 1800's depicting these exact qualities of the Cowboy.

To the Cowboys of today and yesterday thank you for keeping the spirit of the code alive by living it everyday.

Cowboy Code of the West

(expanded addition)

First chronicled by the famous western writer, Zane Grey, in his 1934 novel The Code of the West, no "written" code ever actually existed. However, the hardy pioneers who lived in the west were bound by these unwritten rules that centered on hospitality, fair play, loyalty, and respect for the land.

If it's not yours, don't take it.

If it's not true, don't say it.

If it's not right, don't do it.

Cowboy's word is his sacred bond

Bargains sealed with handshake are more binding than legal documents

be loyal

Demand square dealings

Be proud of your occupation

Lay down your life, if necessary, for the privilege of defending your outfit

Grant quick assistance to friends and strangers in need

Never tolerate cowards

Be cheerful

Endure hardships without complaining

Don't make excuses

Try to be better than the other fella

Never quit

Share anything you own with a fellow worker

Be generous with your life and money

Treat women like ladies

Never shoot an un-armed or un-armed man

Stealing and rustling are evil wrong doing

William G "Billy" Johnson, who worked the range during the 1880's, recalled that "cowpunchers (cowboys) were square shooters upright, and honest men. I never heard of a cowboy insulting a woman. If they were not up to par they were soon run out of the country."


From the Texas Livestock Journal 10/21/1882- wrote of the cowboy's courage, chivalry and loyalty.

"We deem it hardly necessary to say in the next place that the cowboy is a fearless animal. A man waiting in courage would be as much out of place in a cow camp as a fish would be on dry land. Indeed the life he is daily compelled to lead calls for the existence of the highest degree of cool calculating courage. As a natural consequence of this courage, he is not quarrelsome or a bully. Another and most notable of his characteristics is his entire devotion to the interests of his employer. We are certain no more faithful employee ever breathed than he, and when we assert that he is par excellence, a model in this respect, we know that we will be sustained by every man who has had experience in this matter."

(both excerpts from the book "Cowboys of the America's" by Richard W Slarta)

A great example of the Cowboy Code......Two cowpunchers out looking for work rode up to a Texas ranch in time for dinner, expecting the customary offer of a free meal. The boss fed them, but afterward demanded 50 cents in payment. Outraged at this violation of Western hospitality, the men roped a three-year-old steer belonging to their host and used a saddle ring to brand on its flanks the message: "Meals—50 cts." The steer was left to roam the range and proclaim the owner's ignominy.

As another necessary consequence to possessing true manly courage, the cowboy is as chivalrous as the famed knights of old. Rough he may be, and it may be that he is not a master in ball room etiquette, but no set of men have loftier reverence for women and no set of men would risk more in the defense of their person or their honor.

At Buckaroo Leather American Made is not just a sales slogan, standing tall behind our Buckaroo logo is honesty, hard work, dedication, sacrifice and integrity. In our journey of the last 30 years we have met many amazing artists, business horseman and women, craftsmen and customers who still live as we do by the American Cowboy Code of the West.










Our family has been dedicated for 30 years
 in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today
 Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Old Tyme Cowboy Creed from Buckaroo Leather

                 Two old west cowboys reading their mail....maybe the Buckaroo Leather Catalog????

Code of the Cow Country By S. Omar Barker

It don’t take sech a lot o’laws

To keep the rangeland straight,

Nor books to write ‘em in, because

They’s only six or eight.

The first one is the welcome sign

Wrote deep in Western hearts:

“My camp is yours an’ yours is mine”

In all cow country parts.

Treat with respect all womankind,

Same as yuh would your sister.

Take care o’ neighbor’s strays yuh find,

An’ don’t call cowboys “mister”.

Shet your gates when passin’ through;

An’ takin all in all,

Be just as rough as pleases you,

But never mean nor small.

Talk straight, shoot straight, an’ never break

Your word to man nor boss.

Plumb always kill a rattlesnake.

Don’t ride a sorebacked hoss.

It don’t take law nor pedigree

To live the best yuh can!

These few is all it takes to be

A cowboy an’……a man!

