Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2021 by A.E. Engine

FREE S u m mer 2021 | CowboyL i fest yle Net work.com

looking

forward as rodeo hed!

Return

Digital

Superstars

Charlie Sampson

q &A

honor

keith mading dox

Z LP3 ENZYME SYSTEM

Digital Superstars

Charlie Sampson Interview

summer 2021

A look at what the sport will look like in 2021

CONTENTs

RODEO RETURNS!

Honoring Keith Maddox

Profiles

Western Business John Rich’s Whiskey

PBR Champion JB Mauney

Drones on Farms

Carroll Spur Company

WNFR World Champion Bull Rider Stetson Wright

Western Saddle Brands

Red Dirt Country Artists

Q&A with Rodeo Queens

Western Lifestyle 5 Types of Cowboys

Pack-Horse Adventurer Don Woodard 46

Whiskey Recipes 40

Photo Essays

Farmhouse Fundamentals

Horse Trailer Essentials

Cover Photographer Natalie McFarland

Favorite Finds 52

Historic Rodeo Photos

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

It’s our duty to build the best performing firearm...

IT’S YOUR DUTY TO BE READY

PDP Compact

PDP Full Size

Defined by over a century of engineering passion, precision workmanship and innovation, Walther has achieved a breakthrough ne ver seen before in firearms with its new Performance Duty Pistol. With advantages of RDS Ergonomics that are fully optimized for red-dot optics, Superterran Slide Serrations for ease of operation, a brand-new Performance Duty Trigger for accuracy and a Stepped Chamber for pushing higher velocities, the PDP is the next level in the evolution of pistols.

Red Dot Ergonomics

Performance Duty Grip Texture

Red Dot Ready

SuperTerrain Serrations

Modularity

Performance Duty Trigger

What does it mean to be ready?

NEW

HELLO THERE, AND WELCOME TO THE

cowboy lifestyle magazine! Hello there, and welcome to the second edition of the Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine! We are so excited to bring you the next edition of our Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine. The purpose of this magazine is to provide an additional outlet for people to get plugged into the western industry. In this edition, you can be sure to find stories from athletes like Charlie Sampson, interviews with Arizona rodeo queens, information on your favorite western industry influencers and so much more. We are your source for everything about the Cowboy Lifestyle. As rodeos and events start to come back full throttle, we truly hope to see y’all down the rodeo road. Until then, you can find more stories just like the ones in this magazine at cowboylifestylenetwork.com and on all of your favorite social media platforms. From all of us here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network, we hope you enjoy the stories enclosed in this magazine and hope that you will continue to support your rural communities now more than ever. Thank y’all for supporting us and God bless. -COWBOY LIFESTYLE NETWORK TEAM

COWBOY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE A MEDIA PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN COWBOY LIFESTYLE NETWORK, INC. AND A.E. ENGINE, INC. | COWBOY LIFESTYLE NETWORK, 6900 E CAMELBACK ROAD #1010 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 | PHONE: (602) 909 – 8030 | EMAIL: CONTACT@CLNGO.COM | WEB: COWBOYLIFESTYLENETWORK.COM | CEO & CO-FOUNDER: PATRICK “OD” O’DONNELL | CHIEF SOCIAL OFFICER & CO-FOUNDER: DANNY O’DONNELL | COO: AARON KUHL | CTO: IRISH PADMORE | DIRECTOR OF SALES: SHELLY BURNS | EDITOR: KRYSTA PAFFRATH | EDITOR: MATTHEW O’DONNELL | AUTHOR: MEGAN DEFABRY | OFFICE MANAGER: LOIS MCNATT | A.E. ENGINE, 23110 STATE ROAD 54 SUITE 293 LUTZ, FL 33549 | PHONE: (727) 209-0792 | EMAIL: INFO@AE-ENGINE.COM | WEB: AE-ENGINE.COM | PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI | VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: DAVID WATSON | VICE PRESIDENT, MOTORSPORTS: CHRIS VITA | VICE PRESIDENT, COWBOY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE: MARK MORALES | DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: JUSTIN HANDPROJECT ART DIRECTOR: JOE RABUCK | MANAGING EDITOR: DAN GUTTENPLAN | DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA: NICOLE COOPER | DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT: JOSH MULL | EDITORIAL: KRYSTA PAFFRATH, TARYN CANTRELL, ELLEN MOSS, JARED TURNER, ERIK MERKOW, STACEY LORTON, PETER VARLET, JEFF CHADWICK, DAN GUTTENPLAN | PHOTOGRAPHY: TONY STROMBERG, RALPH D. DOUBLEDAY (NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM), EMILY SIERRA, RYAN BLANKMEYER, SARAH HUGHBANKS, JULIE MANEY, KIRSTIE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY, PAYSON PRO RODEO, LEXI SMITH MEDIA, MIKE CAPRON, TRAVELNEVADA YOUTUBE, VAQUERO TRADITIONAL RANCH ROPING, GILBERT DAYS PONY EXPRESS, WRANGLER, ROOTS N’ BOOTS SPECIAL KIDS RODEO, TOHONO OODHMAN NATION RODEO AND FAIR, WHITE STALLION RANCH, TOMBSTONE MONUMENT RANCH, PATAGONIA AZ, DUDERANCH. ORG | A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POST-PRESS CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED. | MAIL ORDER: TO RECEIVE A COPY OF COWBOY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, ORDER ONLINE AT COWBOYLIFESTYLEMAG.COM OR SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $8 TO: A.E. ENGINE, 23110 STATE ROAD 54, PMB 293, LUTZ, FL 33549. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR RETURN MAILING ADDRESS AND AN EMAIL ADDRESS. | DISTRIBUTION: IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OR AN ORGANIZATION INTERESTED IN DISTRIBUTING COPIES OF THE MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT CRAIG BARONCELLI AT (727) 209-1750 OR CB@AE-ENGINE.COM.

Rodeo Returns!

WHAT DOES THE RODEO INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE IN 2021? BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Last year was the western industry’s worst nightmare. Venues shut down with events canceling left and right;, careers were put on hold, and millions of dollars normally raised for nonprofits across the country were lost. Despite the devastating blow to the economy, the rodeo industry was able to come together like no one has seen before to ensure our western way of life carries on. As we look forward, we tried to get the answer to the question: What will some of the most prominent rodeos look like in 2021?

Honeycutt Rodeo Inc. Honeycutt Rodeo company has nine generations of cowboys who have been raising stock and producing rodeos across the Southwest. With a history like that, you know they’ve seen a thing or two since being in business. “Stock contractors are a tough bunch, we are used to hardship and challenges,” said Roy Honeycutt. “When the price of hay and fuel skyrockets, when that one bull or horse just doesn’t have the trip you needed him to have that day, we figure it out, accept the challenge, and move on. But Covid has been different, no one saw it coming, and no one knew how to handle it. “As a result, we lost over 92% of our normal revenue in 2020. We still had hay to buy, land payments to make, vet bills, you get the picture. But rodeo stock contractors are resilient, we are cowboys. We don’t know the word, ‘can’t.”

Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo Recognized for being the “No. 1 Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo” in the country, Cattlemen’s Days never disappoints. Last year they were able to hold a rodeo, but nothing like an event they are used to putting on. “We learned to be both flexible and conservative in 2020, and that is carrying forward to 2021 as we make plans for the 121st Cattlemen’s Days celebration and Rodeo,” said Michael Dawson, Cattlemen’s Days President. “Some great things actually came out of the pandemic for us. We are finally moving to online and credit card ticket sales, and

are modernizing our website and social media presence as it is becoming more and more important to promote our best ‘Small town, Big Time Rodeo’ every day. Given the success and national broadcast of our rodeo through the Cowboy Channel last year, we have doubled our partnership with the City of Gunnison and plan to stage another great rodeo on July 15, 16, and 17, with hopefully less restrictive protocols and more allowed public attendance.” Cattlemen’s Days’ Tough Enough to Wear Pink organization helps provide everything from free mammograms, transportation, and food cards to financial support for leading-edge technology that allows leading experts such as Stephania K. Timothy, MD, to perform complex surgeries. All of the money raised in Gunnison stays local, and a portion of proceeds from everything sold within the Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink merchandise collection goes back to the campaign fund. “We created the Songwriter Shuffle where we rotated artists at private residences, each with limited capacity and under an operational plan which complied with the strict health department requirements last summer,” said Heidi Sherratt, Cattlemen’s Days TETWP Executive Director. “These three nights of music in August sold out, the auction was a success, and we met our 2020 fundraising goals. This unique format is carrying over to 2021, and we are excited to have more top Nashville songwriters and breathtaking locations to stage our second Songwriter Shuffle on July 1 and 2, 2021. With venue capacity limits being raised this summer, it is setting up to be a beautiful transition to a better event format for our fundraising campaign.”

WHAT TO DO HERE ARE

some of the things you can do if you have a local rodeo that isn’t taking place this year. ■■Send them an email or message thanking them for what they do in your community ■■If they are a non-profit organization, consider making a tax-deductible write-off ■■If you are looking for ways to give back to your community, consider joining a committee or organization that helps host annual events. The easiest thing you can do is share their mission with your friends and family.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

From Farm to Fame Trevor Bales, the YouTube Sensation BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Trevor Bales is the first to admit there is nothing more boring than tarping hay. That’s why he’s surprised that people choose to spend their free time watching him do it. Hales, a farmer in Buckeye, Ariz., is a bit of a rising YouTube star in the Western lifestyle community. Since starting a Bales Hay Farm and Ranch channel in 2019, he has attracted more than 13,500 subscribers. His intro video, which was posted seven months ago, has been viewed more than 100,000 times. Bales recently shared his experience with Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP ON A FAMILY FARM? “There were a lot of early mornings. My dad did a great job of teaching a work ethic. He’d drop me off in a cotton field with a big hat and a jug of water. Other days, he’d have me chop wood, or weed with a hoe, or spray weeds outside, or work on irrigation. As a kid, it was great. I got to experience so many different things. I don’t know what age I started driving; I guess once I could sit on Dad’s lap. Being able to work with my dad and seeing him interact with people is something I’ve always appreciated. It helped me as a young man. “I was outside a lot as a kid. I loved being outside. I was on bicycles and trampolines. My mother would shut the door behind me and say, ‘I want you outside until later.’ As a kid, I got to drive all of the toys on the farm. My dad’s attitude was, ‘You want to drive? Figure it out.’ Most equipment I operate, I figured out on my own. I remember my first ride on a Swather. It was parked in the wrong spot, so I had to move it. They don’t have brakes. It’s just a push lever to go forward and you pull it to go in reverse. As soon as I turned it on, it started rolling toward a diesel tank. It was scary because I couldn’t figure out how to stop it. I finally figured, ‘Let’s go in reverse.’ It was a great way to grow up.” WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO DO THIS FOR A CAREER? “Right after high school, my dad’s farm manager left the farm. My dad said, ‘Alright, you need to step up.’ Looking back, I got by with sheer luck. The farm kept cruising along. I thought it was awesome because I didn’t enjoy high school very much. I figured I wouldn’t enjoy college. I got out of the deal without having to go to any more school. Three years after that, I was getting older. My dad said, ‘I have a savings account for your education. I won’t have it forever. If you don’t go to college soon, I’ll invest it somewhere else.’ “Four years after graduating high school, my Dad’s first cousin wanted to work on the farm, so he gave him my job. I knew it was time to go, so I was gone for six years at college; then I worked a few other places too. Finally, my father said, ‘I’m ready for you to come back. I could use an extra hand.’ Around 2014, I came back, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. We’re growing and growing and adding and adding. I’ve gotten very serious about it.” WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? “The curse of knowing how to operate all of the equipment means I’m backup for everything. Whenever someone’s not here, I’m on it. I’m usually the one who operates it. That’s how it was until last year. Then, we took advantage of the work visa program and brought some guys up from Mexico. We had 15 positions to fill and only 12 of us. I was raking hay, baling hay, hauling the hay. It got to be too much. “Now, I’m more on the inventory of hay, getting into the field and barn process. I go out and look at the hay to determine the quality. We can’t necessarily control the quality, but we can separate it by how it’s baled that day. I deal with customers as well.”

•• Trevor Bales documents life on the Bale’s family farm in Arizona.

•• Trevor Bales and his co-workers at Bales Hay Farm. HOW DID THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL COME ABOUT? “I really wasn’t into social media in college. I probably had Facebook, I guess. I didn’t have Instagram. I didn’t care that much about what was going on. When I got back on the farm, a buddy told me I should do Instagram on the farm. People would find it interesting. “I thought, ‘No, they won’t. But OK.’ It all started with Instagram. “I didn’t realize people watch YouTube for entertainment. I was too busy to watch it. I started watching some guys posting farming videos, and I figured we have some unique things with the Arizona climate and the rate at which we farm. People don’t think of Arizona as an agricultural state. I figured it’d be good to show people who we are and the level of farming. Because of the temperatures and sunlight we have, we’re able to do it year-round. Once I found out how different it was here, I decided to start documenting it on Instagram. Then I thought, I might as well do YouTube too. What’s the worst that can happen? All I had to do was buy a couple of GoPros. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AS A YOUTUBER? “That’s kind of funny. I still don’t watch YouTube. I don’t want to be biased or pick up someone else’s habits. I’d say it’s not really about farming as much as the day and what’s going on at Bales Hay Sales. There’s a little agriculture, but it’s more management of a farm and what we’re doing. Because we’re heavy on alfalfa, we’re not growing cotton or corn anymore. Our market is the horse market. That’s what we do. So I tell them what’s going on and how we do it. My personality comes out heavy, and there’s not a whole lot of farming. Because I’m not using the equipment as much as I used to be, it’s more like, ‘Here’s what that guy’s doing in the tractor.’” WHAT’S YOUR GOAL WITH THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL? “Because this is a small family farm that supports a lot of families, I want it to be a supplemental form of income. This farm still supports my grandparents. My dad is going to want to retire. So, YouTube is another form of support for me. When my wife needs a new vehicle every six or seven years, it takes pressure off the farm and the people it’s supporting. We’re getting smaller every year, the equipment is more and more expensive, and wages are going up. If I can do more to bring income to supplement those costs, that’s really my goal. It’s to take pressure off of the family. We have great employees that we want to keep around for a long time. If I can say, ‘Give him a raise instead of me because YouTube benefits me.’? That’s the goal.” WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE GROWING AUDIENCE? “I look at it two ways. No. 1 -- There are people with millions of followers. So, in the back of my mind, I’m thinking that one day I could get that big. At the same time, I can’t believe I have 10,000 subscribers. It’s just me running around a farm like a chicken with my head cut off. I’m putting out fires. Why are people watching? There’s not much learning to it. Other channels are about farming. On this one, you’ll just see craziness and tempo. I’m surprised we went over 10,000 subscribers. Maybe it will keep growing. If it stops growing, I wouldn’t be surprised either. Maybe they’ll get bored. For now, I’d say I’m surprised, happy and hopeful.” cowboylifestylenetwork.com

