Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn 2021

cowboy CowboyLifestyleNetwork.com

Autumn 2021

LIFEST Y LE

Br eathtak ing

UNCOVERING THE WONDERS OF NAVAJO NATION tyle | Rise of Crimson Willow | The Accidenta l Equine Ar tual Cowboy Lifes ir V a e iv L tist How to

se Camping | Haunted Western Towns | Infamous Old West Cow r o H | s l a v i t s boys Music Fe

LIVE THE LEGEND

LONG LIVE COWBOYS

7 Haunted Western Towns

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Live the Virtual Cowboy Lifestyle

Navajo Nation Preserving Navajo History

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history of navajo turquoise

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Monument Valley 16

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Top Five Infamous Old West Cowboys

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Western Art Rise of Crimson Willow

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The Accidental Equine artist: Trudy bastman 50

Navajo Nation Gaming

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Diamond A Ranch: Arizona’s largest working cattle ranch

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Heartache Rodeo by Justin Biltonen 57

History of the code talkers

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The art of Horseshoeing

Support Navajo Agriculture

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Derrick Begay Profile

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pbr Profile: Keyshawn Whitehorse 28 meet Julius Y. Begay

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Country Music Festivals

Three-Course Dutch Oven Meal

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4 Questions with Miss Rodeo Arizona 59 Let’s Go Horse Camping!

Forney industries 34

Difference between

lone river ranch water

cowpunchers & Buckaroos

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Lifestyle

Great Western Products

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autumn 2021

NAVAJO NATION

CONTENTs

The Southwest’s Hidden Gem

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Behind the Scenes at Bridwell Rodeo 62

COW BOY LI FE ST Y LE M AGA Z I N E

Hello y’all WELCOME TO THE THIRD EDITION OF THE COWBOY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

In this edition of the magazine, we are thrilled to bring you some great stories on everything in and around the western industry. Who knows, we might even take a modern spin on some western classics!

Something else you might notice about this edition of the magazine is that we are honoring and sharing the stories of the Navajo Nation. They are the largest American Indian Tribe in the nation and we are thrilled to be showcasing them in this edition.

This fall, we are excited to bring you some amazing, new stories on cowboy cooking, fall fashion, and some pieces dedicated for your four-legged, hoofed friends (your horse!). You can find all of these stories, plus more, at cowboylifestylenetwork.com.

From the entire team here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network, we hope you enjoy the stories enclosed in this magazine and hope that you will continue to help us support rural communities throughout the country.

Thank y’all for supporting us and God bless.

-COWBOY LIFESTYLE NETWORK TEAM

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Haunted Western Towns

If you are fascinated by ghosts and haunted locales you’ll want to add these locations to your travel bucket list. They’ll be sure to leave you with goosebumps and you might just encounter a greeting from an old ghostly soul.

BY MEGAN DEFABRY

VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA Virginia City is located in northern Nevada, roughly 20 miles southeast of Reno. It’s one spooky paradise that is rich in history. It was established in 1859, and for several decades this historic town was a booming mining establishment and famous for the Comstock Lode. When you visit this historic place you’ll feel like you’ve jumped back in time as you stroll along the wooden sidewalks alongside shops, grabbing a cold one at one of the unique western saloons, or taking on a haunted ghost tour. With many sites to see there’s a guided tour that’ll surely give you a chilling experience.

You can visit the Silver Queen Hotel where ghosts are heard running around the hotel and tapping on windows. Visit the historic Fourth Ward School where a spirit of a former teacher can be seen searching for her students. Piper’s Opera House is haunted with multiple reports of entities setting up, performing or watching a show. The Sugar Loaf Mountain Motel has a lot of paranormal activity with unexplainable noises such as laughter, heavy breathing, moving doors and footsteps. Some other haunted places in Virginia City are Mackay Mansion, Story County Courthouse, Old Washoe Club, and Delta Saloon.

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CALICO, CALIFORNIA Calico was founded in 1881 as a silver mining town and has now been converted into a county park named Calico Ghost Town. This ghost town is in San Bernardino County in California. Soak in the history and come visit this historic town turned into an attraction with shops, restaurants, and take a ghost tour. There are three unique ghost tour experiences to choose from. The walk up Main Street is where you’ll learn about the town as well as stories and hauntings. The Maggie Mine tour speaks for itself. The lights will be turned low and you’ll experience it similar to when the Mulcahy Brothers mined it in 1881. The last tour offered is the School House Tour where you’ll go inside the school house at night and hear all of the stories about past children.

TONOPAH, NEVADA Tonopah, Nevada, is another haunted location full of paranormal activity. It’s a wild west town situated in the desert. It’s located midway between Las Vegas and Reno. This spooky town has many attractions including the Mizpah Hotel, where history meets luxury. This hotel is the jewel of the desert and you’re able to book a room at this hotel and try to experience some of the ghostly activity during your stay. There is also the infamous Clown Motel where you can stay in one of the haunted rooms. Explore the Old Tonopah Cemetery next door to the motel where there are some pretty scary stories of strange lights, full body apparitions, and weird noises.

Tonopah is known for one of the best places to stargaze, be sure to check that out. While there also check out the Tonopah historic mining park, Tonopah Brewing Company, and the Central NV Museum.

GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN Goldfield Ghost Town is situated in Apache Junction, Arizona. It’s a reconstructed 1890s town that used to be a gold mining town located on the Apache Trail. The town consisted of three saloons, a general store, boarding house, brewery, meat market, a school house, and a blacksmith shop. Today there are many attractions you can explore -- shops and historic buildings, walk down Main Street, visit the Goldfield museum. You can also go gold panning and gem sluicing at Prospector’s Palace. Check out Goldfield Ghost Town’s Walking Ghost Tour as you take a walk through the historic mining town at night embracing and discovering the spirits, legends, and curses that are within the town. Take a tour in the Goldfield Mine Tour which is an underground guided tour taking you back 100 years.

SOUTH PASS CITY, WYOMING SOUTH PASS CITY, WYOMING WAS A HISTORIC GOLD MINING TOWN AND

happens to be one of Wyoming’s largest historic sites. Founded in 1867, this mining town is located approximately 10 miles north of the Oregon Trail on the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains.

In South Pass City there is a historic site that features more than 24 preserved historic structures and 30 period room exhibits, picnic areas, nature trails, and a visitor center.

BODIE, CALIFORNIA BANNACK, MONTANA Bannack is a desolate former mining town filled with chilling paranormal activity. This town in the wild west was founded in 1862 and this was the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery making it a gold rush town and Montana’s first territorial capital. There are over 50 historic buildings that line Main Street, the buildings are log and frame structures that will take you back in time. This well-preserved town is now a state park. Tours are available, there is a campground, ice skating in the colder months, fishing, picnicking spots, bicycling, lots of wildlife and of course the rich history to soak in.

Bodie is a former gold-mining town and state historic park northeast of Yosemite, 13 miles east of Highway 395 on Bodie Road (Hwy 170), and seven miles south of Bridgeport. In 1875, a mine was revealed which then had a mass of people descend into Bodie in 1877 after the purchase of the mine by the Standard Company. Bodie is now simply a ghost town and it looks much the same as when the last residents left. There are no commercial facilities to preserve the ghost town atmosphere. Daily tours are offered, with visitors able to walk down the deserted streets of Bodie that once boasted a population of 10,000. Only a small portion of the town has survived, being preserved in the state of “arrested decay”. Everything remains as it was left including shelves stocked with goods. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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THE SOUTHWEST’S HIDDEN GEM

NAVAJO NATION

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

WELCOME TO THE PLACE WHERE

HISTORY COMES A LI V E .

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PHOTO CREDIT: FREEPIK.COM, VWALAKTE

•• Antelope Point Marina

Discovering the Navajo Nation There are so many different aspects of the Navajo Nation that make it special and truly make it an experience in itself. From casinos and wide-open spaces, to some of the best beef in the west, there is so much to be discovered.

Parks

Monuments

The Navajo Nation is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. These parks are some of Navajoland’s prime tourist destinations and should not be missed when traveling through. From one of the world’s most recognized scenery, Monument Valley, to the majestic cliffs that rise from the brilliant blue waters of Lake Powell, these parks draw in a record number of visitors each year because of their incredible views and natural wonders. There are many entities that make the protection and oversight of these parks possible, some of them include Na•• Monument Valley tional Park Services, the Navajo Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Land Management & the rest – community control.

•• Antelope Canyon •• Antelope Point Marina •• Bisti Badlands •• Churchrock Formation •• Coalmine Canyon •• Dinosaur Tracks •• Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park •• Little Colorado Navajo Tribal Park •• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park •• Shiprock Peak •• Wheatfields Lake Recreational Park •• Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park & Veteran’s Memorial Park •• Navajo Nation Zoo & Botanical Park

Nowhere in Navajoland is the blend of past tradition and present culture more evident than at the National Monuments scattered around the Nation. These monuments are home to several periods of Indian culture, and provide a spectacular backdrop for hundreds of ancient Anasazi ruins. Step back in time and capture a glimpse of how the ancient ones lived more than 900 years ago. These monuments are very sacred sites to the Navajo people and should be treated with the utmost respect and reverence.

•• Canyon de Chelly National Monument •• Chaco Canyon National Historical Park •• Navajo National Monument •• Canyon de Chelly

Museums Come visit one of the many museums within the Navajo Nation to experience the history and culture that makes the Navajo so special. Each museum, though different in many ways, lets you learn and experience the story of the Navajo people and land. Learn about Navajo history, people, culture, government, beliefs, arts, ceremonies, sacred sites and language.

•• Ned A. Hatathli Cultural Center •• Navajo Code Talkers Museum •• Explore Navajo Interactive Museum •• Navajo Nation Museum & Visitor’s Center •• Navajo Village Heritage Center •• The Code Talkers •• St. Michael’s Historical Museum cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Trading Posts Blending the old world with the new, the Navajo Nation has preserved some of the old west with these Trading Posts that are still in business today. Many of these are located in the original buildings from the late 1800s and have changed only slightly since then. Selling anything from daily use commodities to artistic Navajo textiles (commonly known as Navajo rugs), handmade pottery & art, these stops along the way are a great way to connect with the Navajo culture of yesterday and today.

•• The Gap Trading Post •• Tuba City Trading Post •• Toadlena Trading Post •• Hubbell Trading Post •• Foutz Trading Post •• Teec Nos Pos Trading Post •• Totsoh Trading Post •• Shonto Trading Post •• Two Grey Hills Trading Post •• Oljato Trading Post

Navajo Casinos Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) is a tribally-owned enterprise. Each casino property offers an exciting gaming experience, as well as unique dining opportunities and live entertainment. In addition, Twin Arrows offers a four-diamond resort and award-winning restaurants. Our properties in Arizona and New Mexico showcase the rich Navajo spirit through art, architecture, hospitality, and cuisine.

Since its inception in 2004, NNGE has created over one thousand three hundred jobs with a focus on hiring and training Navajos and has distributed millions of dollars in revenue to both the Nation and State governments. We are proud of each employee that works tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for guests.

We are also grateful for our board, Navajo Nation government, loyal patrons, and surrounding communities that have supported us and our growth. For more information about the NNGE, please visit: www.navajogaming.com •• Fire Rock Navajo Casino •• Flowing Water Navajo Casino •• Northern Edge Navajo Casino •• Twin Arrows Navajo Casino & Resort

Join us!

IN THE COMING MONTHS, YOU CAN EXPECT STORIES SPANNING FAR AND WIDE ACROSS THE

Navajo Nation and everything they have to offer. Cowboy Lifestyle Network is proud to share their stories, culture, art, and beauty of the Navajo Nation. Be sure to check in with cowboylifestylenetwork.com.

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PRESERVING NAVAJO A

s we go about our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to forget where we come from, appreciate the land that’s under our feet, and thank the folks that took care of it before we did. Today, we want to take special note of the Navajo men and women who cared for our country before we even step foot on it. Long before Christopher Columbus ran ashore in 1491, the Navajos were already settled in the Four Corners area of the Colorado Plateau. However, they weren’t the first inhabitants of the land. According to historians, Ice Age Hunters lived in the Monument Valley area thousands of years before the Navajo. To this day, you can still see evidence of the Anasazi through their monument sites and ancient ruins that date well beyond 1300 A.D. Currently, the Navajo are the second most populous Native American tribe in the country with roughly 300,000 people living mostly between the states of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. In today’s modern world, you might see certain art pieces tagged as “Navajo Made”, but it isn’t just art for the Navajo. Practices like weaving, basket making, pottery making, and jewelry making run deep in the roots of Navajo culture. Today, you can find many of those art forms for sale on street-side vendors, likely, handcrafted by the hands of someone that has been specializing in that art form since an early age, passed down from their ancestors.

Religion Navajo religion and beliefs go much deeper than what we could ever type up in this article, and we encourage every reader to do their own research on the topics and find a reputable source for a deeper understanding. At the core of Navajo religion, they describe the universe as ordered, beautiful, and harmonious with two types of people, “Earth People” and “Holy People”. Just as it sounds, Earth People of the Diné, are meant to do everything they can to maintain harmony and balance on Mother Earth, while Holy People are believed to have the power to either aid or harm the Earth People. The rituals (rites) of the Navajo are meant to help their people “walk in beauty” or to emphasize and restore harmony, balance, and order. The Navajo word phrase for this is “Hózhó“. To help keep the balance and avoid disorder, the Navajo have about 50 different kinds of ceremonies that can be performed at certain times and each for a specific reason. Some Navajo ceremonies only last several hours, while others can last up to nine days. We hope to publish a deeper article on the religion, beliefs, and symbolization of the Navajo, so stay tuned for more information on this subject!

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•• circa 1950: A Navajo kachina silver figure, which represents a dancer who invokes an ancestral spirit.