The cowboy code of the west was an unwritten code of ethics for all cowboys in the old west. Although unwritten every cowboy new the code and if those chose to break it they also knew the consequences.

At Buckaroo Leather we strive to honor this cowboy code through our quality leather horse tack and customer service.

 Buckaroo John's Grandpa Del on horse back

 

Buckaroo John's family plowing in Hemet, Ca

 

 

 

BUCKAROO LEATHER CREED

     ESTABLISHED 1979

The greatest asset a business can have is its reputation in fair dealing. This achievement can come only by exact adherence to definite principles of business conduct, which assure future relationships with its customers. Since the inception of Buckaroo Leather in 1979 we have remained steadfast in our belief.

-       That a business succeeds only as it continues its endeavors to render better service.

-       That our business is to furnish merchandise to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers at a fair value.

-       That no transaction is complete until our customers are satisfied with the quality and the price of the goods and service rendered.

-       That retaining the business of an old customer is of as much importance as obtaining the business of a new customer.

-       That strict adherence to these principles will assure the continued growth of our business through the maintenance of mutual confidence with our many customers.

With these principles we renew our pledge to you our loyal customers and thank you for your support and business!

Buckaroo John Family 1915

 

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 

Western Horseman the safest most durable 

Quality American made leather horse tack.. Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 

Visit Our Unique Store Today 

Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

John Wayne Talks About the Cowboy Code of the West.......

A video clip from the Movie the Alamo with John Wayne.........he talks of patriotism, honor, courage..........all parts of the Cowboy Code of the West!

The Cowboy Code of the West.............

There were not any rules written, fliers were not passed around with the code,but the Cowboy Code was, and is a set of laws that all cowboys live their lives by. To break or disregard any of the code, meant alienation by all other Cowboys.

I believe in today's world we need to be reminded of these simple laws and how the Cowboy's of the old west applied it to their everyday life! The Cowboys of the Old West Lived by these simple rules. Think about how our world would be if all live by these simple Cowboy ethics.

I have many fond memories of my grandfather Del, and father telling me family history and stories while taking me fishing and hunting. And not realizing until later in life when it was time to teach my children the values of the code of the west and the cowboy way, how much I had learned from my fore fathers. Important things like how to treat animals, respect guns and their use, and other people. Guns have become a big social issue because it is easy to blame the gun and not the core reason of the person using it and their upbringing.

A challenge for all Buckaroos and Cowboys today- take just one rule and live by it. Let us know your experiences or family stories, or comment on how you already live by the Cowboy Code of the West!!!!

At Buckaroo Leather American Made is not just a sales slogan, standing tall behind our Buckaroo logo is honesty, hard work, dedication, sacrifice and integrity. In our journey of the last 30 years we have met many amazing artists, business horseman and women , craftsmen and customers who still live, as us by American Made.

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack. .......
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

The Code of the West..........a living Code of Cowboys

The Code of the West, an unwritten law know and obeyed by all Cowboys in the Old West survives today. The Cowboys of today, working the ranches and cattle still live the Code of the West. Below are some of the rules and examples of the Code of the West.........

The Code of the West

Although ranchers and cowboys were individuals, they nevertheless behaved, or pretended to behave, by an unwritten set of rules that came to be known collectively as the code of the West.

The code was a sort of frontier version of the Golden Rule. A cattleman fed a visitor because he might himself be far from home next month. He asked no questions of strangers because in leaner days he might himself have preferred not to have his affairs pried into. He returned stray cattle because his own livestock might wander.

The Sunday-school aspect of this unwritten book of laws disappeared entirely when the cattleman felt himself threatened. The code gave him the right to set up vigilance committees whose members acted as sheriffs, prosecutors, judges and executioners, dispensing justice on the spot. If no vigilantes were available for the job, he took matters into his own hands. Since there was little or no law in the Old West, the cowboy made his own rules from the outset. In his unwritten code there were certain principles understood by nearly everyone, and stories of the range are filled with examples of their observance.

In Lavaca County, Texas, one February day in 1874, cattleman Willis McCutcheon sized up a spunky young lad named West and decided that despite his youth he'd do to drive the McCutcheon firm's first herd of the year to Ellsworth, Kansas. "You'll get half of whatever these cows bring over the price per head after expenses," McCutcheon promised. The boy said that would do.