INFLUENCERS IN THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE INDUSTRY Many cowboys, farmers and rodeo athletes are taking to social media to share their love for Western lifestyle. A self-marketing approach has helped each of these people maximize their earning potential.

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN AND KRYSTA PAFFRATH

ouTube provides a platform for a person of any profession to tell his or her story, and maximize revenue by creating an audience. Here are two members of the Western lifestyle industry who have built large audiences on YouTube.

DAVE ENGEL

Wheelwright YouTube: EngelsCoachShop Subscribers: 127,000 Engel has been in the horse-drawn vehicle and wheelwright trade for over 41 years and has established a custom restoration business, focusing on traditional horse-drawn vehicles. In his retirement years, he is attempting to document his trade through YouTube videos. With over 200 free videos posted, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of a trade that has been integral to mankind for millennia.

LAURA FARMS

Farmer YouTube: Laura Farms Subscribers: 127,000 Laura Wilson, or “Laura Farms” on social media, is a fifthgeneration farmer in South Central Nebraska. She launched her farming career in Spring of 2020 as part of a 2,000-acre irrigated row crop farming operation that also raises pigs, and has a 150-head cow-calf herd. She loves all things outdoors, and when she isn’t farming, she can be found hanging with her husband Grant and two adorable puppies, Baxter and Cooper.

DALE BRISBY Comedian/Personality TOTAL AUDIENCE: 2,187,500 TIKTOK: @dalebrisby90 YOUTUBE: @DaleBrisby INSTAGRAM: @dalebrisby FACEBOOK: @Dale Brisby TWITTER: @dalebrisby

JB MAUNEY

GUILHERME MARCHI PBR World Champion TOTAL AUDIENCE: 294,436 FACEBOOK: @Guilherme Marchi INSTAGRAM: @guilhermemarchi TIKTOK: @guilhermemarchipbr YOUTUBE: @Guilherme Marchi TWITTER: @marchipbr

COOPER DAVIS

PBR Champion

PBR World Champion

TOTAL AUDIENCE: 523,263

TOTAL AUDIENCE: 168,477

INSTAGRAM: @jbmauneyxv

INSTAGRAM: @coopertdav

FACEBOOK: @JB Mauney

TIKTOK: @officialjbmauney TWITTER: @jbmauney

TUF COOPER

FACEBOOK: @Cooper Davis TIKTOK: @cooperdavis1994

TWITTER: @coopertodddavis

FABIANO VIEIRA

PRCA Tie-Down Champion

PBR Rider

TOTAL AUDIENCE: 518,497

TOTAL AUDIENCE: 156,866

YOUTUBE: @TufCooper

INSTAGRAM: @fvieirapbr

INSTAGRAM: @tufcooper

FACEOOK: @Tuf Cooper- Official Fan Page TWITTER: @TufCooper TIKTOK: @Tuf_Cooper

JOSE VITOR LEME PBR Champion TOTAL AUDIENCE: 454,267

FACEBOOK: @José Vitor Leme INSTAGRAM: @josevitorleme

CODY WEBSTER Professional Bullfighter TOTAL AUDIENCE: 343,200 FACEBOOK: @Cody Webster

INSTAGRAM: @officialcodywebster

YOUTUBE: @Cody Webster Professional Bullfighter

FACEBOOK: @Fabiano Vieira TWITTER: @FVieiraPBR

CODY NANCE PBR Rider TOTAL AUDIENCE: 154,100 FACEBOOK: @Cody Nance

INSTAGRAM: @codywnance TWITTER: @CodyNancePBR

STETSON WRIGHT PRCA Saddle Bronc & Bull Rider TOTAL AUDIENCE: 152,139

FACEBOOK: @Stetson Wright

INSTAGRAM: @officialstetsonwright

TIKTOK: @stetsonwright @stetsonwright TWITTER: @StetsonWright7

Charlie Sampson was the first black cowboy to win a PRCA title. Now at 63, he is striving to inspire other cowboys to reach their full potential. Sampson recently joined Cowboy Lifestyle Network for an exclusive interview.

SITTING DOWN WITH RODEO LEGEND

CHARLIE SAMPSON

BY COWBOY LIFESTYLE NETWORK

e all know that the famous bull rider, Charlie Sampson, has accumulated many titles including PRCA Champion Bull Rider, PRCA Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Ring of Honor Pro Bull Rider, and Cowboys of Color Museum Inductee. But how did he become such a talented bull rider? Charlie Sampson was born on July 2, 1957, and raised in Los Angeles, Calif., in a small town also known as Watts, a mere 2.12 square-mile neighborhood. As a young boy, Sampson fell in love with horses. At the age of 12, he became involved with horses in Cub Scouts, and by 13, he owned his first steer (calf). Sampson remembers the day that he discovered a horse stable in downtown Los Angeles. He would visit the stables, sneaking through the neighborhood with cowboy clothes in his bag so that the disapproving gang members would not see what he was doing. “I’ve always been intrigued with animals, but once I got a job at the riding stables, then that’s when I started realizing this is where I wanted to be and this is what I wanted to do,” said Sampson. The wranglers and cowboys at the stable taught Sampson how to rope and ride. It was at this moment that Sampson and the cowboys knew that he had natural talent and real potential to become a cowboy. Consequently, the cowboys at the stable took Sampson under their wing and showed him the ropes.