HISTORY & CULTURE THE LONG WALK OF THE NAVAJO

HWÉ​ELDI BAA HANE’

The Long Walk of the Navajos is an important piece of history because it officially established Navajoland after the release of the Navajos from Bosque Redondo Reservation where they were held against their will in January 1864. Unfortunately, as settlers moved in from the East and conflict kept arising, the Navajo were forcefully removed from their land. The map below shows the routes they were forced to walk to get to Fort Sumner. Each route ranged from 250-450 miles depending on which way they went. There were no considerations made for women, children, or families. It’s been said that about 53 forced “walks” happened between August 1864 and the end of 1866.

Credit to https://americanindian.si.edu/

History of the Navajo Reservation

•• A photograph of Navajo Native Americans being held at Fort Defiance, Arizona. In 1864 some 8,000 men, women and children were forced to make the 300-mile trek to the Bosque Redondo.

•• Circa 1935. Visiting Native American Navajo tribespeople chanting outside the ceremonial cave while resident Navajos file into the cave to deposit gifts during an early morning ceremony in Monument Valley which lies within the Navajo Reservation in Utah.

Diné Bikéyah (pronounced as Din’eh Bi’KAY’ah), or otherwise known as Navajoland, is unique in today’s world because the Navajo been able to achieve an intricate balance of blending both traditional and modern ways of life. The Navajo Nation is a nation within a nation. At first glance, the land doesn’t look much more than a desolate section of the four corners, but after taking a closer look you will find beautiful deserts, alpine forests with skyward plateaus, mesas, and breathtaking mountains.

Discovernavajo.com is the best place to find any and all things about the land and things that you need to put on your bucket list.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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The Great Seal of the Navajo Nation It was in 1952 that the Navajo Tribal Council adopted the Great Seal of the Navajo Tribe, which was designed by John Claw Jr., an Arizona Navajo artist.

This first seal had 48 projectile points outlining the seal, which symbolized the Tribe’s protection within the 48 states, as of 1952. In 1988, the Navajo Tribal Council amended the original working from the Great Seal of the Navajo Tribe to the Great Seal of the Navajo Nation. It was also decided at that time to increase the number of arrowheads to 50 to include representation of the states of Hawaii and Alaska.

The modern-day Great Seal has a total of 50 arrowheads that symbolize the Navajo Nation’s protection within the 50 states. Further

The Navajo Nation Flag In 1968, The Navajo Nation Flag was designed by Jay R. DeGroat of Mariano Lake, NM, and adopted by Navajo Tribal Council. Much like the Great Seal from above, the flag incorporates many of the same elements. The background of the flag is a buff color, with the map of the Navajo Nation in the middle. Within the map, you will see the original area of the 1868 reservation which is dark brown, while the copper represents the modern-day reservation borders. You will notice the same four sacred mountains you see in the seal that represents each cardinal direction: black (north), turquoise (south), white (east), and yellow (west). Those four colors are a recurring theme in the legends of the Navajo, beginning

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breaking down the meaning of the seal, you will see the opening at the top, which is considered the East. The lines (red, yellow and blue) within the seal represent the rainbow and sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.

The yellow sun at the top shines from the east on the four sacred mountains: Mount Blanca (Sis Naajiní’ – Dawn or White Shell Mountain), Mount Taylor (Tsoodził – Blue Bead or Turquoise Mountain), San Francisco Peak (Dook’o’oosłííd – Abalone Shell Mountain), and Mount Hesperus (Dibé​Nitsaa – Big Mountain Sheep or Obsidian Mountain). The two cornstalks with pollen symbolize the sustainer of Navajo life and the horse, cow, and sheep, located in the center, symbolize the Navajo livestock.

with the Navajo creation story. Circling over the mountains and map is the rainbow of red, yellow, and blue, that we also see in the Navajo Nation seal, which symbolizes Navajo sovereignty.

Moving to the center of the map you will see a white circle with the same cornstalks and three domestic animals from the Navajo Nation seal which represents the Navajo livestock economy. Also in this flag are additional symbols from other aspects of the Navajo economy. Some of those are a traditional hogan (hooghan), a modern home, an oil derrick, trees to represent forestry, mining to represent the resource potential of the Navajo Nation, and a bear to represent recreational fishing and hunting. Under the sun at the top of the flag is the modern sawmill, which symbolizes the progress of the Navajo Nation’s economic development.

NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

BY MEGAN DEFABRY

K

nown as the ‘stone of life,’ Navajo Turquoise holds great value and significance among the Navajo people.

Navajo has a special name for this beautiful stone, which they call “Doo tl’ izh ii”. The term means ‘turquoise,’ and it’s one of the most highly recognized elements in southwestern tribal jewelry.

To add to the importance of this precious gemstone for the Navajo people, it’s worth knowing that they have a great history and are renowned for their silversmithing and the beautiful art of jewelry making. And needless to say, turquoise is one of the most prominent features of Navajo jewelry.

But what is it about the turquoise stone and its great historical significance, especially for the people of Navajo?

Turquoise – The Stone of Life

Turquoise is one of the most alluring and gorgeous semi-precious stones, and even in today’s time, it is still prized and held very high in value due to its raw beauty and scarcity. It holds a great reputation for being the only “living” mineral mainly because of its fascinating color-changing abilities. This stone features a breathtaking blend of white, blue, and green, often coupled with hues of brown. This eccentric blend greatly represents the colors of the natural world and depicts feelings and sentiments like luck, happiness, and wealth for the Navajo people.

But that’s not it; Turquoise has this rare ability to change its colors and display a variety of hues according to the surrounding environment and factors like dust and light. This ability to transform its appearance greatly intrigued the Navajo tribe, who then began to hold the stone in great reverence and began to consider it a sacred stone.

More Than Just a Stone

The tribe of Navajo didn’t just feature turquoise in their beautiful and iconic jewelry, but began to associate it as a symbol for many things. The changing colors of the stone were seen as a way to determine the wellbeing of the wearer, as well as a means to restore vitality whenever it was needed.

The Navajo people took the turquoise stone to be the bearer of good news and better fortune. The stone was hung from the ceilings of homes to keep the evil at bay. It was also stored in baskets and used in the exterior of graves and homes for that very reason.

Tribes people would give it to others as gifts to represent kinship, and warriors would take it to the battlefield for great protection, good luck, and as a source of strength.

Eventually, it was used in jewelry making to not just adorn the body of the wearer, but also to harness its power and aura in a convenient manner.

Rituals and Ceremonies

The importance of turquoise didn’t stop at jewelry making. It went on to be used in ceremonies and rituals.

People from the tribe would cast a piece of this stone into a river, and while doing so, they would make a prayer to Neinilii, the God of rain. They would also throw turquoise pieces into the air when praying to the spirits of wind, thinking that the howling of the wind was actually the spirits who wanted the stone.

Numerous centuries-old religious observances and ceremonies are still valued in the Navajo culture today, where the turquoise stone was used and featured.

Modern-Day Significance

The Navajo jewelry ultimately became the timeless, classic choice for people to complement their attire, whether casual or formal. Nothing compares to the raw, authentic Navajo jewelry in the modern day. Most fashionistas wear turquoise with great grace and poise.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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TREASURE OF THE NAVAJO

MONUMENT

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

M

onument Valley leaves little to the imagination. What you see is what you get, it is breathtaking.

With red sandstone towers, arches, and rock formations, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to another world. In fact, this is one of the best places to experience Navajo culture at its finest.

Monument Valley is known for its remoteness and rugged views. There are many ways to explore everything the tribal park has to offer including hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours, and photography tours when the park reopens. We have included several trusted tours below. Before visiting or planning your trip, make sure to check local conditions and park closures.

History

From a geographic perspective, Monument Valley used to be a lowland basin before it became the Colorado Plateau. After hundreds of millions of years of erosion from natural forces of wind and water, layers of soft dirt were slowly peeling down, effectively altering layers of the soft and hard rock. This erosion slowly revealed the natural wonders of Monument Valley that we know today.

From the visitor center, you can expect to see the infamous view of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. You can also purchase guided tours from Navajo tour operators, who venture you down into the valley in Jeeps for a narrated cruise through these mythical formations. During the summer months, the visitor center also features Haskenneini Restaurant, which specializes in both native Navajo and American cuisines, and a film/snack/souvenir shop. There are year-round restroom facilities.

One mile before the center, numerous Navajo vendors sell arts, crafts, native food, and souvenirs at roadside stands.

MONUMENT VALLEY Navajo Name: Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii Elevation: 5,564 feet above sea level Size: 91,696 acres (spans Utah & Arizona)

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Highlights

TRIBAL PARK LOOP A 17-mile loop that you can drive through yourself. It doesn’t require an offroad vehicle, but it is bumpy, dusty, and slow going. This loop will take you by all the main sites of Monument Valley including but not limited to the iconic Mittens and John Ford’s Point. This is the only self-drive loop that is available without a guide. Any other roads beyond this loop require a guide such as the ones mentioned below.

WILDCAT TRAIL The Wildcat Trail is a 3.2-mile loop hike giving you all the best features of Monument Valley. This trail allows hikers to feel like they are a part of the land. You can expect to travel around some of the most iconic rock buttes in the park. The Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided trail in the park but offers some world-class scenery as it takes hikers for a walk through the world-famous Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.

NATION

VALLEY Guided Tours

G

uided tours are truly the best way to see Monument Valley. Let the people of the land show you all that it has to offer. Remember, Monument Valley is not a National Park, but a Tribal Park, meaning that it’s more than just a pretty landscape, you should allow yourself to take in everything it has to offer. Below are several tours recommended on the Discover Navajo website but you’re welcome to do additional research to find one that fits what you’d like to do.

SIMPSON’S TRAIL HANDLER TOURS

Entertainment from flute playing to Navajo singing & dancing around camp fire. Visit Monument Valley’s secluded areas on foot and climb the rocks as you follow ancient trails that hold promises of beauty up ahead. Going on a hiking tour in the Monument Valley area is an adventure that will let you experience Monument Valley in a very special, close-up way.

If you are among those who like a lot of rock climbing during their hike, your guide will take you on top of famous Mitchell Mesa or Hunt’s Mesa. The reward: spectacular panoramic views of the Valley that will leave you speechless. Let the serene beauty of Monument Valley captivate you from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Contact: Harold Simpson Phone: 435-727-3362 Email: info@trailhandlertours.com Web: emonumentvalley.com

ROY BLACK’S GUIDED TOURS

Provides a variety of tours: Jeep tours, horse tours, and hiking tours to places of interest in Monument Valley and Mystery Valley located south of the Park Valley itself.

Lodge in a Hogan Bed & Breakfast.

Contact: Roy & Christine Black Phone: 928-429-1959 Email: royblacksguidedtours@yahoo.com Web: royblackguidedtours.com

Navajo Nation Parks & Recreations THE NAVAJO NATION

Parks & Recreation is one of the oldest programs within the Navajo Nation Government, which was established in 1957 by the Navajo Nation Tribal Council. The Navajo Nation Reservation is over 25,000 miles and covers over four states: NM, UT, CO, and AZ. Therefore, the laws, regulations, and policies brought forth by the Navajo Nation are governed by the Navajo Nation Laws and Policies. Please be cognizant of all Navajo Nation Laws while visiting our tribal parks.

NO CREMATION, NO LITTERING, NO CLIMBING, NO CAMPING, and NO DRONES inside the Navajo Tribal Parks.

PHILLIPS’ PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS BY KEYA-HOZHONI

Offers vehicle tours, hiking tours, custom-designed tours including overnight camping and special photographic tours through Monument Valley and nearby Mystery Valley.

Contact: Carlos & Carl Phillips Phone: 928-309-7440 Email: carl@monumentvalley.com Web: monumentvalley.com

MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS (FORMERLY TOTEM POLE TOURS)

Provides commercial tours, Jeep tours, and photography tours. Provides overnight trips with dinner, entertainment and breakfast, plus cookouts. Cookouts are arranged with tours only and individuals can try Navajo Tacos or BBQ meals.

For commercial filming, one must obtain a permit from Navajo Broadcast Services obs. navajo-nsn.gov before filming.

Contact: Rosita L. Bedoni Phone: 435-727-3313 Email: monumentvalleytours@yahoo.com Web: monumentvalleytours.net

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Get Your Game On at Navajo Nation Casinos

B

efore jumping into the details of Navajo Nation Casinos, we want to remind everyone to check each website before making travel plans. While the Navajo Nation deeply appreciates the ongoing support of local communities, please be mindful of health precautions in place to keep everyone safe.

Each casino property offers an exciting gaming experience, as well as unique dining opportunities and live entertainment. In addition, Twin Arrows offers a four-diamond resort and award-winning restaurants. Our properties in Arizona and New Mexico showcase the rich Navajo spirit through art, architecture, hospitality and cuisine.

Since its inception in 2004, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) has created over one thousand three hundred jobs with a focus on hiring and training Navajos and has distributed millions of dollars in revenue to both the Nation and State governments. We are proud of each employee that works tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for guests. We are also grateful for our board, Navajo Nation government, loyal patrons and surrounding communities that have supported us and our growth.

Here is a breakdown of the Casinos that make up NNGE:

FIRE ROCK CASINO Located just outside of Gallup, New Mexico, off the I-40, Fire Rock Casino was the first of many gaming locations within the Navajo Nation. Named after the beautiful red sulfur rocks of Red Rock Park, not only are you sure to have a great time, but you can enjoy a beautiful view as well. Their doors opened in November of 2008, making it the perfect getaway for folks located anywhere in the four corners.

This casino provides a players club, bingo, slots, table games, restaurants, and a gift shop. There’s no time like now and if you are a Navajo Nation resident, it’s time to play! For more information please visit www.firerockcasino.com.