The drive was halfway to Ellsworth when a five-hour blizzard killed the trail crew's remuda of 78 horses. Having promised to get the cattle through, West traded some cows-and with them part of his profits-for six horses and a mule. A month later he managed to get the cattle to the Kansas market. He sold them off a few at a time during the summer and fall.

When West finally returned to Lavaca County in December, McCutcheon's bookkeeper figured the profits, deducting the value of the lost horses (West made no objection). "Are you going to buy a herd of your own, or start a bank?" the bookkeeper joked as he handed over the young man's profit — 75 cents. West smiled and pocketed the coins without a complaint at the outcome of a deal that he had sealed with his word.

Two cowpunchers out looking for work rode up to a Texas ranch in time for dinner, expecting the customary offer of a free meal. The boss fed them, but afterward demanded 50 cents in payment. Outraged at this violation of Western hospitality, the men roped a three-year-old steer belonging to their host and used a saddle ring to brand on its flanks the message: "Meals—50 cts." The steer was left to roam the range and proclaim the owner's ignominy.

In its simplest form the code was merely a common ethic of fair play, and it worked reasonably well. At the N Bar Ranch in Montana, for example, the foreman fired a hand because he failed to pay a prostitute her promised fee. On the bank of the Colorado River in Texas a young puncher, asked to take the lead in swimming the herd across, said that while he was not a good swimmer and was afraid of the water "I am a hired hand and will not shirk my duty." He made it.

Some of the fine points of the code dictated horseman's etiquette. No one borrowed a horse from another man's string without his permission (which was rarely given). One did not whip or kick a borrowed horse. When two mounted cowboys approached each other on the trail both were supposed to keep course and perhaps pass a friendly word; to veer off was to suggest furtiveness —or even danger. But a wave of greeting was considered bad form —it might scare a horse. If one man dismounted, the other did too, so they would meet on equal terms. A man on foot did not grab the bridle of a mounted man's horse, for that could be taken as an intrusion on the rider's control.

Other rules of the code governed the practicalities of range land housekeeping. Cowboys were expected to close pasture and corral gates behind them, and to remove their sharp- roweled spurs when they entered another man's house. On roundup a cowboy did not wait for his fellow hands to arrive before beginning his meal; he helped himself and began eating at once so he would be out of the way when other punchers came to dip food from the common pots and pans.

In matters of money, most cowboys bound themselves to be trusting and trustworthy. One North Dakota hand gave back part of his wages for digging potholes because he realized later he had dug one of them too shallow. At payoff time on the range bosses might dump sacks of money on the ground and leave them there, unmolested, for days at a time until the boys came by to pick up their wages. On a handshake cattle buyers would take whole herds sight unseen. G. W. Rourke, a railroad agent at Dodge City, recalled, "I've seen many a transaction in steers, running as high as 5,000 head and involving more than $100,000, closed and carried out to the letter, with no semblance of a written contract." In the market crash of 1873 Texas cattlemen, stuck with notes totaling $1.5 million to Kansas banks, paid off the debts almost to the penny—at the price of personal ruin for a number of the ranchers.

Do you live by the Code of the West? Do you think it is still living today? Comment here or on my Facebook Fan Page

From a wonderful website The Spell of the West

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the
Western Horseman the safest most durable
Quality American made leather horse tack.......Buckaroo John Brand
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

The Cowboy Code Of the West- Words to Live By!

The Cowboy Code of the West, the unwritten law of the true cowboys of the American West. The code embodied a spirit of individual responsibility, pride in country, God, and himself and family.

The above photo is of a group of Texas Cowboys at the turn of the century in 1901.

Today- it seems the basic nature of the Cowboy Code is hard to find. If everyone raised their children and lived the Cowboy Code- what a difference.

Listed below is The Cowboy Code of the West. Think about how many of these you follow every day- or would like to see more people follow. I have also added some tried and true Cowboy "thoughts" on how to be a True Cowboy........Ride American!!