Sampson’s Rodeo Career SAMPSON’S RODEO CAREER LASTED

almost 20 years with 11 trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He ended up taking the bull riding championship title in 1982 at the NFR, making him the first-ever black cowboy to win a PRCA title and only one of six black cowboys in the association in 1983. He said if he could go back in time, his

At age 14, Charlie Sampson rode his first bull. Thus, that same group of cowboys and wranglers took Sampson to Oklahoma for a two-week trip. During this time, Sampson entered bull riding events in rodeos, hoping that his wins would provide enough gas money to get everyone back home to Los Angeles. After winning enough money to return home, Sampson was undoubtedly hooked and committed to becoming a world champion bull rider. “What really helped me was going down the road with older, more experienced bull riders,” Sampson said. “I would help them pull their bull ropes and watch them ride and get bucked off. I learned from that, then I just decided that I was going to do it. The first year I rode with just my natural ability. Then after that, I went to a bull riding clinic and learned the fundamentals, what it really takes to ride bulls. Then once I learned the fundamentals, I applied myself to that and things really started taking off.” By age 15, Sampson began high school rodeo. In his senior year of high school, the college rodeo scouts offered him a scholarship to Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz. “The college really opened up my eyes because there were so many great, young cowboys and cowgirls there that really inspired me,” Sampson said. “Once I was around them and on the rodeo team, I knew that I was supposed to be a rodeo cowboy.” Sampson traveled all over the Southwest competing in college rodeos alongside his rodeo team. After only two years of participating in college rodeos, Sampson turned pro. He became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and won his first PRCA professional rodeo that same year in Lovington, N.M. “I had the belief that I could do it,” Sampson said. “I had the courage and the drive to do it. For me, I attribute a lot of my success to three things: No. 1 -- the fear of the bull. No 2 -- the love of the bull and riding. No. 3 -- Once I got the fundamental technique, what it took to ride the bulls, then I started to take off.” “I was a student of the game,” Sampson continued. “ I watched every bull rider, on every bull that bucked. Once I saw the bull rider attempt to ride, I envisioned myself doing it. My enthusiasm, my vision, and my fundamental knowledge that I learned helped me create a style that I call, ‘Never give up.’”

advice to a 25-year-old version of himself would be simple. “Get more rest,” Sampson said. Sampson is now entering a transition phase of his life. “After 20 years of riding bulls, I’ve been transitioning to trying to find my niche in life at 63,” Sampson said. “Fortunately for me, I still love the sport, I’ve always loved horses and I’ve always loved team roping. Now that has become my new passion, but my No. 1 passion is trying to educate people that

you can be whatever you want to be if you put out all the effort. My transition to team roping is predicated on years and years of being associated with this industry that I love.” As for Sampson’s future goals in rodeo? “I’m trying to make it to 64,” Sampson said. “I’m trying to make it to tomorrow. I’m still available to help out and educate the non-public about the sport of rodeo and to let the world know that you can do anything you want if you really want it.”

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

The Rich Sound of John Rich One of the most recognizable voices in country music, John Rich, is now bringing the American public a smooth, affordable, American-made whiskey, Redneck Riviera. If you’ve been to a NASCAR tailgate, you’ve likely heard John Rich’s music blasting over a stereo system. The country music singer/songwriter, along with Big Kenny, has forged one of the most prolific careers in country music in the 21st century. Big & Rich have made a career of being relatable and musically relevant since exploding into the public consciousness in 2003 as the rarest of breeds — true country music game changers. With 2004’s triple-platinum “Horse of a Different Color,” they were able to tap into the best strands of a wide spectrum of popular music, filter them through their pens and voices, and produce a sound that is instantly recognizable, if not classifiable. This year, Rich mixed two of his passions -- Redneck Riviera Whiskey and NASCAR -- when he partnered with Jeffrey Earnhardt as an associate sponsor for the No. 0 Chevrolet for the full 2021 XFINITY Series season. Rich recently joined NASCAR Pole Position to discuss his journey to becoming a whiskey bradn owner and NASCAR partner.

Why is it so important for you to support your country with Americanmade products? ‘I look at my life, how I grew up with a high school diploma, how I grew up in a double-wide trailer in Amarillo, Texas. It was nothing fancy, but I had the American dream in my back pocket. I dreamed big and tried hard in music and with Redneck Riviera. I’ve been conscious of the opportunities I’ve had, and I support America for many reasons, and chief among them is the right to pursue happiness. It’s not the right to be happy, but the right to pursue happiness. It’s because of the men and women in our military who have been willing to fight -- and if necessary, die -- for future generations.”

Who do you see as your customer-base for the Redneck Riviera Whiskey? “It’s the people who make our country really run and stay alive and vibrant. It’s working class people. It’s not the politicians or famous people. It’s the people you never know their names. They put their key in the truck and go to work and do a great job taking care of their families. They hit the weekend, and they take a little leftover money and have as much fun as they can. Then they get back to work. We have the slogan, ‘Work hard, play hard’ right on the bottle. We celebrate a job well done and the people who go the extra mile.”

Why did Redneck Riviera decide to partner with Jeffrey Earnhardt? “The first time I was around anything NASCAR was back early in my career -- maybe 1994 or 1995. I was a part of the band, Lone Star, and we sang the National Anthem at the Bristol bowl. Dale Earnhardt was ‘The Man, The Myth, The Legend’ at that race. We were invited to be a part of the pit crew -- not the official pit crew. We put on the coveralls and listened to him speak to his pit crew. He actually won that race. It was so intense and exciting to be a part of it. That’s what got me into NASCAR and just understanding the level of focus it takes. It’s incredible. It turned out to be an iconic race. Earnhardt wrecked across the finish line, sliding right in front of Bobby Labonte to win the race. “Later on, I saw Jeffrey come up through the ranks. I thought, ‘This is cool,’ when I saw interviews with his fans. He cares about the military. I saw him holding a picture of a fallen military soldier. He put his name right on his door panel. He invited the family to the track. He didn’t have to do that. He feels the same way about the military as I do. Plus, he’s an Earnhardt. And I have those great memories of watching Dale (Sr.) at the track. Jeffrey grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He loves the product and keeps posting pictures of himself enjoying it with his friends. He has similar priorities with Folds of Honor and American-Made.”

BIG & RICH HIT SONGS Highest Rating on Song Billboard Charts Date Lost In This Moment 1 7/21/07 Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy) 11 8/7/04 Look At You 13 11/15/14 Holy Water 15 1/29/05 8th of November 18 9/2/06 Lovin’ Lately 19 10/15/16 Big Time 20 5/14/05 Comin’ To Your City 21 12/17/05 Wild West Show 21 4/17/04 California 32 11/18/17

What’s In a Whiskey? Redneck Riviera Whiskey is produced and manufactured in the United States, despite the fact that John Rich’s profit margin is reduced due to his American-made commitment. John Rich is the first to admit that he could make more money as the owner of Redneck Riviera Whiskey by having the bottles manufactured overseas. In fact, he could save $0.72 per bottle by having the glass manufactured in China. Consider

that almost 40,000 cases of Redneck Riviera Whiskey are manufactured annually, and the savings would be significant. Why doesn’t he try to squeeze every penny he can out of his business? Not worth it, in his view. “I can do that, but my patriotism is not for