Twin Arrows Casino TWIN ARROWS NAVAJO

NORTHERN EDGE CASINO The Northern Edge Navajo Casino opened in January, 2012 and has taken gaming in the Four Corners to a whole new level. Located in Farmington, New Mexico, between Mount Blanca, Mount Taylor, Mount Hesperus and the San Francisco Peaks, Northern Edge Navajo Casino is another great casino option for those wanted a taste of culture and one of the best gaming experiences in the southwest. This casino provides a players club, slots, table games, restaurants, and a gift shop. For more information please visit www.northernedgecasino.com.

FLOWING WATER CASINO Nestled in the hills of Ship Rock, New Mexico, Flowing Water Casino has been open since October 2010. This casino provides the most premier gaming experience in New Mexico. Located just 5 minutes east of Shiprock, Flowing Water is the perfect spot for anyone looking to experience everything a Navajo Nation Casino has to offer.

Not only can you expect to find traditional art and architecture that symbolize the rich Navajo history, you can also immerse yourself in the culture while marveling at various Navajo murals. Flowing Water offers some of the best games around. If you’re ready to experience gaming and culture like none other, it’s time to plan your trip! For more information please visit www.flowingwatercasino.com.

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Casino Resort is Northern Arizona’s premier casino resort destination, having been named “Best Casino Resort Destination of 2013” by the readers of Experience Arizona Magazine. Twin Arrows is tucked away under the majestic San Francisco Peaks located just east of Flagstaff.

Twin Arrows provides the very latest in gaming, often debuting new slot machines before they hit other casinos.

Along with excellent gaming, Twin Arrows is also known for the lavish resort amenities, including luxury guest rooms (available in three configurations), gourmet dining, culturally infused casual dining, a fitness center, heated indoor pool and more than 11,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space.

For more information please visit www.twinarrows.com.

NAVAJO BLUE TRAVEL PLAZA The Navajo Blue Travel Plaza in Flagstaff, Arizona, is the NNGE’s newest business venture. The travel plaza – named Navajo Blue –is much more than the new Southwest gateway to the Navajo Nation. Navajo Blue creates a new opportunity for guests to refuel, recharge, enjoy freshly prepared frybread and Navajo tortillas with their favorite toppings and experience authentic Navajo architecture and culture of the Navajo Nation. Most importantly for Navajo Gaming, it is a jobs creator, it employed nearly 200 people from five different contractors during the construction phase and will employ 47 full-time team members moving forward.

“We’re eager to introduce the Navajo Blue Travel Plaza to travelers along I-40 as an introduction to the rich culture of the Navajo People,” said Navajo Gaming Interim CEO Brian Parrish. “In addition to creating valuable jobs, Navajo Blue will allow guests of the Nation to enjoy an all-new dining and retail experience that can’t be found anywhere else along the I-40 corridor. This includes a fire pit to slow-roast premium-grade Navajo beef that is prepared a number of different ways to suit your unique tastes and preferences.”

Navajo Blue will service all vehicles with an emphasis on semi-trailer trucks. The plaza features premium restrooms like you would find in a Four Diamond Resort, showers and laundry services for truck drivers, a wide variety of food and beverage selections with an emphasis on authentic, all-natural options, a premium coffee bar and a fresh baked pastries, fudge and other dessert items to treat yourself during your travels.

R I B C E S TO B U S

Y LIFESTY O B W L Z A O I N G E E MA C

QU S ART N ERLY EDITIO

$20 PE R Y E A R

W W W . C O W B OY L I F E S T Y L E M A G . C O M / B U Y

DIAMOND A

RANCH ARIZONA’S LARGEST WORKING CATTLE RANCH

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

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CLN: CAN YOU GIVE US A FEW MORE DETAILS ON HOW YOU RAISE YOUR RANCH HORSES? WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT WHEN THEY GET A HORSE FROM THE RANCH? All of the ranch horses are raised outside on the same rangeland they work in daily. Horses at the Diamond A are ridden extensively while on the “works“ season, with many pastures on the ranch being two- to three-times bigger than most Arizona ranches. The horses that the ranch offers for sale at the Legacy Ranch Horse Sale (in partnership with Cholla Livestock) are really broke, solid ranch horses that can continue to be ranch horses or end up in some of the highest levels of performance horse competitions in the country.

The Diamond A currently runs a remuda of 75 working saddle horses, 30 broodmares, 3 stallions, and 35 young geldings and fillies. All the horses are run outside in the same tough country they work in. The bloodlines of the ranch are mostly from cow and ranch horse stock and include Tanquery Gin, Doc O’Lena, Colonel Freckles, Peppy San Badger, Bueno Chex, Driftwood, Zan Parr Bar, PlayGun, Easy Jet, and Doc Tom Tucker.

The horses and cowboys of the Diamond A are part of an old cowboy tradition that continues to live on throughout the southwest and with a strong dedication to people, cattle, and horses the Diamond A strives to continue as a leader in the industry.

CLN: IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD THAT YOU THINK OUR AUDIENCE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DIAMOND A RANCH? With the purchase of Cholla Livestock by Rick and Sarah Kieckhefer, the merger of the Diamond A Ranch with the Kieckhefer’s K4 Ranches has created the largest cattle ranching operation in the Southwest. The operations have also moved into the beef business with GourmetBeef.com providing consumers with Diamond A/K4 Ranch, single-sourced, local, hormonefree, and USDA graded Prime/Choice beef that is available at many local retail partners and online at GourmetBeef.com

The west is still very much alive in Seligman, Arizona, home to Arizona’s largest and oldest cattle operations in the state, Diamond A Ranch. Beyond re-ride stories and stories passed down from the generations, we were able to secure some time with Ranch Manager and Cattle Operations Owner Rick Kieckhefer who let us in on some of the details of the Diamond A Ranch.

CLN: CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE DIAMOND A RANCH? The Diamond A ranch is the largest cattle ranch in Arizona, consisting of 725,000 acres spanning 75 miles from north to south. The ranch runs an Angus genetic-based cow herd. All calves are marketed through some of the top, all-natural retail programs in the business including Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and GourmetBeef.com.

CLN: WHAT IS THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DIAMOND A RANCH? Originally part of the VVV ranch which operates many ranches in northern Arizona and once ran 30,000 cows and 1,500 horses, also known as the “Boquillas” Ranch it was purchased by the Navajo Nation in 1987 in which they still own today. Since 1982 Cholla Livestock, LLC has operated the Diamond A and continues to operate with a respect to tradition.

CLN: THE DIAMOND A IS ONE, IF NOT THE ONLY OUTFIT TO STILL RUN WAGONS, WHY IS THAT STILL IMPORTANT TO YA’LL? The Diamond A still continues with the theme of a “spring/fall works“ wagon. Though it has its challenges in today’s world, the wagon is used as a cost-effective way to “work“ certain parts of the ranch for several days at a time. The Wagon would include teepees, bedrolls for sleeping, and a modern-day chuck wagon with tents for cooking and eating.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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History of the

Navajo Code Talkers Our country may not be what it is today without the valiant efforts of the Navajo Code Talkers. A “code talker” is a name that was given to American Indians who used their tribal language to send encrypted messages on the battlefield during World World II.

The Beginning

•• U.S. President

Donald Trump greets members of the Native American code talkers during an event in the Oval Office of the White House,

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In addition to the Navajo (Diné) code talkers, there were at least fourteen other Native nations, including the Cherokee and Comanche, that served as code talkers in both the Pacific and Europe during World War II. The idea of code talking came from Philip Johnston, a civil engineer from Los Angeles who was raised on the Navajo Reservation. Originally born in Kansas, Johnston was raised speaking Navajo. Philip originally served in France during World War I but by the time World War II hit, Johnston was too old to fight but wanted to continue serving his country.

The idea came to him when he was reading about military security and he realized that the military could theoretically create a secret code based on the Navajo language. The concept came to life in February 1942 when Johnston visited U.S. Marine Corps Camp Elliott and had a meeting with Signal Corp Communications Officer

Lieutenant Colonel James E. Jones, who was unsure of the idea but eventually allowed Philip to test his idea.

With the green light for his project, Johnston then recruited four bilingual Navajos for his initial test. They traveled back to Camp Elliott for a demonstration in front of Marine staff officers. This is how the test was set up: two Navajos were given a standard military order, then placed in a room in which they had to transmit the message in Navajo to their companions who were several rooms away. Once the order was received, it was translated back into English, which was shockingly accurate, pleasantly surprising the onlooking Marine observers.

It was the same year that the very first class of 29 Navajo code talker U.S. Marine Corps recruits completed their basic training. Their preparation didn’t stop at basic training. For the next three months, these 29 men would write the initial code, test it, then re-write it accordingly to make sure it would work in the field.

The system they created enabled the Code Talkers to translate three lines of English in 20 seconds, compared to the 30 minutes which was common with existing code-breaking machines back in the day.

Once the code had been developed and passed all the tests, the Marine Corps established a Code Talking school. As the war pressed on, there ended up being more than 400 Navajos recruited as Code Talkers.

In the Midst of War During the war, secure communications were crucial, which is one of the main reasons the Code Talkers were desperately needed. The U.S. armed forces had an extremely hard time preventing messages from being intercepted. They were being intercepted by Japanese cryptographers who were educated in the US and fluent in English, which made them very good at breaking codes. It was fairly common knowledge that the enemy knew of American battle plans in advance.

The Code Talkers were required to do more than just speak into a handheld radio or phone. They not only operated and carried both wire and radio equipment, but they also had to know how to set up and maintain the electronic communication wires. Their message ranges varied in distance, sometimes they broadcasted over a wide area and other times, it may have just been within a single platoon. In combat, the Navajo brought many skills to the table including but not limited to stamina, warrior mentality, ingenuity, scouting, and tracking.

Code talkers served with all six Marine divisions in the Pacific and with Marine Raider and parachute units, earning lavish praise for their performance in the Solomons and the Marianas and on Peleliu and Iwo Jima. The Code Talkers participated in every major Marine operation in the Pacific theater, giving the Marines a critical advantage throughout the war. During the nearly month-long battle for Iwo Jima, for example, six Navajo Code Talker Marines successfully transmitted more than 800 messages without error. Marine leadership noted after the battle that the Code Talkers were critical to the victory at Iwo Jima. At the end of the war, the Navajo Code remained unbroken.

Types of Code

One of the reasons why the code talkers were so successful was because their language is generally incomprehensible and has been compared many sounds that don’t sounds like a language in of themselves. When the code was first started being transcribed, there was no existing Navajo alphabet nor was it available in any written form.

When the Navajos were tasked with creating code words that had to be short, easy to learn and be recalled, the men developed a two-part code. The first one was a 26-letter phonetic alphabet that used names for 18 animals or birds, plus the words “ice” (the letter I), “nut” (N), “quiver” (Q), “Ute” (U), “victor” (V), “cross” (X), “yucca” (Y), and “zinc” (Z). The second part was a 211-word English vocabulary with Navajo synonyms.

National Museum of the American Indian

•• X

•• X

TYPE 1 CODE The original twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers first came up with the first type of code eventually called, Type 1 code. It consisted of 26 Navajo terms that stood for individual English letters that could be used to spell out a word. Since they had to memorize all the words, they used things that were familiar to them, such as kinds of animals. Then, they translated those words into Navajo. For instance, the Navajo word for “ant,” wo-la-chee, was used to represent the letter “a” in English.

TYPE 2 CODE Type 2 code contained words that could be directly translated from English into Navajo, and the code talkers also developed a dictionary of 211 terms (later expanded to 411) for military words and names that didn’t originally exist in the Navajo language. For example, since there was no existing Navajo word for “submarine,” the code talkers agreed to use the term besh-lo, which translates to “iron fish. Many American Indian Code Talkers in World War II used their everyday tribal languages to convey messages. A message such as “send more ammunition to the front” was just translated into the Native language and sent over the radio. These became known as Type Two Codes.

Coming Home

Most code talkers were able to come home to family reunions, purification rites, traditional dances, and curing ceremonies, those things coupled with prayers of thanks for a safe return. Just as with any other wartime soldier, some former code-talkers did display evidence of psychological problems or combat fatigue, but life on the reservation was difficult for some following their return.

In June 1969, the Fourth Marine Division honored its Navajo members at the unit’s annual reunion which presented 20 code-talkers with medallions honoring each man’s wartime efforts. We have also seen the Navajo Nation choose several of these men to serve as chairman and vice-chairman, in the tribe’s top executive positions and others have served on the Tribal Council.

The Navajo Code Talkers’ Association meets regularly at Window Rock, Arizona, the Navajo Nation capital.

For more than 20 years, the code talkers couldn’t speak about or receive recognition for their contributions during WWII due to it being highly classified information. It wasn’t until 1968 that the program was declassified. Recognition for these men was a long time coming, finally, in December 1971, President Nixon presented the code talkers with a certificate of appreciation for the “patriotism, resourcefulness, and courage” they presented and efforts in regards to battlefield communication, saving thousands of American lives and perplexing the enemy to the very end.

In 1982, August 14 was declared by President Reagan as “Navajo Code Talkers’ Day”. In 2000, the original 29 code talkers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medals; in 2007, all surviving code talkers from all tribes were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Supporting Navajo Nation Agriculture

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

•• X

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avajo Nation agriculture runs deep and it’s important to highlight the efforts that are being made it keep it thriving.

Because Navajo Nation has its own governmental system, that means they have their own agricultural efforts which are managed differently than that of the “state land” we are accustomed to. The Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture is leading the way in agriculture sustainability for future generations as well as maintaining present-day efforts.

According to the Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture the NNDA strives in the redevelopment of a viable rural economy for the Dine people, focused on livestock ownership, commercial and subsistence farming enterprises. Establish efficient range management programs and practices; consistent with the principles and established guidelines for the conservation of soil and water resources.”