The Cowboy Code of the West

Respect yourself and others.
Accept responsibility for your life.
Be positive and cheerful.
Be a person of your word.
Go the distance.
Be fair in all your dealings.
Be a good friend & neighbor.

In much the same way- Gene Autry wrote his:

Gene Autry's Cowboy Code Of Honor

A cowboy never takes unfair advantage - even of an enemy.
A cowboy never betrays a trust.
He never goes back on his word.
A cowboy always tells the truth.
A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals.
A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerance's.
A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble.
A cowboy is always a good worker.
A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents and his nation's laws.
A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed.
A cowboy is a Patriot.

The Lone Ranger Creed

I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has. That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number. That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man. -The Lone Ranger

Will Rogers was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known. Here is some sound advice from Will……..
(the picture is Inauguration of Maddux Air Lines passenger service between Los Angeles and San Diego, September 22, 1927. Passengers included Mr. and Mrs. Will Rogers; Benjamin Franklin Mahoney, owner of Ryan Aircraft Manufacturing Company; Harry Culver, developer of Culver City; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Maddux; and Charles Lindbergh (pilot).)

Cowboy Code Of Ethics

Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.

Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.

AND FINALLY: After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him . . . The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut!

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the
Western Horseman the safest most durable
Quality American made leather horse tack.......Buckaroo John Brand

Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

The Cowboy Code- Words to Live by!!

A few months ago I wrote a blog entry for The Pony Expression on The Cowboy Code. I wanted to revisit this topic, because I believe today's world needs to be reminded of the simple "golden rule" and how the Cowboy's of the old west applied it to their everyday life!

(pictured above Grandpa Del)




Cowboy Code of the West (expanded addition)

First chronicled by the famous western writer, Zane Grey, in his 1934 novel The Code of the West, no "written" code ever actually existed. However, the hardy pioneers who lived in the west were bound by these unwritten rules that centered on hospitality, fair play, loyalty, and respect for the land.

If it's not yours, don't take it.
If it's not true, don't say it.
If it's not right, don't do it.
Cowboy's word is his sacred bond
Bargains sealed with handshake are more binding than legal documents
be loyal
Demand square dealings
Be proud of your occupation
Lay down your life, if necessary, for the privilege of defending your outfit
Grant quick assistance to friends and strangers in need
Never tolerate cowards
Be cheerful
Endure hardships without complaining
Don't make excuses
Try to be better than the other fella
Never quit
Share anything you own with a fellow worker
Be generous with your life and money
Treat women like ladies
Never shoot an un-armed or un-warned man
Stealing and rustling are evil wrong doing

Found a few interesting writings from the 1800's depicting these exact qualities of the Cowboy listed above .

William G "Billy" Johnson, who worked the range during the 1880's, recalled that "cowpunchers (cowboys) were square shooters upright, and honest men. I never heard of a cowboy insulting a woman. If they were not up to par they were soon run out of the country."

From the Texas Livestock Journal 10/21/1882- wrote of the cowboy's courage, chivalry and loyalty.

"We deem it hardly necessary to say in the next place that the cowboy is a fearless animal. A man waiting in courage would be as much out of place in a cow camp as a fish would be on dry land. Indeed the life he is daily compelled to lead calls for the existence of the highest degree of cool calculating courage. As a natural consequence of this courage, he is not quarrelsome or a bully.

As another necessary consequence to possessing true manly courage, the cowboy is as chivalrous as the famed knights of old. Rough he may be, and it may be that he is not a master in ball room etiquette, but no set of men have loftier reverence for women and no set of men would risk more in the defense of their person or their honor.




















Another and most notable of his characteristics is his entire devotion to the interests of his employer. We are certain no more faithful employee ever breathed than he, and when we assert that he is par excellence, a model in this respect, we know that we will be sustained by every man who has had experience in this matter."

(both excerpts from the book "Cowboys of the America's" by Richard W Slarta)


The Cowboys of the Old West Lived by these simple rules. Think about how our world would be if all live by these simple Cowboy ethics.

A challenge for all Buckaroos and Cowboys today- take just one rule and live by it. Let us know your experiences, or comment on how you already live by the Cowboy Code of the West!!!!