Blind Taste Test Redneck Riviera Whiskey was awarded the gold medal at the 2018 Los Angeles World Spirits Competition in June of 2018. Of the five whiskeys that won gold of silver medals at the competition, Redneck Riviera was the lone distributor with an MSRP per bottle of less than $40. Redneck Riviera retails for between $20 and $25 per bottle. “Pretty much anybody with a living wage can buy a bottle and afford it,” Rich said. “Those are my people. I’ve gone on and done big things, but in my spirit and heart, I’m a guy in Texas still swinging at it.”

sale,” Rich said. “I can’t say I support American workers and want to see our country get stronger, but make a deal with an overseas company in a back room. I wouldn’t have integrity. That’s called being a hypocrite. I make enough to be happy.”

fortunate. Folds of Honor is an organization founded by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney that provides college scholarships for children and spouses of fallen soldiers. The charity gave out over $60 million in scholarships last year and 10% of the profits of sales of Redneck Riviera Whiskey go directly to the cause. “It subsidizes the education for kids who lost Mom or Dad,” Rich said. “I couldn’t think of a better way to honor service than pay for the education of those left behind. We’ve funded over 100 scholarships and we’re on our way -- I believe -- to funding thousands.” Learn more at www.foldsofhonor.org/

Folds of Honor

Where to Buy Redneck Riviera Whiskey?

Rich grew up in a family where he was taught that for every dollar earned a portion is to go to a charitable cause; this is known as ‘giving tithes’. He believes that it is the American way and a responsibility to provide for those who are less

Redneck Riviera Whiskey is in more than 10,000 stores across the county. To find it, go to www.redneckriviera.com. Find the store locator and enter your zip code. You can also order online have it shipped to your house.

TOTAL BULL

TOTAL CANINE

Farm-i-tude:

Saving Small Farms Through Technology BY COWBOY LIFESYLE

LB Bench Coach Don Wakamatsu is a third-generation farmer and the co-founder of the precision ag program Farm-i-tude. “We have lost thousands of small farms in the past couple of years because of a multitude of reasons, but two big ones are costs and resources,” says Wakamatsu. By looking at how to make his own farm profitable, he realizes that many small farms are in the same situation. His quest became to save his farm and teach others best practices to increase their profitability and harvest yield. Farm-i-tude was born. It was a new attitude about farming. Don was committed to coming up with the most innovative, cost-effective way to manage natural resources and implement the latest technology available to large growers. “Through my own experiences, what we learned is there are billions of dollars currently being invested in building both drones and technology. These drones look at resources management, specifically water, and even plant health, but few are actually teaching farmers or the next generation how to use the technology,” says Wakamatsu He took on the challenge of bringing this technology to high schools, university agriculture programs and

•• Rangers bench coach Don Wakamatsu

overcoming barriers of entry by finding the best school available to teach drone certification (107 license) and drone safety. “Rio Rico High School in southern Arizona has one of the best agriculture teachers in the nation with Richard McPherson and his FFA program. Dr. Ed Franklin is leading the UofA agriculture drone program that teaches students the benefits of drones in the everyday agriculture fields. Finally, USI (Unmanned Safety Institute) rounded out the best partnerships to kick this program off,” says Wakamatsu. “We needed a complete program from cradle to grave, and with these partnerships, we can build a strong pathway to learning and jobs.” The Farm-i-tude program has created drone days to support Mr. Mcpherson’s introduction to drones curriculum. That includes adding to his Mavic 2 drone, a couple of Inspires, an Agra MG, and the new big daddy on the block, a T16. This gives the students a rounded look at how drones are used to map and detect issues in the field, then using the T16 to help solve those problems with precision spraying. Ultimately the drones are saving farmers time in the field, addressing concerns, managing their magnitude, and decreasing the use of unneeded chemicals on the crops or in the air. This pathway to job creation is not limited to just farming. The Farm-i-tude partnerships teach skill sets with drones needed to check utility lines, construction inspection, forestry mapping and hotshots demands, surveying, livestock management, and on and on. “It’s amazing how drones can change a small farm’s chances of survival,” says Wakamatsu, “but the best part is watching the next generation get excited to learn this technology and take it back to the farm. Drones will change small farms.”

For more info on Farm-i-tude and how to get involved, visit Farmitude.org.

GET TUNED GET TAYLOR’S THE PERFORMANCE UPGRADE Taylor Tuned action is a custom upgrade for shooters wanting a stellar performing revolver or rifle right out-of-the-box. Our skilled in-house gunsmiths fine tune 1873 models by hand polishing internal parts and replacing springs. The result is a light consistent trigger pull and a smooth lever-throw or hammer pull. This work is available on any 1873 single action revolver or 1873 lever action rifle.

@TAYLORSFIREARMS

TAYLORSFIREARMS.COM

An Inside Look at

Carroll Spur Company BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Carroll Spur Company embodies everything about the Western industry. Here’s a Q&A with Carroll Spur Co. co-owners Dustin Carroll and Mehgan Carroll.

CLN: CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY? Dustin: I’m Dustin Carroll, I’m co-owner/maker here at Carroll Spur Co. I rode bulls professionally for five years until I had a bad wreck. After that, I did some local amateur stuff but eventually decided to pursue a different dream. I have always loved art, mostly sculpture. So, I moved to New York and attended art school. I started dating Mehgan after I moved back home. We now have three amazing kids and we’re working on another dream of mine, building our own cattle ranch. Mehgan: I am Mehgan Carroll, co-owner and operator. I attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with my B.A. in Business Management/Marketing. I also do all of our photography, which is one of my favorite things to do. I had my own a photography business for a while, but as Carroll Spur Co. was growing, so was our family. Ultimately, I decided to close it and focus on our family and Carroll Spur Co. Now, I get to combine all of the things I love to do, and I get to live that every day. CLN: HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? Dustin: It started out as a thank you gift for my dad. I really wanted to make him a pair of custom spurs. I knew it was something he’d wanted his whole

life. I started with rasp, but it was so restrictive. So, I took a different approach. I decided to create the spurs that same way I create my sculptures. Looking back, the first set wasn’t my best work, but he loved them, wore them everywhere. He was working out on the oil fields out in North Dakota at the time. Pretty soon, I had all his friends and friends of friends calling me and asking me for set. Mehgan: I was like, okay, I’m already working on our company name and logo. I’ll have a Facebook page up shortly and that’s how Carroll Spur Co. was born. CLN: WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER AND WHICH ONES ARE YOU MOST WELL KNOWN FOR? Dustin: We make handmade custom bits, spurs, conchos, headstall buckles, spur strap buckles, rings, and pendants. Mehgan: We’re most well-known for our spurs and our engagement rings.

•• Carroll Spur Co. spurs are solid bronze, making them durable and rust-proof. •• Carroll Spur Co. makes custom rings that start at $425.