Navajo Nation Agriculture Resources & Support

The NNDA supports agriculture in several different ways including holding conferences for stakeholders, ranchers, and farmers, the Navajo Nation Veterinary Program, the Tribal Ranches Program, the Agricultural Conservation Corps, the Navajo Beef Program, and many more.

“Providing growth and sustainability is one of our highest priorities, doubly so during a drought,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer. “We’ve been in a decades-long drought which is only magnified by the pandemic which has wreaked havoc on our nation.

What we need now is to bring change to mitigate the effects of drought here. CKP Insurance has played a huge role in providing drought mitigation insurance money to the nation over the last four years. We really need to advocate, as leaders, to use those monies strategically and urgently to bring resources back into the Navajo Nation for agricultural purposes.

HERE IS AN OVERVIEW OF SOME OF THOSE PROGRAMS:

Tribal Ranches Program The Tribal Ranches Program oversees Navajo Nation Ranchlands by administering and ensuring all Tribal Ranch regulations and lease agreements are in compliance with Navajo Nation Law. The Program also ensures that sufficient revenues are generated to pay taxes, land use fees, and the cost of administration, by assessing and ensuring grazing lease fees are paid in a timely manner. There are a total of 25 ranches spread out over parts of New Mexico and Arizona.

Navajo Beef Program

Since 1974, during the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act, most Navajo brought livestock with them during the move, most of them without papers, vaccines, or marketable genetics.

That made it difficult to create a marketable need and demand for Navajo beef products. Thus, Navajo Beef was born. The goal of Navajo Beef was to enhance genetics within herds and create a consistent, soughtafter product, which is exactly what has happened. The very first customers of Navajo Beef were the Navajo Gaming Enterprise where they purchased beef to be used in their casino restaurants. The program is also partnered up with Labatt’s Food Service which is the 10th largest food distributor in the country. The program has since been broadened to “Native American Beef” to expand the brand and its products.

Bull Lease Program

When the Navajo Beef program was in its developmental stages, the need for high-quality bulls was determined a necessity for the longevity and quality of the land’s cattle. Now, Navajo ranchers have the opportunity to bring in outside bulls to breed to their cows, creating a more consistent beef product as an end result. This program allows Navajo Nation ranchers the opportunity to lease a purebred Angus bull to cows they already have in place. They keep the bulls for a minimum of 3 months and must have all the proper paperwork in place to be a part of the program.

Pasture Rangeland Forage Insurance & the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund First, you might be wondering what insurance has to do with the ongoing development of the Navajo Nation’s Agriculture sector. Well, it has a lot to do with it. Thanks to NN partner, CKP Insurance, the Navajo Nation has received several million dollars over the course of the last several years for their insurance policy for Pasture Rangeland Forage insurance. This money is directly re-invested into agriculture programs in Navajo Nation.

“I’ve only been the Vice President for a little over two years and I don’t have a rich history in agriculture so to know that there is a drought mitigation plan in place for our ranchers is really important to me,” said Lizer “The business is strategically set up in order to bring much-needed money back to the Navajo Nation for agricultural support. Any organization or company that can meld our culture and range management together and still be successful is amazing and is much needed. It’s few and far between being able to work with a business that is not only business-oriented but also adds value to their clients through the drought mitigation program.”

To aid in the disbursement of those funds, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund was established to use any remaining indemnity payments in excess of the amount necessary to guarantee the subsequent Crop Year’s insurance premiums to fund and implement agriculture infrastructure projects on the Navajo Nation. In addition to the AIF, the Livestock Management Incentive Program is designed to assist Navajo Ranchers during the ongoing drought who are using the best management practices and to encourage ranchers to reduce and maintain their livestock herd numbers to permitted levels current range carrying capacity levels. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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TEAM ROPING PROFILE

Derrick Begay

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Derrick Begay, a 38-year-old teamroping cowboy from Arizona, is the epitome of the American cowboy.

Begay hails from a small community on the Navajo Reservation, called Seba Delkai, located 50 miles north of Winslow, Arizona.

He is 99.9% Navajo and proud of it.

He is a high school graduate from Winslow High School and also earned his Associates Degree in Industrial Arts from Northland Pioneer College.

Derrick Begay is a champion team roping header who has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo eight times.

2014 was an important year for Derrick Begay. IT was the first year in his career that he did not qualify for the Wrangler National Finals. That year, Begay watched the finals from the stands, seeing friends Aaron Tsinigine, Erich Rogers, and Dustin Bird show the crowd how it’s done.

After watching from the sidelines, he gained a new perspective, motivation and inspiration for the sport. Consequently, Begay turned everything around in 2015 with his new heeling partner, the famous Clay O’ Brien Cooper.

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Roping with Cooper had always been a dream for Begay.

It isn’t uncommon to see Derrick on the back of his trusty steed working as a pickup man for the PBR as well. Being local to Arizona, it is always a huge treat to see his name entered in a local rodeo such as Roots N Boots Rodeo in Queen Creek, Parada del sol Rodeo in Scottsdale or even some of the lesser-known events.

On a more personal level, Derrick Begay is fond of hunting, fishing, cooking, relaxing and visiting with friends and family, and of course, cowboying. Among his favorite grub is his mom’s cooking, Cracker Barrel, Texas Road House, Outback, Waffle House, and Whataburger to name a few.

Derrick has a pet dog named Emma, and his horse’s name is Swagger. He does not appreciate rude people and realizes that the most influential people to whom he is most grateful in his life are his parents. Mr. Begay’s favorite athletes include Kaycee Field, Trevor Knowles, Cody Wright, Sherry Cervi, JB Mauney, JW Harris, Clay O’ Brien Cooper, and the late Kobe Bryant.

Begay is a cowboy -- an American cowboy -- who stands for all the right things.

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PBR PROFILE

Q&A

presented by

with PBR bull rider

Keyshawn Whitehorse CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m from McCraken Spring, Utah, and I’m also a Navajo Native American Indian. I started riding bulls because I saw it on TV when I was little and since then I always wanted to be a professional bull rider. I started doing some clinics here and there, then kept progressing by riding calves, then steers, then young bulls until I ended up riding the more rank ones as I got older. I was 12 when I rode my first big bull. Up until then I was a little scared and was lacking confidence, but after coming off that bull, I was able to learn that coming off wasn’t too bad and I could have probably rode him if I really wanted to. I went from a lack of confidence to a boost of confidence. It allowed me to understand how the mind works and if you keep calm and believe in yourself that you can accomplish more than you think you can.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR YOU WHEN YOU REALIZED THAT YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER OUT OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDER? I was pretty young when I started so at that time I was just riding to ride. I think it was about the fourth grade that I started getting the hang of it and realized that riding bulls was really what I wanted to do. Then after a few years, I kept getting better and realized that I had a shot at becoming a pro, at that time it was all I wanted to do.

YOU’RE CURRENTLY SITTING IN THE TOP 10 IN THE STANDINGS. DO YOU HAVE A STRATEGY OR PLAN HEADING INTO THE NEXT FEW MONTHS BEFORE FINALS? For me, my plan isn’t too different from what I’ve been doing up until now. What I am planning on doing more of is working on my fitness, staying healthy and trying to rest when I can. I’ve been getting pretty banged up lately, like everyone else, but the better you feel at the finals, the better your rides are going to be. I am just going to do my best to remain healthy and be as strong as I can so I can last the full week of finals, getting on some of the best bulls in the world. For the most part, the best thing I can do is keep my mind clear and live in the moment. People try to live in the future and yet, aren’t even there yet. Most times, people’s minds are working overtime to try and predict multiple outcomes without knowing what the actual outcome is going to be. I try to focus on the task at hand, training as hard as I can, taking care of business, then showing up and riding the best that I can knowing that I’ve trained my hardest and that I’ve given it one hundred percent.

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NON-PRINTING LAYER

Keep all important elements (type, logos, and borders) at least .25” away from the edges of the page (out of the red-shaded areas).

Do not forget to include .125” bleed on all sides.

•• Whitehorse amassed three wins and four 90 point rides in 2020

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WHO DO YOU MOST LOOK UP TO IN THE RODEO/BULL RIDING INDUSTRY? That’s tough, I really look up to all of the big bull riders. I always watched their styles and their forms. They all bring something different to the table, it’s hard to name just one. There are, of course, the greats who I looked up to, Jim Sharp, Donny Gay, Adriano Moraes, I honestly like all of them, but those are just a few.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO BULL RIDING OR SOMEONE TRYING TO GET TO THE PBR? My advice for someone trying to get into bull riding or really anything, is go all in and give it 100 percent. You aren’t giving that opportunity a fair chance if you’re half-assing it. If you give it one hundred percent effort, with everything you have, and it doesn’t work out, then you can still say that you did everything in your power to let that opportunity arise and hopefully it was made for you, but if not, you gave it your best shot.

Especially with bull riding, the moment you’re “half in” is the moment you get hurt because you’re hesitant, scared or unsure. Be all in and just believe in yourself 100 percent.

WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I have multiple why’s. When I first started, it was just because I enjoyed it. As I got older,

I realized that not only do I just love riding bulls, I also want to be the best, I want to be a World Champion. Another reason is that I want to be successful for my family. They have put so much work into me to be able to do this, so I would love to be able to show them that all the hard work and time, paid off. I also have a strong desire to give back and help others.

As I get further into my career, I want the younger generation to be able to watch me and see where I’ve come from and encourage them to reach their dreams. I was just a kid from the reservation without a background in bull riding. So, me making it this far in my career, No. 8 in the world, really shouldn’t have happened, but I made it happen through determination, good blessings from God, and family support. This isn’t just about winning for me, it’s so much more and all of those reasons keep me going, working hard towards my goals.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? In the next five years, I plan on becoming a World Champion in the PBR, if not once then multiple times. Other than that, I want to help the younger generation more with their bull riding and just get a little more involved.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO SPECIFICALLY MENTION ABOUT BEING FROM THE NAVAJO NATION AND HOW THAT HAS SHAPED YOUR CAREER OR YOUR MINDSET IN WHAT YOU DO? Being from the Navajo Nation hasn’t hindered me, but has in fact, helped me. When riding bulls at this level, I am typically the only Navajo there, so some kids would see that as an insecurity but to me, it’s something that I’m proud of. I’m not different in the way that I show up to be a cowboy and to ride bulls. Me being Navajo, I embrace the differences that I have and the beliefs that I have in my culture, that makes me who I am and I’m not going to change that, I love that about myself.

®

MEET JULIUS Y. BEGAY

THE LIFE OF A NAVAJO BULL RIDER It’s always an honor to be able to learn about the life accomplishments of a rodeo athlete. Today, we have a special treat, as I will share the story of Julius Y. Begay, a Navajo bull rider.

BY PETER VARLET

CLN: THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK WITH US. CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? I started riding when I was about six years old. My older brothers would put me on sheep and calves, then eventually, when I was about 11, I leveled up to ride full-sized bulls. Meanwhile, I rode horses in the open range and got on a few bulls too. Because I grew up around livestock, that helped get me into bull riding and also helped me to not have a fear of the bulls. It was an interest that I shared with my brothers and cousin brothers as well. I live in both New Mexico and Arizona and have been working for the federal government for over 30 years.

WHAT DID YOUR CAREER IN BULL RIDING LOOK LIKE EARLY ON? I didn’t really attend junior rodeos because it would take all day just to get to the bull riding event. Instead, I went straight to the open rodeos before they had age limits. Both my older and younger brothers rode bulls and bareback horses a few times. My younger brother became a team roper, but my older brother didn’t end up in rodeo with us. I climbed on my first full-sized bull when I was only 11 years old. I remember, my cousins and I would round up some range bulls to ride. We built chutes and used those range bulls in addition to riding some wild horses.

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Julius Y. Begay’s Accolades

■■12x National Senior Pro

That’s where it really started for me, in a chute made of wood on the back of a wild horse or a range bull. I have been riding bulls ever since with the Indian rodeos such as the NNRCA (Navajo Nation Cowboys Assoc), AIRCA (All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Assoc), SWIRA (Southwest Indian Rodeo Assoc), and the PRCA when I was able to.

Rodeo helped me get through college financially.

IN ADDITION TO BULL RIDING, WHAT ARE SOME ACTIVITIES YOU REALLY ENJOY PARTICIPATING IN? I really enjoy team roping, running, welding, horseback riding, and traveling to rodeos. I also enjoy visiting with family, and sometimes I just enjoy staying home and relaxing.

Rodeo Association World Champion Bullrider ■■3x Indian National Finals Rodeo World Champion Bullrider (qualified for the INFR over 25 times) ■■2x Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association World Champion Bullrider ■■1995 PRCA Rookie of the Year ■■2019 – American Bull Riding Federation (ABRF) / National Senior Pro Bullriding World Champion ■■2X Grand Canyon Intercollegiate Finals Champion

WHO DO YOU MOST LOOK UP TO IN THE RODEO/BULL RIDING INDUSTRY? It would be my grandfather. I never met him but my brothers passed down his teachings to me and told me a lot of stories about him. When I was younger, I looked up to those cowboys that have paved the way such as Danny Flynn, Ted Nuce, Tuff Hedeman, Lane Frost, and others.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU BELIEVE SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS? I just believe in myself and focus on my ability to ride. I also really focus on my training and health and believe in what I’m capable of. I also have a good support system from my brothers and sisters and from Lonette. I’d just like to thank them all again along with the sponsors and fans who have supported me throughout the years.

WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

For me, it’s truly just the love for the sport, the wins, and overall, just rodeo life in general. It’s because of rodeo that I have the things I have such as buckles, saddles and the will and determination to continue forward.

WHAT DOES LIVING THE “COWBOY LIFESTYLE” MEAN TO YOU? To me, living the Cowboy Lifestyle means always being humble, cherishing the love of animals, livestock, and the land we come from. It means loving the sport of rodeo, the long hours of traveling, meeting new people, and visiting new places.