At Buckaroo Leather American Made is not just a sales slogan, standing tall behind our Buckaroo logo is honesty, hard work, dedication, sacrifice and integrity. In our journey of the last 30 years we have met many amazing artists, business horseman and women , craftsmen and customers who still live, as us by American Made. Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack.

(pictured to the right is my Grandpa Del)


Buckaroo John Brand

Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

The Cowboy Code of the West

I would welcome your thoughts and comments on the post I did for The Pony Expression Blog.

I want to Thank The Pony Expression for the opportunity to guest blog on one of my passions THE COWBOY CODE OF THE WEST.

This is the copy of the post from last week...

THE COWBOY SOCIAL WORLD

Over time, the cowboys of the American West developed a personal culture of their own, a blend of frontier and Victorian values that even retained vestiges of chivalry. Such hazardous work in isolated conditions also bred a tradition of self-dependence and individualism, with great value put on personal honesty, exemplified in songs and poetry. Over the years many of us have developed a romance with old west songs, poetry, stories and movies…





I have many fond memories of my grandfather Del, (pictured here) and father telling me family history and stories while taking me fishing and hunting. And not realizing until later in life when it was time to teach my children the values of the code of the west and the cowboy way, how much I had learned from my fore fathers. Important things like how to treat animals, respect guns and their use, and other people. Guns have become a big social issue because it is easy to blame the gun and not the core reason of the person using it and their upbringing…




My grandfathers family the Bradford’s homesteaded (pictured here) in Hemet, California in 1903 in a tent raising cattle and dry farming crops relying on mother nature.






After time and hard work they were able to afford to build a shack and my grandfather was born in 1912.

(Del and Barb on Chip 1919, pictured here)



He had 2 sisters and 2 brothers who all learned family values while doing their many daily chores.





(Plowing in Hemet, pictured here)

As now in tough economic and social times it becomes more apparent how society would benefit from parents and kids of our future taking to heart the values of the code of the west and the cowboy way to the core of their everyday lives. Here is one of my favorite hero’s-

HOPALONG CASSIDY’S CREED FOR AMERICAN BOYS AND GIRLS-

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times.
2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show-off.
6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9. Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.

DOES A CODE OF THE WEST STILL EXIST?

Self reliance continues to be a Western trait. For the first time since the Civil War, the federal bureaucracy is being seriously challenged. Washington is being asked to prove why it is a more effective trustee of Western lands and their resources than the locals who live, work, and play on those lands. I think welfare especially rankles Westerners because of its implied insult — that men and women are incapable of earning a living on their own, or are unwilling to help those temporarily down on their luck to get back on their feet. In the West I believe there remains a willingness to trust a person rather than trust fine print. Unquestionably, the Westerner’s symbiotic relationship with the land has never been lost. The value placed on the region’s traditional industries, like ranching, has never diminished, even among many urban Westerners. The West was as much a state of mind as it was a historical phenomenon. And the Code? Like I said, it’s unwritten, how are you to prove it still exists?

Quote by: William H. Forbis. The Old West: The Cowboys Time-Life Books. 1973.

I heard about a lot of this after the 911 attacks…

BEING NEIGHBORLY

The story is told of an elderly couple approaching the night clerk in one of Philadelphia ’s older hotels. The man indicated that he and his wife had been looking all over town for a room, but because of a convention, none was to be had.

The night clerk had pity on the couple and, although there was no vacancy in his hotel, offered them his room for the night.

The next morning while the elderly couple was eating breakfast, they asked to see the night clerk. When the clerk arrived, the gentleman astonished him by asking, “How would you like for me to build a big, beautiful, luxurious hotel in the city of New York and make you the general manager?” Astounded, the clerk simply responded, “Wonderful!”

The elderly man introduced himself as John Jacob Astor. The Waldorf-Astoria was built, and the night clerk became its first manager.

Be a good friend and neighbor. It can be a reward to

At Buckaroo Leather American Made is not just a sales slogan, standing tall behind our Buckaroo logo is honesty, hard work, dedication, sacrifice and integrity. In our journey of the last 30 years we have met many amazing artists, business horseman and women , craftsmen and customers who still live, as us by American Made. Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack.



Buckaroo John Brand

Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site