CLN:WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Dustin: For the most part, I get to do something different every day. I really enjoy coming up with new designs and ideas, then bringing them to life. I get inspired by the ideas our customers have. Mehgan: When I get a message or email saying “she said yes.” When we get to play a small part in someone’s engagement or putting a loved one’s handwriting on a pair of spurs, seeing how much these pieces mean to our customers, it’s so rewarding. CLN: WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? Mehgan: There are lots of goals that I want to accomplish. I want to shorten turnaround times, I want to do more clothing, spur straps, the list is endless, really. It’s just the two of us right now, so I definitely want to start expanding and building a team in the near future. Dustin: I would also like to build up our design portfolio.

WHO IS SOMEBODY THAT YOU REALLY LOOK UP TO THAT HAS HELPED SHAPE YOUR BUSINESS AND ATTITUDE? Dustin: Besides my wife, she’s the real reason this company exists. I may be the dreamer, but she turns my dreams into reality. I would have to say my dad. He works hard and he lives and breathes the cowboy way of life. Mehgan: This is definitely going to come back to haunt me in the future, but I’d have to say it’s Dustin. He is such a dreamer, he is never afraid to take risks, and he’s not afraid to fail. I think that’s why we’re here today. DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU’D LIKE OUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW? Dustin: We’re not just making and selling our products, we’re using them too. I see a lot of people on social media commenting on our spurs things like “too pretty to wear” or “I’d be afraid to get them dirty. I make them because I want to provide our customers with a high-quality set of spurs, the ones that they can leave on their boots and then pass down to their children. How they look is just an added bonus. Mehgan: I think just how much time and love goes into each piece, each order is personal and unique. We’re so grateful for all of our customers and all of the support, and we’re excited about the future. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

FORNEY INDUSTRIES:

A STAPLE IN FARMING & RANCHING COMMUNITIES BY BLAIR WEILNAU

orney Industries has been in business since 1932, serving farm and ranch, DIY and industrial markets. It all started with J.D. Forney and his invention of the Forney Instant Heat Soldering Iron. He went door to door across the heartland to sell his invention. A few years later, he invented and produced the first successful 110-volt/125amp welding machine, gaining permission from the Rural Electric Association to climb utility poles to connect his welders for demonstration. His persistence, innovation and determination created the foundation for Forney, and they’ve been selling welding and metalworking equipment ever since. Forney Industries has always focused on not only meeting industry standards but exceeding them as well. Innovating is just one of Forney’s main priorities. Another has always been to evoke a deep sense of trust in customers, so that when they see Forney Green, they know it comes from a company they can depend on. In respect to this foundational belief, the future of this company will always be held to the high standards of its past. Forney is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo., with warehouses in both Colorado and Ohio. They deliver products to all 50 states through their extensive customerservice network and can also be found online with top ecommerce retailers. Currently Forney offers thousands of metalworking products within four categories: welding, abrasives, personal protective equipment and shop tools, but they continue to innovate new products to meet the needs of their customers. With an experienced and talented group of engineers and product managers leading the way, each product released has been intentionally created For Welders, Built by WeldersTM. From solving the simple need to repair metal in the 60s, to crafting thousands of products for a wide spectrum of metalworkers today, adapting to the

ever-changing needs of their customers continues to be paramount for Forney Industries. “It was innovation that began my grandfather’s company in 1932, and it’s only fitting that we continue to innovate and produce products that are revolutionary,” explains Steve Anderson, President and CEO of Forney Industries. Whether you recognize Forney’s classic red welders, the iconic next generation of Forney green welders, or you’ve been with them through it all, you can trust their products have been crafted with customers in mind. After all, Welding in America is not just a slogan, it’s the backbone of this company. “High-quality has always been, and remains paramount to all of us and our employees,” said Anderson, “it’s the Forney promise that the products we offer to our users are of the highest quality and we offer our customers the products they need to remain successful.” Visit your local Forney retailer, or forneyind.com for more information.

•• Forney Industries has been serving business since 1932. •• Steve Anderson, President and CEO of Forney Industries

ATHLETE Q & A

JB MAUNEY BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

BR world champion JB Mauney, 33, was born in Charlotte, N.C., and it didn’t take long for him to find his life’s passion., “I started sheep riding when I was 3 and never looked back,” Mauney said. “I went straight to the PBR as soon as I was able.” Some folks say that people are born for a purpose, and it seems that Mauney was born to be a champion. He joined the PBR in 2006 and took that leap of faith when his mentor, 1995 World Champion Bull Rider Jerome Davis, told him when it was time. His very first year in the PBR, Mauney was named Rookie of the Year, and little did he know at the time, he was going to make PBR history. When Davis told him it was time to join the PBR, that was the moment that Mauney knew he was meant to be a career bull rider. In the PBR, there are certain bulls that are known for being “un-rideable”. In JB’s world, those bulls are his ideal challenge and he has taken on more than his fair share of “un-rideable” bulls. Some of his most memorable rides have been on bulls such as Asteroid, Pearl Harbor, Bushwacker, Air Time, SweetPro’s Bruiser, SweetPro’s Long John, Rango, Mississippi Hippy and so many more. In fact, he was only one of two bull riders that were ever able to stay on Bushwacker for the full 8 seconds and one of five riders to have made a qualified ride on Asteroid. Both of those rides were game-changers for JB and definitely moments that he and the industry will never forget.

In 2016 Mauney made PBR history by being the first bull rider to reach the $7 million mark in career earnings. Then in 2017, after a record year, Mauney suffered a significant injury to his right arm, requiring surgery to install a screw and 13 anchors. When we asked JB what accomplishment he was most proud of to date, his answer was simple, it was being the World Champion Bull Rider in 2013 and 2015. Mauney’s career has been plagued with many injuries, as it comes with the territory, but he continues to pursue and crush his professional bull riding career. When we asked him what he sees himself doing in five years, he replied: “Doing something with bulls.” In true JB fashion, we wouldn’t expect anything less. Mauney has been a YETI athlete for five years, and was actually one of the first YETI ambassadors when they initially launched their program back in 2015. Mauney lives the brand to this day, using YETI products to help him get down the bull riding road. The company has a podcast series called the “Drifting Podcast by YETI”; it is hosted by legendary Texan and fly-fishing guide, JT Van Zandt. The episodes catch authentic conversations about the journey through life, the wild, personal philosophies, hardships and triumphs, and of course some fishing too. In closing, we asked Mauney what advice he has for aspiring bull riders. “Don’t give up ever and be a tough cowboy,” said Mauney.

STETSON WRIGHT BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

tetson Wright was the star of the 2020 Wrangler National Finals with wins in the all-around world championship and the bull riding world championship. Wright has won back-to-back all-around world championships – the first to do so since Trevor Brazile in 2014 and 2015. At 21, Wright is the youngest cowboy to be crowned All-Around World Champion in his first two seasons. He became the first cowboy to win the all-around gold buckle and a roughstock world championship in the same year since Ty Murray in 1998. Murray won the all-around and bull riding titles that year. Wright joined Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine to recap his 2020 season.

We are also dying to know how he prepared for this year’s NFR, it obviously paid off! This year’s event looked a little bit different, but we didn’t expect the preparation to look any different. So, Stetson, how did you prepare for the 2020 NFR?