Don Woodard

Creating

“Fi ne A rt i n Wo o d ”

ARTWORKS Studio & Gallery

Western Art

Landscap

rt Wildlife A

e Art

w w w. D o n Wo o d a r d . c o m email: don@DonWoodard.com

Studio: 303-430-1986 / Cell: 720-217-2029

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HOW TO LIVE THE

VIRTUAL COWBOY LIFESTYLE

YouTube Creator Elijah Dicks on the History and Authenticity of Red Dead Redemption 2 36

I

f you want to fly an airplane from your house, you can pick up Flight Simulator. And if you wanted to drive a race car from your bedroom, you can pick up iRacing. But what if you wanted to experience the rugged survival and untamed beauty of the Cowboy Lifestyle without ever leaving your couch? That’s where Red Dead Redemption 2 comes in.

Released in 2018 by Rockstar Games (the makers of the Grand Theft Auto series), Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a fully explorable open world simulation of the old west, with a fictitious setting covering everything from the sunbaked deserts of Arizona to the golden prairies of the Great Plains, all the way to the rolling hills of the Appalachians in the east. And of course, it even has the snowy crags of the Rocky Mountains, if elk hunting and ice fishing are more your vibe.

But it’s not just the setting that’s represented so authentically - it’s also the people and the lifestyle of the old west.

Enter Elijah Dicks, a history professor at Arapahoe Community College in Colorado. Elijah created a YouTube channel, Man vs History, specifically to help players not only understand the historical context of the game, but to help them play the game and engage with the world in a truly authentic style.

Elijah uses his expertise as a historian to track down primary sources, digging into the archives to shed light on what it really meant to be alive in the world represented by Red Dead Redemption 2. For example, players must work and save their money to buy their firearms - but are the prices accurate? Elijah takes a look through the old catalogues from the 1800’s to compare. And speaking of work, players can fish for food, for money, and even for sport in Red Dead Online.

Elijah has videos examining the history of fishing in the 1800’s, right down to the bait and lures they used.

But if you’re going to “live” in this world, the most important piece is looking the part. And that’s where Elijah’s channel really captured the minds of Red Dead Online players. He created guides for dressing like an accurate Outlaw (think: Jesse James), an accurate Mountain Man (for those aspiring 19th century furriers out there), and even how to accurately dress like a Native American.

We sat down with Elijah to find out the inspiration behind his channel, how he uses it to tell the history of the old west, and what makes Red Dead Redemption 2 so perfect for experiencing the past.

CLM: WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND IN HISTORY? I was always really interested in history and read every history book I could get my hands on. I also played a lot of historical video games growing up. I was born in the early 80s, so I caught the tail end of the Atari era, but I was right smack dab in the middle of the Nintendo era- riding that wave of the Nintendo, then the Super Nintendo, Sega and all that. I played a lot of games, and many of them were historical, so in time I fell even more in love with history through playing historical games.

It’s little wonder that when I got older, I ended up going into history, doing my undergrad at Colorado State University, and graduate school at the University of South Dakota. After finishing I moved back to Colorado and started teaching a handful of courses at a couple different colleges, until I was hired on full time at a small college in the Denver area, where I’ve been teaching for over a decade.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN HISTORICAL GAMES? When I was a kid there was a Super Nintendo game about the Revolutionary War called Liberty or Death, which I became completely obsessed with. It wasn’t very popular. In fact, I’ve never actually met anyone who’s

even played it. But I loved it and played religiously. It was an incredibly fun strategic game, and had immense historical depth, with all the actual officers, forts, political events, and so forth.

Around this time, sixth grade or so, I remember taking an exam on the Revolutionary War. I still recall listing 100 American and British officers from the warall of whom I learned from the game. When my teacher graded my essay, he thought I was some sort of history prodigy, whereas I was just really into that game and absorbed an immense amount of historical information from playing it. And what’s crazy is, I could have listed the number of troops they had under each of them at the start of the war, their ranks, where they were stationed, all that stuff. That’s the power of games. That’s the historical potential. I think we’ve overlooked that for way too long.

WHAT WAS IT THAT DREW YOU TO RED DEAD ONLINE? I remember in undergrad when Red Dead Revolver came out and I played it all the time. In it there was a mission where you took the role of a Native American, and I remember thinking how it would be incredible if something like this existed as an open world game, free of invisible boundaries. So years later, when Red Dead cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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•• Elijah and his cousin Dave enjoy some authentic cuisine from the settler days

Redemption came out, I was a big fan, but still realized there was a lot of room for improvement. When I saw that they were making a second one, I was confident it was going to be incredible- and it didn’t disappoint.

Sufficed to say, I love the setting of the game in the American West, and the time period of the late-1800s. Living up in the mountains of Colorado I’m also right in the middle of that story- surrounded by its remnants. There’re old ranches and log cabins everywhere. There’re horses everywhere. Heck, there’s even a bison ranch just down the road. You can see the vestiges of the past, and truthfully, it’s not that long ago. So I think it’s awesome how this game allows us to go back and explore that place and time. I also love the natural setting of the game- the forests, the mountains, and the abundance of wildlife. You’re free to explore, hunt, and fish to your heart’s content. What’s not to love about that?

WHAT HAS THE REACTION BEEN FROM THE RED DEAD ONLINE COMMUNITY? The reaction from the community has been really positive.

With my background I’m able to do things a bit different. I don’t do typical Red Dead videos about game updates, secret exploits, or how to make a lot of money. Instead, I just tackle

38

the historical side of what the game gets right, what it gets wrong, and ways that you can play it in a more historically accurate way. And this really seems to resonate with folks, which is great. I think much of this has to do with the game drawing in an older audience that really loves the history of its setting and likes to play it in a more realistic way. Red Dead Redemption II is unique in that, to me, it’s a slower game, it’s a more intentional game, and it’s in a simpler time. And I think that a lot of people are drawn to that.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE VIDEO TO MAKE SO FAR? I’d have to say that I really enjoyed the moonshining video in particular, which is funny because I wasn’t terribly interested in even doing it. Yet, as I began researching, I became immersed in the topic, which I found to be incredibly fascinating- particularly how the government really blew things out of proportion. They’d put out propaganda, disclaimers, and so on, saying things like “Oh, countless people are being poisoned by moonshine!

They’re being blinded by moonshine!” But in scouring the primary sources, reading local newspapers from all over the United States, I only found a handful of instances where that actually occurred. The more I dug the clearer it became that the government was not cracking down on moonshiners for the safety of its citizens, as they claimed, but rather because of the taxes they were missing out on. And it’s just neat because that didn’t come from me reading any interpretation of that time. It came from reading the actual primary sources from the period, reading the evidence, the government documents, the local newspapers, and I just found that to be really interesting.

Another video I really enjoyed making was about the elephant gun in Red Dead Online. For my research, I was able to get in touch with Rigby and Company, the English

•• Elijah’s channel Man vs History features many of his outdoor exploration adventures

manufacturers of the historical elephant gun depicted in the game. They were kind enough to scan several pages of their old hand-written ledgers from the 1800s and sent them my way. With these I was able to break down the exact cost of the ammunition and gun during the setting of the game – even taking into account the different wood finishes and various upgrades. It was pretty awesome.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST THING TO RESEARCH? Honestly, all the videos have been more difficult than I imagined they would be. It’s tough, because I don’t want to create a video if I can’t create it at a high scholarly level. I don’t want to create a video and say, “Well folks, I couldn’t find anything on this. So we’re just going to go with this.” I can’t do that. Often, in responding to requests from viewers, I just say, “Look, if I can get it together, if I can get enough information, I’ll do it. But if I can’t, I won’t do a disservice to that part of history.”

If I had to name one video in which the research was particularly difficult, I’d have to say it was the Native American one- which was just an immense amount of work. Additionally, unlike a video about making a historically accurate gunfighter or lawman character, we’re talking about a cultural group of people. So I really wanted to make sure that I approached it carefully and did it in a respectful way.

To accomplish this, I really went above and beyond in my research to make sure I got it right. The end result was a video that was twice as long as my others, filled with details about tribe-specific clothing, hairstyles, and so on. If all the positive comments I received from Native American viewers is any indication, then I’m happy to say that the video hit the mark- which pleases me greatly.

AS A HISTORY PROFESSOR, WHAT GRADE WOULD YOU GIVE TO RED DEAD ONLINE FOR ITS HISTORICAL ACCURACY? Look, it’s fantastic. I rate it really high. Is it 100% historically accurate? No. But if you made a game that was, it likely wouldn’t be too much fun. Few folks want to play a game where if you die, you lose everything, and the game’s over. So you have to be mindful of that balance between being historically accurate and maintaining a fun experience.

On the whole however, I think it does a better job of depicting the American West than any other Western game I’ve ever played. It’s clear that Rockstar spent an immense amount of time researching the period. And they put all sorts of little details in there that really show that they’ve done their homework, so I definitely applaud them. It’s not my intention to diminish what they’ve created or to point out how they could have done it better. It’s more just me stepping in saying, “anybody who wants to learn more about the history of the American West, what the game gets historically right and wrong, and how to create and play as a historically accurate character from period, here are some videos for you.” cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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ABOUT RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 R

ed Dead Redemption 2 is an open world third-person adventure game. In the single player campaign, players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, an aging outlaw gang member, as he comes to grip with his criminal past in the closing days of the American wild west. In the online portion, players can create their own character.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 36 million copies, and is considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the best open world games of all time. It was named Game of the Year by countless outlets in 2018, and received perfect scores from IGN, the Guardian, Game Informer, and more.

The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Every nuance of the game, from plot to game design, elevates the entire medium of gaming to levels that have until this point only been made in empty pre-launch promises. What Rockstar has delivered in Red Dead Redemption 2 is not just the best game of the year, but the best game of the decade. “

What is Red Dead Online?

RED DEAD ONLINE IS THE MULTIPLAYER PORTION OF RED DEAD

Redemption 2. Players can form a posse and team up with their friends - or ride solo! - to take on a variety of challenges, from exploration to bounty hunting and even starting their own businesses. It’s a tough and brutal existence, and players can choose to survive in many ways. Some are honorable heroes bringing law to the lawless, while others are scoundrels and outlaws looking to lie, cheat, and steal.

In the Bounty Hunter role, players track down some of the most dangerous

criminals of their age, from serial killers to train robbers to anarchist snipers. In the Moonshiner role, players must carefully select the right ingredients to match their customers’ needs, and then deliver it on time before the Revenue Agents catch on to what you’re doing. These are just a couple of the roles players can take on in the online portion, and that’s if you want to take any role at all. There’s plenty of hunting, fishing, and exploring to do if that’s what you’re looking for.

Form a posse - to go dancing! Or horse racing, or even just for a beautiful camp in the wilderness.

How to Play Red Dead Online

Red Dead Redemption 2 and the standalone version of Red Dead Online are available on Playstation 4 and 5, the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, as well as on PC.

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Elijah’s Favorite Reads These are some of the books Elijah recommends to his viewers if they’re interested in further exploring the history of the Old West AMERICAN BUFFALO: IN SEARCH OF A LOST ICON A hunt for the American buffalo—an adventurous, fascinating examination of an animal that has haunted the American imagination.

CRAZY HORSE AND CUSTER: THE PARALLEL LIVES OF TWO AMERICAN WARRIORS The full story of what led Crazy Horse and Custer to that fateful day at the Little Bighorn, from bestselling historian Stephen E. Ambrose.

THE OLD WEST IN FACT AND FILM: HISTORY VERSUS HOLLYWOOD For many years, movie audiences have carried on a love affair with the American West, believing Westerns are escapist entertainment of the best kind, harkening back to the days of the frontier. This work compares the reality of the Old West to its portrayal in movies, taking an historical approach to its consideration of the cowboys, Indians, gunmen, lawmen and others who populated the Old West in real life and on the silver screen.

FUR, FORTUNE, AND EMPIRE: THE EPIC HISTORY OF THE FUR TRADE IN AMERICA In Fur, Fortune, and Empire, best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin chronicles the rise and fall of the fur trade of old, when the rallying cry was “get the furs while they last.”

THE KLONDIKE STAMPEDE This book is a fascinating portrayal of adventurers and prospectors who descended on the Yukon during this extraordinary event in the late nineteenth century. Adney explains in vivid detail the treacherous route that these gold-hunters were forced to make in order to make it to the Yukon.

FOR MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS, CHECK OUT ELIJAH’S CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE. HE PUBLISHES VIDEOS ON HIS FAVORITE BOOKS, AND NEARLY EVERY RED DEAD REDEMPTION VIDEO COMES WITH ITS OWN SOURCES FOR FURTHER READING.

The REAL Cowboy Lifestyle

L

est you think that history on Elijah’s channel is all dusty books and manuscripts, that isn’t the only way he tests the authenticity of Red Dead Online’s depiction of the western lifestyle. He grew up on the outdoor survival lifestyle at his parents’ summer camp. And those skills he picked up - archery, canoeing, camping - are all put up against the portrayal of the old west in Red Dead Redemption 2.

There’s no better example of this than his video “Cooking Buffalo Meat Over Buffalo Poo.” After all, this was one of the primary sources of heat for both settlers and Native Americans during that time.

To keep it 100, he got the real stuff from a local Buffalo farm, and yes, he even “processed the fuel” himself.

Together with his cousin Dave, they cooked and enjoyed their meal of Buffalo over Buffalo.

When it comes to primary sources, he isn’t only talking about the past.

Elijah has a series of interviews with his own father about hunting. These Big Game Chronicles cover some amazing stories about hunting Elk, Moose, Bear, and more.