“I have been working out and doing some strength training as well as mental training and tried to self-quarantine so I didn’t risk catching the dreaded Covid before the finals.”

Everybody starts somewhere, and we always like to ask our athletes what kind of advice they have for aspiring rodeo athletes. What advice would you offer?

“Always believe in your dreams and your goals no matter how big they are or how unachievable they may seem to others. If you don’t believe in yourself how can anyone else!”

How would you describe your partnership with YETI and the company’s involvement in the western industry?

“Yeti is such a great company that I am so honored to be in partnership with. They and their products are top-notch and I am so honored to wear their patch when I compete and I really love all of their products! I use them when I am at home and also while I am out on the rodeo trail!” cowboylifestylenetwork.com

FROM THE LENS OF

WESTERN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

NATALIE MCFARLAND

atalie McFarland started McFarland Productions in 2014. The multimedia business has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same: capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting ranching, farming, Western fashion, and the Western lifestyle. She has always had a love for the western culture, and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear what she was born to do. McFarland grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon high school equestrian teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle, and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm

hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers.That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing materials of ranchers, riders and ropers – it’s who she is. The love she has for the western way of life is what prompted her to use photography and videography to preserve the western heritage, both old and new. “I have a passion for agriculture: farms, ranches and agriculturerelated businesses,” McFarland said. “Cattle ranches, sheep farms, leather workers, saddle makers, western fashion designers, hat makers, silversmiths… I love to work with them all. It’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle. And those living it know what it means to be a rancher, a farmer, or a cowboy.”

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

“Courage is being scared to death

but saddling up anyway.” JOHN WAY NE 28

“All horses deserved the chance, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.” UNKNOW N

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

In the end, we don’t know what horses can do. We only know that when, over the past thousands of years, we have asked something more of them, at least some of them have readily supplied it. JA NE SMILE Y

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

A PONY IS A CHILDHOOD DREAM.

A HORSE IS AN ADULTHOOD TREASURE. REBECC A C A RROLL

CLN: WHERE ARE YOU BASED OUT OF NOW? McFarland: “We’re based out of Oregon, but we travel all over. I feel like we’re never here.” CLN: YOUR GALLERIES ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU CAN TELL YOU HAVE AN EYE FOR IT. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PHOTOGRAPH THOSE PLACES? McFarland: “We’re contracted to do whatever we’re going to do. Whether it’s an event or particular brand, we contract with those companies and organizations and provide them photography services. We also do video and digital marketing photos and videos.” CLN: HOW DID YOU DEVELOP AN EYE FOR IT? McFarland: “I grew up in the ranching world. I had a small family ranch. I grew up showing horses and livestock and rodeoing. After college, I combined my two loves -- photography and videography with the ranching lifestyle.” CLN: WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE? McFarland: “Oregon State University.” CLN: WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A NOVICE PHOTOGRAPHER IN TERMS OF EQUIPMENT PURCHASES? McFarland: “We have a ton of equipment. We didn’t start that way. My first camera was a Nikon D60. I bought it with my high school graduation money. It’s about the cheapest camera I could have bought at that time. The No. 1 thing I did when I started was invest in glass. Get the better lenses earlier. Even though you’re limited in functionality on the camera body, you can do a lot with a lense before having to upgrade to a nicer body. I couldn’t do video, obviously. Then, I went to the Cannon Mark iii. We’ve moved to the Canon EOS 1DX mainly. We have a Sony and a Black Magic and lots of other equipment related to it. Starting out, I’d recommend spending more money on lenses than camera bodies. Learn to use it first. It wouldn’t do any good to spend money on the body if you don’t know how to use it.” CLN: HOW WAS YOUR BUSINESS AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC? McFarland: “It hasn’t been as bad as you might think. We were shut down for a month-and-a-half last spring. We went back on the road. How we get there depends on where we’re going. We’re set up to fly with our equipment, but it’s a challenge with all of the gear.” CLN: HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR TEAM? McFarland: “There are four of us full-time. We have a number of contractors who work with us on a regular basis.” CLN: SOME OF YOUR WEDDING PHOTOSHOOTS ARE BREATHTAKING. WHAT IS IT ABOUT WESTERN FASHION THAT MAKES THE PHOTOS POP? McFarland: “We used to do a lot more weddings when we started. We still love weddings, but we have a limited wedding reach. We do about five per year. On the commercial side, we love working with makers -- big and small. We love working with angus and cattle producers; we have clients in the beef industry. We love events. That’s what I love about production. I love showing the full Western lifestyle and promoting the industry as a whole. That doesn’t mean one thing; it’s anything agricultural. I love the variety.” cowboylifestylenetwork.com

•• Jason Boland & The Stragglers

Red Dirt Country Artists You Should be Listening to BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

At this stage in country music, there are different kinds of red dirt country artists, depending on where you live. If you live in Texas, your red dirt scene out there is way better than it is in Phoenix, Ariz. Below is a solid mix of red dirt country music artists and bands that deserve a listen if you are new to the red dirt country music scene.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers @BOLANDSTRAGGLER | THESTRAGGLERS.COM

United in 1998, Jason Boland and the Stragglers paved the way for red dirt music and continue to leave their mark on the industry with their music and shows. Based in Texas, this band is no stranger to honky tonks and dance halls, but their music can be appreciated no matter where you live. They are currently on tour for their 20th Anniversary of their “Pearl Snaps” Album, first released in 1999. My favorite song by them? “Somewhere Down in Texas” off their Pearl Snaps album.

William Clark Green @WILLIAMCGREEN | WILLIAMCLARKGREEN.COM

•• William Clark Green

Another Texas based red dirt artist is William Clark Green. Green’s interest in a musical career started in college and he actually ended up releasing his first album while attending Texas Tech in Lubbock in 2008. His second album, “Misunderstood”, launched two short years later in 2010. His breakthrough album though was his third, “Rose Queen”, which was recorded in Nashville. Overall, Green has come out with several different albums, all giving tribute back to Texas in some way or another. My personal favorite by WCG? “She Likes the Beatles”.

Cory Morrow

•• Tyler Childers

@CORYMORROWBAND | CORYMORROW.COM

Following the trend for the previous two artists/bands, Cory Morrow is another Texasbased artist that helped shape what red dirt music is today. His last album, “Whiskey and Pride” was released in 2018 and is being called a true reflection of Morrow’s journey through life and music. One thing that sets Cory apart from others is his raw transparency about who he is as a person and an artist. One of my favorite songs by Cory is, “Let’s Take This Outside” off his “Whiskey and Pride” album.