Elijah also built the cabin he films in himself, converting it from mountain shack to modern man cave himself. Viewers are also treated to fishing trips and canoe exploration on his channel, as Elijah strives to not only educate people on the history of the American west, but to really live it for himself. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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THE RISE OF

CRIMSON WILLOW

BY MEGAN DEFABRY

C

rimson Willow has got you covered if you seek unique, high quality, genuine cowhide and leather handbags and accessories.

Rachel Dake is the power woman behind Crimson Willow. From Missouri, Dake is a wife, a mom to her four year old daughter, Ella, and has worked incredibly hard at building her brand from the ground up.

The western world has always had a place in Rachel’s heart -- she was nine years old when Rachel got her first horse. From ten to nineteen years old Rachel participated in 4-H, showings, and different projects. Once Rachel got married, she convinced her husband to get a horse whose barn name was Willow and she’s registered as a red rhone. Willow is the face of the business. When creating the business name, Rachel wanted a catchy name to describe red and after some searching she discovered crimson. From that point forward her business was named Crimson Willow.

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THE START OR CRIMSON WILLOW Rachel started Crimson Willow in 2014, and started by making horse tack.

She initially started the business to generate extra money to pay for entry fees to barrel races and vet bills. At the time, Rachel didn’t know Crimson Willow would take off. She was a college student at the time, didn’t have a lot of money but found a way to start buying tools little by little. Rachel taught herself everything she needed to know from books, YouTube videos, and trial and error. She started out with small things like nose bands and then worked her way up.

When Crimson Willow started in 2014 Rachel had also been going to school, finishing up and graduating with her second degree in occupational therapy.

Rachel ended up canceling her boards because her mother had passed away from cancer. From there, Rachel turned her career path and decided to put her full focus on her business which consisted of making tack for a couple of years then switched over to only making bags as she loved being able to be more creative with the bags.

RACHEL TAKES A PAUSE At the beginning of 2017 things took a turn for Crimson Willow when Rachel found out she was pregnant with her daughter. She decided to step away from the business as a result. She sold her tools, and thought she was done with the business.

THE REBIRTH OF CRIMSON WILLOW Once her daughter turned five months old in 2018, it hit Rachel that she needed to continue her business. She was upset with herself for letting it go but jumped back into it. With the support of her husband Dustin, they went out and bought another sewing machine. Rachel came back home and got right to work.

She had to build her business up again, and it started to grow little by little.

THEN CRIMSON WILLOW STARTED TO GROW She re-started Crimson Willow in her laundry room, and she’d cut leather on their kitchen table. Eventually she moved her work to the basement of their home -- taking up the entire space. In 2019 Crimson Willow got a booth at the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) in Las Vegas, NV, where she operated the booth by herself. For a couple years, Rachel worked countless hours on making bags from her home and growing her business. She made it happen while raising her daughter and having the support from her husband. With a lot of hard work and dedication Rachel has taken a leap and moved her business into a big store front and a big shop in Oak Grove, Missouri, where she has put together a small team for this new chapter of Crimson Willow. The store front opened to the public in May 2021. Rachel has come a long way, there were many challenges but she pushed through and never gave up, and her business has taken off.

DESIGN IGNITED HER PASSION FOR WESTERN FASHION Rachel’s love for western fashion has grown more and more as she started making bags. “Western fashion is what speaks to my soul and it’s what I like. It’s definitely a good fit for me,” Rachel said.

She loves designing her bags with a lot of neutrals, sometimes she’ll add in some pops of color but she sticks with styles and designs in a western flare that can be used for everyday outfits. On some bags you’ll see genuine turquoise and sterling silver, she’ll find buckles or pendants and turn them into a concho.

“I would say my style is kind of playing with a little wow twist,” she explained.

From looking through her grandfather’s old magazine collection to seeing western fashion on social media, Rachel has gotten inspiration from many aspects. But sitting down in the shop and putting leathers together and seeing what works and what doesn’t work is where the magic happens, it’s a lot of trial and error. Rachel is always purchasing new cowhides, leather and materials and focused on the next new idea. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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CRIMSON WILLOW – MADE WITH LOVE Every bag is handmade with much love.

First, the materials will be cut by the cutter to a size depending on the item. Then the cut materials go to Rachel or her other seamstress to be sewn. Afterwards, the hardware will be put on and then the finishing touches will be added.

Each bag design project varies by project size... some taking hours, some taking days.

Crimson Willow has several different style bags available now from crossbodies, totes, runaway, backpacks, round bags, downtown, and saddle bags.

It also features many accessories, including a planner, binder, wallets, and travel bags.

Crimson Willow’s signature bag is the Runaway bag which is offered in three different sizes. It’s a duffle-style bag, but Rachel has modified it to be more western and added a spin to it. She added in the side pockets, fringe, a hard bottom, purse handles, a wide shoulder strap and western leather.

For a majority of the Crimson Willow bags, Rachel finds a regular general sewing pattern and then puts a twist on it that would work with cowhide and leather. She’ll make it more western, more user friendly where it will stand up on its own and you can just reach in and grab your items and go. Rachel likes to come up with a bag style and then offer it in different sizes so that way it fits a variety of different people’s lifestyle.

LOOKING TO PURCHASE AN ITEM FROM CRIMSON WILLOW? The Crimson Willow business is very active on social media, with a majority of its sales occurring on Crimson Willows Instagram and Facebook.

Every Wednesday is Willow Wednesday and Rachel will go live on Instagram at 7 p.m. CST for a live sale for the first three Wednesdays each month.

The last Wednesday of the month are live auctions. Rachel recently started doing the auctions and has been making them even more fun by having a theme each session where she will get dressed up.

Every Friday Rachel does a silent auction on the Crimson Willow Facebook page. If you shop during the live sale or auction, the first who comments claims the bag. From there, you’ll send a message to Crimson Willow with your email and Crimson Willow will send you an invoice. You’ll have 48 hours to pay then the item will be shipped once paid.

Crimson Willow also has a website where bags are added onto the site randomly and you’ll be able to pay directly on the website.

All of Rachel’s current bags and accessories are advertised on both Crimson Willow social media pages to purchase.

Be sure to check out the following sources: Crimson Willow’s Facebook, @CrimsonWillowLLC Instagram page, @crimsonwillow_ Website, crimsonwillow.com.

Or visit in person at 1204 S Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 64075.

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A special note from Rachel Some advice from Rachel is to don’t ever give up, don’t be afraid to chase after your dreams and take those leaps.

Rachel went through many hurdles, she put in a lot of time, energy, determination and dedication to grow her business.

Rachel said, “Crimson Willow has always, ever since I started it, has felt second nature to me and something that I’m supposed to be doing. So, I’ve always found a way to do it. I’m still growing; you know it’s never done. New things are always happening and changing.

It’s definitely been a journey, one that I’m happy to be on and very blessed to be on.”

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Not Your Grandma’s Three-Course Dutch Oven Meal Ready to pull out the old cast iron and cook up something that your grandma would be proud of? Well buckle up because we are bringing the heat with this dutch oven recipe.

CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU START

CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN BRIQUETTE COALS FIRE STONES OR DUTCH OVEN STAND NON-PLASTIC COOKING WARE ALUMINUM FOIL

(OPTIONAL FOR EASY CLEANUP)

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Editor’s Note Something to keep in mind for this recipe is that cooking with cast iron is not black and white. It takes constant attention and monitoring to make sure everything comes out according to plan. As you will notice with the first dish, it doesn’t resemble brie at all and that’s because the pan was entirely too hot because of the coals underneath. We encourage you to do your own testing of this recipes to find a tried-and-true method that works for you.

How to Prep Start your coals. You can use a standard lighter, but to help the process along, we used firestarter. You will want to keep a batch of hot coals going throughout the cooking process.

Next, make sure to have a couple fire bricks, rocks or a low hanging tripod to put your dutch oven on.

You ideally want your pan/pot to be 4-5 inches off the hot coals.

Have your food prepped and ready to cook. Cast iron and cooking over coals isn’t like using your oven, make sure you have everything ready to go to help the process move along.

One last note before getting started, do not rush through these recipes! Please expect to be cooking in your dutch oven all afternoon for all three of these recipes. Trust us, it will be worth it.

FIRST COURSE

Baked Brie with Peach Jalapeno Jelly INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

•• One round of

•• For easy clean up, put one layer of aluminum foil in your preheated dutch oven •• Unwrap your brie and place in the bottom of your dutch oven •• Top with your jam and put the dutch oven lid on •• Let bake for about 7 minutes (checking everyone 1-2 minutes

brie cheese

•• A jar of your favorite

peach & jalapeno jam

•• Crackers, artisan

until slightly melted)

•• Remove bried and aluminum foil (if used) from your dutch oven,

bread or pretzels of your choice

SECOND COURSE

Surf N Turf Filet Mignon with Shrimp & Asparagus INGREDIENTS

•• One filet mignon •• 3-5 de-veined, easy peel shrimp

(you can use any kind of shrimp though)

•• 1 bunch of asparagus •• 4 tablespoons of butter •• Seasoning of choice •• Fresh lemon (optional) •• Digital thermometer for exact steak temperature (optional)

THIRD COURSE

carefully, and enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

•• Make sure you bring your steak to room temperature before cooking

•• Test the heat on your dutch oven by sprin-

kling water into the pot, if it sizzles, the pan is ready, if not, add more coal below your dutch oven to bring temperature back up •• Pat your steak dry, then generously apply salt, pepper and seasoning to all sides of the steak •• Place your steak in the bottom of the dutch oven to sear on all sides. If your pan is extremely hot, spread out your coals underneath your pan to allow more even cooking.

•• Once steak is seared on all sides, allow steak to cook on both sides for an additional 2 minutes on each side.

•• This should bring your steak to a nice medium to medium rare. Use your thermometer at this stage to see where your steak is at and how long to keep cooking it.

Peach and Nectarine Tarte EDITOR’S NOTE: You will want to pause here

•• Lay tin foil out on your work space (enough

INGREDIENTS

•• 4-5 ripe peaches •• One shot of your favorite whiskey •• 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar •• 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls •• Aluminum foil

Rare 125°F

Medium Rare Medium Medium Well Well Done 135°F 145°F 150°F 160°F+

•• Once steak has cooked to desired temperature, remove and set aside to rest

•• Deglaze your pan with butter and add your shrimp and asparagus.

•• Cook your shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side depending on the size of your shrimp

•• Allow asparagus to cook until tender •• Put everything on to your plate and enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

•• De-pit and slice your peaches in roughly

and scrub out your dutch oven to get any burned bits from your main course off of the bottom of the pan. Using steel wool is a great technique then clean up with a paper towel. Please be mindful of how hot your pan is when doing this.

FILET TARGET TEMPERATURES

¼ inch wide slices

•• Place in bowl and toss with brown sugar and whiskey, set aside while preparing the crust

•• Have your dutch oven set on a heat proof surface to prepare the tarte

to cover the bottom of the dutch oven)

•• Pop open your crescent rolls. Keeping it in a single sheet, spread out over the tin foil.

•• Use a rolling pin to smooth out creases and pinch together any holes

•• Lay your peaches out in a single layer

across the crust, leaving about a half inch around the edges •• Once covered, roll the edges of the crescent roll crust up and over the peaches and pinch it to keep it in place •• Pick up the entire tin foil sheet, with tarte in place, and put in the bottom of your dutch oven

•• Place over your preheated, hot coals, put the lids,

put hot coals on your lid and bake for approximately 15 minutes.

•• Check after 15 minutes, you may have to replace your coals on the bottom or top to keep cooking.

•• Cook until the crust is browned on the bottom and peaches are tender to the touch •• Cut into squares when done and enjoy warm with your favorite vanilla ice cream!

Share your thoughts on this recipe on the Cowboy Lifestyle Network Facebook page. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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THE ACCIDENTAL

EQUINE ARTIST

T

rudy Bastman, a Scottsdale, Arizona, based

equine artist, started painting horses by accident.

After becoming friends with a local horse trainer who had seen a personal painting Trudy had done of her horse. The trainer loved the painting so much, he asked her to paint a much larger piece for an upcoming show. From that request, a 40”x40” painting of a white stallion was born. Once Trudy’s painting was showcased at the event, she immediately started receiving commissioned work, which kick-started her career as an artist. She says, “being a professional artist was never something I thought I’d become. It never even crossed my mind.”

Growing up in the countryside of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bastman grew up around horses. Riding friend’s ponies and horses, eventually owning a pony of her own, Trudy’s love of horses grew over the years as did her artistic eye for drawing them. When she moved to Arizona later in life, she continued to ride when she could, but creating art of the animals she loved never stopped. Playing with different mediums and subjects along the way, Trudy seemed to always come back to painting horses.

Her art has been represented in several galleries and can be found at horse shows around the country as well. “I love doing commission work on people’s horses,” Bastman said. “Anyone who has ever owned and loved a horse knows how special they are. You can feel their gentle souls and they will be in your heart forever.”

Admirers of her work can also purchase Limited Edition Giclee prints of most of her non-commission pieces.

In addition to her art, Trudy Bastman is also an advocate for the wild horses that live across Arizona. In 2016, she was an advisor and signer of a bill that protects the Salt River Wild Horses. Recently purchasing land near the Tonto National Forest, Trudy and her husband hope being in closer proximity to where the wild horses live will allow them to further their advocacy work to help protect them as well as serve as future inspiration for her art.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHERE TO SEE TRUDY’S ART, OR TO PURCHASE A PIECE, VISIT WWW.TRUDYBASTMAN.COM.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Ranch Water Flavors TIME TO GET INTO THE DETAILS

Lone River Ranch Water Listen up hard seltzer fans, there’s a new seltzer in town and you’re about to be blown away. If you’re wondering what kind of alcoholic beverage named “Ranch Water” could possibly taste like, keep reading and we will tell you about it, but first, let’s review where “ranch water” got its start.

I

f you search “ranch water”, you are going to find that its origins actually stem from a long-time recipe traditionally made with Topo Chico, tequila, and a squeeze of lime. As the story goes, a rancher in West Texas “created” the recipe in the 1960s. It was said that the drink had him following the stars in Texas, all the way from Fort Davis to Marathon.

Then, at the end of his journey, he was found sound asleep under a piñon tree. Since then, the recipe has been a West Texas staple for decades, but only now is it coming to a town near you.

About Lone River Beverage Company Lone River Beverage Company was founded in 2019 by Texas native Katie Beal Brown. Her product, “Ranch Water” is a celebration of her Texas heritage and an homage to what West Texas stands for. She also had a goal of offering something beyond the typical seltzer flavors that were currently on the market. With that goal in mind, she was able to grow and expand the brand exponentially during a time that many others were sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what would happen. Because of that, Lone River Ranch Water is the premier source for a truly authentic, West Texas experience.

A Lone River cuts through the high desert of Far West Texas. Some look to the Lone River for refreshment, others chase the story it writes in every bend and bow.

Up until recently, Ranch Water was solely distributed in Texas and Tennessee, but its distribution has expanded to include Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, and the Florida panhandle. Find your local retailer by visiting loneriverbevco.com.

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of what you can expect when you buy these deliciously refreshing seltzers. First, as of right now, Ranch Water has four different flavors to choose from, Original, Rio Red Grapefruit, Spicy, and the newest addition, Prickly Pear. All are available in 6-packs (except Prickly Pear) or you can get a variety 12-pack with all four flavors. Lone River was able to creatively combine traditional, agavestyle flavors with the popular demand for hard seltzer. As far as the general flavor profile goes, you can expect the truly satisfying mouthfeel of highly carbonated seltzer water, 100 percent organic agave, natural lime juice, and a gluten-free alcohol base.

Original Ranch Water THE ORIGINAL RANCH

Water hard seltzer is made with 100% organic agave and natural lime juice.

This is a great place to start if you are completely new to the brand. Get a feel for what Ranch Water is all about by giving the Original the first shot.

Rio Red Grapefruit THINK ORIGINAL RANCH WATER

with a squeeze of perfectly ripened, red grapefruit juice. If you aren’t a huge fan of grapefruit, we still encourage you to give this flavor a shot, as it is more refreshing than you might expect. The Rio Red hard seltzer is made with 100% organic agave, natural lime & Rio Red grapefruit juice.

Prickly Pear NOW FEATURED IN THE

Ranch Water variety 12-pack, the exclusive, new flavor, Prickly Pear Ranch Water, is inspired by the Prickly Pear cactus fruit found in the high deserts of far West Texas. This flavor has just a hint of sweet.

Spicy IF YOU ARE ON THE BRAVE SIDE

and enjoy a little kick in your beverage, then Ranch Water Spicy is the drink for you! Pair this bad boy with a tajin rim and you’re ready to rock. Enjoy this Ranch Water made with a Texas kick! This Spicy hard seltzer is made with 100 percent organic agave, natural lime juice & true Texas jalapeño flavors.

Top Five Infamous Old West Cowboys What is the definition and and proud of history of The American Cowboy?

Enjoy this informative article as it relates to everyone living the Western Lifestyle.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH The term “cowboy” has been used throughout American history for decades. In reality, the word “cowboy” comes from Spain, tracing its roots to the Spanish word “vaquero”. There are different words that have stemmed from “cowboy”, usually meaning the same thing, some of these variations include cowpoke, buckaroo, cowpuncher commonly used in Texas, and cowhand. The true definition of a cowboy is deemed to be a cattle herder who tends to their cattle while on horseback. But, thanks to the western movie genre and Hollywood, “cowboy” has taken on a life of its very own. Here we are excited to take a stab at our top five picks for True American Cowboys.

Calamity Jane

Billy the Kid

You should start seeing a trend between these outlaws real name versus the name that history buffs know them as. Maybe not the most popular, but definitely on of the most memorable is the great, Calamity Jane. She wasn’t pretty or well educated but she marched to the beat of her own drum. Martha Jane Canary, born May 1, 1852, better known as Calamity Jane, was an American frontierswoman known for being a friend of Wild Bill Hickok. She is said to have exhibited compassion to others, especially to the sick and needy. This side of her character contrasted with her outlandish ways and helped to make her a decorated frontier figure.

By far the most well known outlaw cowboy was Billy the Kid. Best known for being the youngest outlaw of his time and narrowly escaping nearly every situation he got himself into. Henry McCarty or William H. Bonney depending on who you talk to, born on September 17 or November 23, 1859, was an outlaw and gunfighter of the American Old West. No matter which way you look at it, Billy the Kid was a much feared cowboy. He was orphaned at age 14 and had to figure out a way to provide for himself and the outlaw life was the path he chose. By the time he was shot and killed at age 21, he had killed at least 8 people that historians know of. The legend of Billy the Kid has stood the test of time.

ANNI E OAKLEY SOME OF THE BEST COWBOYS ARE ACTUALLY COWGIRLS AND ANNIE IS NO EXCEPTION.

Born with the name Phoebe Ann (Annie) Mosey, in 1860, this young girl couldn’t have had any idea of the impact she would have later in life. Annie Oakley is most famously known for being a sharpshooter and entertainer, but she represented much more than that. At the age of seven, she started trapping and by eight she was hunting to pay her family’s mortgage, which she did successfully by selling wild game to local hotels and restaurants. Her world changed on Thanksgiving Day 1875. She was 15 and was challenged to a shoot-off with marksman and entertainer Frank Butler. That was the start of Annie’s long career and she married Frank a year later. Annie was said to have taught over 15,000 women on how to use to a gun, stating, “I would like to see every woman know how to handle guns as naturally as they know how to handle babies.” She went on breaking records, even at the age of 62, and fighting for women’s rights well ahead of her time. Annie passed at age 66.

Butch Cassidy

Buffalo Bill

Butch Cassidy, born Robert LeRoy Parker in 1866, was a classic western outlaw who is best known for robbing trains and running with his gang, the “Wild Bunch”. How did he receive the infamous name “Butch Cassidy”?

Well, here is how historians say it happened. As a teenager, while working on a dairy ranch, “Butch” met Mike Cassidy, a horse and cattle thief, who would later become his friend and mentor. After meeting Mike, Butch worked on several ranches, in addition to a brief apprenticeship with a butcher in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where he received the nickname, “butcher”, which morphed later into ”Butch”. He later added the last name Cassidy in honor of his old friend and mentor. After Butch got tired of running from the law, he and two others fled the country for good and his days of outlawing supposedly ended in a shootout in Bolivia.

Rounding out this top five infamous old west cowboys is the one and only Buffalo Bill. Born with the name William Frederick, on February 26, 1846, he was most known for being an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. At the age of 11, Buffalo Bill started working after his father’s death. At age 15 he started riding for the Pony Express and later joined the Army, serving in the Civil War for two years. While he was a decorated veteran, this legend began to spread when he was only 23. Shortly thereafter he started performing in shows that displayed cowboy themes and episodes from the frontier and Indian Wars. He founded Buffalo Bill’s Wild West in 1883, taking his large company on tours in the United States and, beginning in 1887, in Great Britain and continental Europe. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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MUSIC FESTIVAL BUCKET LIST

M

usic Festivals have been a favorite pasttime for generations.

Country music fans of all ages have a certain level of loyalty to their favorite artists and a special love for multi-day campouts, day drinking and sun-up to sundown concerts. Looking to get out of the house and back into the endless sea of people singing the lyrics of your favorite songs? Check out our Top 10 favorite country music festivals across the United States.

COUNTRY THUNDER

Arizona, Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida www.countrythunder.com No matter what part of the country you’re in, Country Thunder is one festival you won’t want to miss.

■■October 14-17, 2021 | Florence, Arizona. Headliners: Dustin Lynch, Old Dominion, Luke Combs, and Eric Church ■■June 10-12, 2022 Forest City, Iowa. Headliners: To Be Announced ■■July 21-24, 2022 Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Headliners: To Be Announced ROCK THE OCEANS TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Ft. Lauderdale, FL www.tortugamusicfestival.com Not your mother’s music festival.

Three days full of your favorite country and rock artists on the beach, what more could you want?

■■November 12-14, 2021 ■■Headliners: Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Pitbull,

Barenaked Ladies, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, Hardy, Vanilla Ice, Blanco Brown, and so many more.

STAGECOACH

Indio, CA www.stagecoachfestival.com The Woodstock of Country Music Festivals located in the infamous Coachella Valley.

■■April 29-May 1, 2022 ■■Headliners: Thomas Rhett, Midland, Maren Morris, Carrie Underwood, Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, Luke Combs, The Black Crowes, Cody Johnson ROCK THE SOUTH

Cullman, AL www.rockthesouth.com Keep an eye out for 2022 dates.

You may not think of the middle of nowhere Alabama as the place to be for a music festival, but Southerners know how to throw a party!

■■August 13 & 14, 2021 ■■2021 headliners included: Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Marshall Tucker Band, Nelly,

Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis and Trey Lewis PEPSI GULF COAST JAM

Panama City Beach, FL www.gulfcoastjam.com There’s no place quite like Panama City Beach during the summer.

Throw in an epic lineup along with what’s been proclaimed the “world’s most beautiful beaches,” and you’ve got a summer kick-off to remember!

■■June 3-5, 2022 ■■Headliners: Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion, Brooks & Dunn CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC FEST

Myrtle Beach, SC www.carolinacountrymusicfest. com Myrtle Beach is the party you never knew you wanted an invite to.

Endless beaches, perfect weather and thousands of your best friends; you’ll want to hop on a plane and make the trip for this one.

■■June 9-12, 2022 ■■Headliners: Jason Aldean plus over 30 of Country’s hottest artists.

CMA FEST

Nashville, TN www.cmafest.com Nashville. Music. Repeat. The Ultimate Country Music Experience.

■■June 9-12, 2022 ■■Headliners: To Be Announced

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FASTER HORSES

Brooklyn, MI www.fasterhorsesfestival.com Located in the hills outside of Ann Arbor, between Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, escape the summer heat and head north!

■■July 15-17, 2022 ■■2022 Headliners: To Be Announced ■■2021 headliners included: Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett and more WATERSHED

George, WA www.watershedfest.com Party on the cliffs above the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest.

■■July 29-31, 2022 ■■2022 Headliners: To Be Announced ■■2021 headliners included: Tim McGraw, Deirks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Billy Currington, Jon Pardi, Randy Houser, Russell Dickerson and more WE FEST

Detroit Lakes, MN www.wefest.com Camp among the trees and tailgate lakeside between concerts.

■■August 4-6, 2022 ■■2022 Headliners: To Be Announced ■■2021 headliners included: Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley,

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

“Heartache Rodeo”

by Justin Biltonen From bass player for 3 Doors Down to performing as a solo country artist, Justin Biltonen is a wellrounded musician that you shouldn’t underestimate.

Justin’s newest single, “Heartache Rodeo” is a “if winners were losers,” underdog kind of song.

Written as a tune that hopefully many could relate to, Biltonen pushes the boundaries of Americana country sound a surprise when you consider his musical roots.

Here is Justin’s career path in his own words: I was a country fan my whole life growing up in North Carolina, that’s just what we always listened to.

I started playing music when I was 10 and had bands all through high school doing the rebellious rock and roll thing. As soon as I graduated high school, I toured with a rock band I had started with some friends. We jumped in a van and played bars for basically no money, but it helped me cut my teeth on learning how being on the road worked.

When I was around 20 years old, I circled back to country music, Waylon, Cash, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson; I also got into Shooter Jennings, Drive by Truckers, Jason Isbell and other Americana stuff that was coming out at the time. I naturally started trying my hand at that style of music.

A few years later I was opening with my band for Jackel at EXIT/IN in Nashville.

A guy named James House (writer of Broken Wing by Martina McBride and more) walked up to me that night and said ‘you got a cool sound, have you ever considered writing country?’ and I responded with ‘absolutely!’ For the next year or two I traveled back and forth to Nashville and James took me under his wing.”

A few years after that my band was under the same management as 3 Doors Down, so I got to know the guys and became friends with everyone through simply being around the studio. I became part of the friend group organically.

Fast forward a few years later when they were in need of a bass player again, they asked me to join. That was 8 ½ years ago.

About four years ago when I wasn’t on a current tour with 3 Doors, some friends that I had been writing country music with convinced me to enter some of the local Writer’s Rounds in Nashville.

The response I got gave me the confidence to put my own stuff out. Even 3 Doors Down fans started getting into it!

I put two songs on Spotify, not knowing what I was doing I figured if people like it, cool, if not, I’m still gonna put music out.

I think that DIY punk rock attitude helped push me as well.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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THE ART of HORSESHOEING

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

up” horses. When it comes time to trim and shoe the horse, there are specially trained folks that are up to the job -- a farrier.

WHAT’S A FARRIER? Farriers are the men and women of the horse world who keep your horse in tip, top shape!

The art of horseshoeing often takes years to master and even then some farriers have a hard time grasping the concept or perfecting their craft. A quality farrier is one worth keeping around and is worth their weight in gold.

Currently in the US there are no licenses or certifications needed to shoe horses, but it really helps when jumping into the profession from ground zero. Here are a few of the factors that go into shoeing a horse.

•• Assessing the correct angle of the hoof and leg •• Knowing how much hoof to take off and how to shape it to an ideal shape •• Knowing how to fit the shoe to fit the hoof •• Properly handling the horse •• Providing customer service for clients These are just a few of the things that farriers have to be able to provide when working with horses and clients. There is so much more that goes into it, but it is way more than just slapping shoes on your horse.

New to the world of horses? Well, let us introduce to the world of horseshoeing, an art in and of itself. Horseshoeing is the practice of putting “shoes” on horse’s hooves. Typically, shoes are made of steel and aluminum. Sometimes they are made of other materials, but that is what you find most often for your standard shoeing.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A HORSESHOE? You might be wondering, why does a horse need shoes if they don’t need them in the wild? Domesticated and trained horses often need shoes to support correct alignment in the legs and support of the hoof itself. In the wild, horses “trim” their own feet by traveling over rocky terrain and constantly being on the move. In addition, leg and foot alignment isn’t important to horses in the wild as it is for domesticated horses.

THAT MUST HURT, RIGHT? Shoeing, when done correctly, doesn’t cause any pain to the animal. Essentially, the horse’s hoof is made of keratin, which is the same material as your fingernail. Just like people, horses need their “nails” trimmed. But unlike people, hooves that are not cared for can severely injure or even “lame

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PROFILE IN RODEO

4

Questions with 2020/21 Miss Rodeo Arizona

Shelby Williams

•• Shelby

became the 38th “Miss Rodeo Arizona” in 2020.

•• Miss Rodeo

Arizona promotes rodeo and the western way of life, while also visiting schools, hospitals, and senior centers to touch lives in a special way.

CLM: CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? Shelby: I am Twenty-four years old, and I reside in Tucson, Arizona along with my family and all my farm critters. After accomplishing an early high school graduation, I currently attend Pima Community College where I am working towards a bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science. Ever since I was a little girl I have been a very confident and competitive horse rider, winning gymkhana’s and barrel racing events throughout the state of Arizona. In my free time from attending Pima Community College full time, I love to ride my horses PC and Biscuit, and I take great pride in running my own business helping those with special needs and all walks of life become involved with horses in addition to other farm animals. I am grateful to be the

official rodeo ambassador for the state of Arizona. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to hold the title two years in a row as Miss Rodeo Arizona as well as being able to compete for the Miss Rodeo America title, in December 2021 during the National Finals Rodeo as my reign comes to an end.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT IT’S BEEN LIKE HOLDING A RODEO ROYALTY TITLE DURING A PANDEMIC? It’s been a little different, in a normal year rodeo queens would travel all over participating in rodeos, school visits and so much more. This year’s rodeo queens had to get creative to reach out to rodeo fans and supporters using social media and Zoom. Of course, when I have had the opportunity to travel to events in person I wear a mask and practice covid safety protocol to keep myself and others safe.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS AS RODEO COMES BACK? Being able to get back in the saddle and travel to rodeos! Not to mention see rodeo stands filled with smiling fans!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A RODEO QUEEN? Always chase your dreams and never give up. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Let’s Go Horse Camping!

SOME OF THE TOP PLACES TO CAMP AND RIDE

If you’re an avid horseman and enjoy exploring the outdoors with your four legged friend, then you are going to want to check out these top horse camping locations in the US. Regardless of what part of the country you are in, there is something for everyone!

Northrup Creek Horse Camp

Brown County State Park

CLATSKANIE, OREGON

BROWN COUNTY, INDIANA

FOUNDED AND LAUNCHED IN LATE 2005,

Northrup Creek Horse Camp, is designed specifically for equestrian camping but also has sites available for regular tent and RV camping. Their corral campsites include parking for a horse trailer and vehicle, a corral, a tent or trailer site with table and fire ring. Enjoy being situated deep in the PNW forest, just a ride away from a looped trail system that winds through a variety of terrain suitable for all levels of riders.

EXPLORE THE “LITTLE SMOKIES”, OLD

west style! Brown County State Park is almost 16,000 acres of hills, ridges and forested ravines. With several creeks, waterfalls and canyons, there is so much to explore in this state park. Whether you are looking for an equestrian campsite or something for your own two feet, there is an option for everyone with over 70 miles of trails to explore.

Bridle Ridge Horse Camp CUSTER, SOUTH DAKOTA READY TO EXPLORE CUSTER, SOUTH

Dakota on the back of your horse? Consider staying at the Bridle Ridge Horse camp, a quiet campground located just six miles outside of Custer proper. With several horse trailer friendly sites, there is plenty of parking and room for your four legged friends. The camping sites offer water, sewer and electricity. On site there are also covered stalls with a breezeway for tack and feed storage.

Frazier Horse Campground ROOSEVELT LAKE, ARIZONA LOCATED NORTHEAST OF THE PHOENIX VALLEY IN ARIZONA, YOU CAN CAMP WITHIN VIEW OF

one of the largest man-made lakes in Arizona. With breathtaking views of the blue water and golden sunsets against the Sierra Ancha, Salome, and Superstition Wilderness areas, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else. The area around Frazier Horse Campground is often alive with abundant wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, geese, fox, javelina, and the occasional bald eagle. Bring your horses and head out to the Arizona Trail right from camp via the Cottonwood trail. There are many other trails in the area, but they require trailering your horses.

Upper Rio Grande Valley CREEDE, CO IF YOU’RE A FAN OF DEEP VALLEYS

surrounded by tall pines, then you may want to consider traveling to the Upper Rio Grande Valley and staying at the Luders Creek Campground. Each campsite includes a corral and adequate parking for horse trailers. This campground is perfect for getting ready to head out on the nearby Colorado Trail or the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

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Farragut State Park ATHOL, IDAHO LOCATED AT THE BASE OF THE

Coeur d’Alene Mountains, this 4,000-acre park has more than 40 miles of trails that can be explored both on foot and by horseback.

This state park is just one of several that offer equestrian accommodations, but make sure to call ahead to see which sites are available before arriving!

Coldwater Equestrian Campground MILTON, FLORIDA LOCATED ABOUT ONE-HOUR NORTHEAST

of Pensacola, FL, this recreation park has the following facilities: campsites with electricity and water, dump station, restrooms, and showers, horse corrals and stalls, dog kennels, equestrian trails, and a dining pavilion that is available by reservation. Here is your chance to explore some of the most scenic woodlands in Florida.

Differences Between Cowpunchers & Buckaroos

BY STACEY LORTON

T

here has been some debate over the years regarding if cowpunchers are more efficient than buckaroos or vice versa. The truth? Cowpunchers and buckaroos both have the ability to do the same job exceptionally well; they just do it differently. Read below to discover some of the major differences between cowpunchers and buckaroos.

The tack: Buckaroo gear stems from the Spaniards who occupied California centuries ago. Horsemanship was of the highest importance to the Spaniards, and, as such, they took great pride in developing tack that was not only highly efficient but also provided extra protection for the horses they rode. Fast-forward to the present, and buckaroos are still embracing tradition by using saddles without swells and romal reins.

Cowpunchers have certain geographical concerns to consider when choosing tack, such as unpredictable terrain and an abundance of brush, and opt for saddles with swells and split reins. It is also uncommon to see a cowpuncher with tack that is as embellished as the tack that buckaroos sport, a difference that can be attributed mainly to culture.

1 •• The cowpunchers and buckaroos are part of two distinct American cowboy cultures.

Cowpunchers have historically been associated with the American southwest, while buckaroos are associated with the Great Basin and West Coast.

2

Clothing: A key difference between cowpunchers and buckaroos is that the former wears full-length chaps, batwing or shotgun when ranching, and the latter wears armitas or chinks. As mentioned above, cowpunchers often ride through harsh terrain which is why they prefer maximum leg protection.

Handling livestock: The way that cowpunchers and buckaroos rope and tend to cattle is very different. Cowpunchers use a considerably shorter rope than buckaroos, generally working with a 35- or 40-foot rope vs. the 60-foot rope that a buckaroo is likely to use. This contrast can again be attributed to differences in the region.

The Lingo: You won’t hear a cowpuncher say a phrase like “cavvy,” but when a buckaroo uses this term, they are simply referring to a pack of saddle horses. The reason for the difference in lingo is simply that most buckaroo phrases derive from Spanish words. For example, the word above “cavvy” comes from the word “caviata”.

There are other differences between cowpunchers and buckaroos, but these four help define the variations in lifestyle. It’s important to remember that not every rancher will be 100% cowpuncher or 100% buckaroo. At the end of the day, personal style and horsemanship skills say the most about who you are.

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BEHIND THE SCENES 62

Bridwell

As rodeos try to figure out the new normal, the CLN team wants to highlight some of the folks that ensure rodeo keeps going and play a big part in the Redding Rodeo in Redding, California. We introduce you to Bridwell Pro Rodeo, Redding’s main stock contractor company that provides the stock for the performance.

Putting on a successful rodeo is like running a well-oiled machine, everyone has their part and each part needs to run in order for the show to go off without a hitch. We were able to catch up with owners Tim and Haley Bridwell before they loaded up and headed out.

But first, let’s do an overview to the Bridwell’s background in rodeo.

About Bridwell Pro Rodeo

Based in Northern California, Bridwell Pro Rodeos was established in 2017 as a full-service professional rodeo company providing top-quality livestock, production, and personnel to rodeos throughout the West Coast and Pacific Northwest.

The foundation of Bridwell Pro Rodeos is their homegrown bucking horse breeding program, which began long before the establishment of the company. Tim Bridwell started the bucking horse and breeding program in 2005 and sub-contracted the bucking horses for Growney Brothers Rodeo from 2005 through 2016. He used his evolving knowledge to grow his bucking horse herd into one of the nation’s most renowned programs in rodeo.

Pro Rodeo CLN: CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU/YOUR TEAM’S FEELINGS ARE COMING BACK TO RODEO FULL FORCE AFTER LAST YEAR? Tim Bridwell: Well, first of all, it’s a blessing because we really need to get our lives back, get moving forward, and get everything rolling again, not only for our business but also the western way of life, especially out here on the west coast.

Then on top of that, I think it’s good for everybody, you just get that energy going and that momentum flowing, not just with rodeo but sports for the kids and all events, rodeo is just part of that. Rodeo coming back is huge for us, this is how we make our living, we don’t do anything else so if the rodeos didn’t come back with such a high percentage, we would be looking for something else to do, quite frankly. For us, we’ve been really lucky and really blessed. Of all the rodeos we have, I guess about 22, we’ve only officially lost two, other than that, we still have a really full schedule which is a blessing.

CLN: WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING THINGS ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Haley Bridwell: I probably would have answered this differently two years ago, but since the pandemic happened and now that we are entering what people like to call the “new normal”, one of the most rewarding things is being able to encompass that cheerleading and motivating role to our committees and other stock contractors. We wanted to really lead a charge that would get rodeos going again, part of that was being able to help write a blueprint for the counties to use to reopen rodeos. Right now, the most rewarding thing is just knowing that all the things we’ve done behind the scenes to push back and to continue fighting to get rodeos opened back up, is working. We want to keep moving forward with this “can do” spirit to ultimately be stronger together. All of those sleepless nights and longs days are coming together to see the rodeos reopening and seeing the impact it has on communities, all economically, emotionally, and spiritually. Which are things that the contestants need, the communities need, and the committees need. It’s great to know that we’ve been able to fill that role, step in, and just be that voice that says “You can do that!”, but ultimately, we can do it all together.

CLN: CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR HISTORY WITH REDDING RODEO? Haley Bridwell: We have multiple paths to Redding Rodeo. It’s been pushing about 17 years ago, I started there as the rodeo secretary. Based on our background, it’s cool to see how we’ve evolved. Now we are the primary stock contractor for Redding Rodeo and lead a great group of other stock contractors that we take in there with us. As rodeo has evolved, so have we. I am a third-generation member of a stock contracting family and have been in rodeo all my life so the natural progression to the stock contracting production side of it is in my blood.

About Redding Rodeo

We have ties to Redding well beyond the rodeo itself. Tim and I have been friends with many members of the committee for several years. On top of that, Redding is only 40 minutes from where we live now, which makes it our hometown rodeo too so we spend a lot of time there. It’s a great rodeo, we have a historical past there and sentimental ties to friends so, at the end of the day, that’s why we rodeo. We rodeo because we love the animals, the history, but it’s really the people that keep us going. We want to grow and continue to make Redding Rodeo as good as possible.

CLN: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE RODEOS YOU PRODUCE? Haley Bridwell: I have so many favorite parts of rodeo. Because we raise our own bucking horses, we get to watch them be born, nurture them, grow them, teach them, and love them, so to see them come into the arena and be successful is a favorite emotional part of mine. I was also involved in college rodeo for a long time in Texas, so now a lot of the kids I had in college are now in the professional ranks doing well. It’s sentimental for me as I watch those kids, and a part of me has that mom instinct as I cheer them on because I’ve seen them start as college kids. Another thing is when I see fans in the stands, whether they are new fans or have been coming to 80 years worth of Redding Rodeo and they still have that joy and that excitement as they watch the performances. I love that we also get to interact with school-age kids that maybe have never been out of the city. We get to give them a feel of the dirt and a taste of the cattle industry. There are so many different things that I love about what we do, I’m not sure I could ever just pick one.

CLN: DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS THAT YOU’D LIKE OUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW? Haley Bridwell: I will say, that I’m very thankful that going down the rodeo road, we have crossed paths with so many great people and Redding Rodeo is definitely one of our favorites because it’s close to home and really, is home. We are all on this journey together after this crazy year and we are excited to be bringing it back.

We hope you are ready for three full days of rodeo action! Thursday, May 13 – Saturday, May 15 you can catch all the PRCA rodeo action at the Redding Rodeo Arena. Each night the gates will open at 5 pm, pre-rodeo will start at 6:45 pm and the Grand Entry kicks off at 7 pm!

Ticket information will be available soon so make sure to follow Redding Rodeo on Facebook or Instagram for event updates! You can expect to see all of your favorites including Bull Riding, Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Tiedown Roping, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Mutton Bustin, Chuck Wagon Races, and other specialty acts like the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls.

Make sure to snag your tickets now because they will go fast! You can find more information by visiting their website: reddingrodeo.com/p/ tickets–deals

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