Tyler Childers @TTCHILDERS | TYLERCHILDERSMUSIC.COM

While more on the bluegrass/folk side of country music, Tyler Childers is still an artist you should add to your playlist. Our first artist on the list that isn’t from Texas, Childers grew up in Kentucky with a wide range of musical influences. At just 13, he started writing songs but turned towards Bluegrass when his grandfather died when he was 15. In his early years, he played weekend gigs, released an independent album, but it wasn’t until 2017 with his album, “Purgatory” that he gained international attention. He just released his newest album, “Long Violent History”, which is a collection of instrumental pieces intended to create a sonic soundscape for the listener to set the tone to reflect on the last track. All net proceeds from Long Violent History go to support the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund. My personal favorite Childers song? “Universal Sound” from his album, “Purgatory”.

Flatland Cavalry @FLATLANDCAVALRY | FLATLANDCAVALRY.COM

I honestly can’t remember how I came upon Flatland, but once I did, I couldn’t get them out of my head and I have since been pretty obsessed with their music to say the least. Flatland Cavalry is the perfect combination of phenomenal vocals and instrumentals, I think it’s safe to say they have a style all their own and that is what did it for me. They’ve released two albums, “Humble Folks” and “Homeland Insecurity”. As younger members of the music scene, they describe their latest album like this, Homeland Insecurity finds Flatland exploring the anxieties, unsureness, growth, resilience, falters, fear, maturation, and eventual lessons learned as you grow older. I don’t know about ya’ll, but one thing I love about country music is that artists have their own way of sharing their stories and Flatland Cavalry does it in a really special way. My personal favorite song is “A Life Where we Work Out”.

WHERE IS RED DIRT COUNTRY? RED DIRT IS

a music genre that gets its name from the color of soil found in Oklahoma. Stillwater, Okla., is considered to be the center of Red Dirt music and the genre also extends to music made south of the Red River in Texas.

Shane Smith & the Saints @SHANESMITHMUSIC | SHANESMITHMUSIC.COM

The last favorite on our list for today is Shane Smith and the Saints. I found these guys when they opened for Randy Rodgers here in Phoenix and the thing I love the most is that they sound just as good live as they do recorded. That was several years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Once you hear their sound, you won’t soon forget it. They’ve put out three albums, their latest being “Hail Mary” which came out in June of 2019. I can’t put a certain style on these guys.

Parker McCollum @PARKERMCCOLLUM | PARKERMCCOLLUM.COM

Parker McCollum is one of my personal favorite artists because his music is relatable. If you’ve done any reading on him, then you know what goes into the making of each of his songs. Much like Cory Morrow, Parker is pretty open about his song writing process and what has helped shape him and his music. Based out of Austin, Texas, Parker made his break in 2013 after releasing “The Limestone Kid”. Since then, he released two other albums, “Probably Wrong” and his newest, “Hollywood Gold”. The song that hooked me was “Hell of a Year”. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

TYPES

OF COWBOYS YOU KNOW AND LOVE BY PETER VARLET

Think about if you might know any of these cowboys. This is intended for entertainment only and was not intended to be offensive, so please enjoy!

The Team Roper We all know one and we all may or may not love one but they are out there folks! It’s pretty common to catch these cowboys in a ball cap and sneakers when they aren’t on a horse. You might catch them throwing some loops or cussin’ about their last run. Listen, you didn’t hear it from us, but team ropers are the equivalent of barrel racers, just in another form.

Old Fashioned Cowboy Once again, these cowboys are pretty easy to spot. Depending on how old they are, you might catch them shuffling around the chutes at a rodeo or sittin’ back watching all the young pups go at it in the roping pen. These are the cowboys you should be aiming your questions at, because chances are, these cowboys have wisdom for days on end, but be careful because you might not be able to get away from them once they start tellin’ reride stories.

The Roughy I don’t know if it’s just me, but these days you can tell what event a cowboy rides in by a few giveaway hints. Look at their shoes, hat, and any gear they might have on them. The Roughy’s are most of the time wearing either sneakers or moccasins and their cowboy hats have probably seen better days. If you’re at a rodeo, make sure to check all your gates because they are notorious for leaving gates open “for the next guy”.

The Weekend Warrior Well, I’m not sure how much more of a description you need on this one, but just for the fun of it, let’s go after it. The Weekend Warriors are the guys that might work 9-5 jobs (no biggie), but then claim they are the biggest and baddest cowboys around. Which, they could be. But most of the weekend warriors we know, ride on the weekends and that’s about it. You can ask any pro cowboy, whether they ride bulls or gather cattle, it’s a commitment, either way, you need to be all the way in or cut your losses. Also in this category are the concert go-ers and potential swing dancers. Good luck ladies!

The Tried & True Cowboy In all seriousness though, these are the kinds of cowboys you want to have in your back pocket or know when you get in a sticky situation. They aren’t the loudest, typically you won’t even know they are there. They do their job without complaint and will only ask for help if they really need it. These are the cowboys that feed America and keep rodeo contestants coming back with amazing stock. These are the cowboys that don’t often get the recognition they deserve.

FIRE IT UP ‘ GATHER ROUND

F F O 20 %

S R E OOK

with FLAT RATE

off

BUNDLES with FREE SHIPPING

SHIPPING

FIREDISCCOOKERS.COM

Rodeo Royalty Ambassadors of Rodeo BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

With their history going all the way back into the mid-1900s, rodeo royalty continue to be ambassadors of rodeo across the nation. We give a behind-the-scenes look at what this life entails.

ssentially these days, there are two main associations for rodeo queens and royalty on the state level, those of Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo USA. Miss Rodeo American is solely involved with the PRCA. Miss Rodeo USA is solely involved with the International Pro Rodeo Association. Both associations give women the opportunity to represent their state while also supporting the sport we all love. These two Arizona rodeo queens give their take on what it means to them to represent their hometown rodeos.

Jessica Wolfe 2020 -202 1 GI LB E RT DAY S R ODE O QU E E N

CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? “I am a proud member of the rodeo community! Outside of rodeo royalty duties, I am also a barrel racer. I love every aspect of this sport, and I am so proud to be a part of it. When I’m not horseback, you can find me hitting the books. I have four college degrees, and I am preparing to apply for a graduate program.”

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS AS RODEO COMES BACK? “I am most looking forward to the incredible displays of patriotism. Every rodeo I attend reminds me how proud I am to be a citizen of this great nation, and how grateful I am to have my rodeo family. It will be wonderful to get back out there and do what we all love.” WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A RODEO QUEEN? “Get involved! Volunteer at your local rodeos and in your community. Acts of kindness and service will help prepare you for your duties as rodeo royalty and enrich your own life in the process.”

Rosie Wiltbank FLOR E NCE JR . PA R A DA R ODE O QU E E N

CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? “I’m 19 years old and currently a freshman at University of Arizona double-majoring in veterinary science and agribusiness management with a minor in business. Along with rodeo queening, I’m also on The U of A’s livestock judging team, rodeo team, and Pre-Veterinary Club. I won my first rodeo royalty title at the age of 8 and continued to go to school, play sports, and love the greatest sport on dirt since then.” WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS AS RODEO COMES BACK? “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to fly back into our rough and tumble swing of things. I miss my sash sisters and our family environment that is rodeo. Although I’ve been working as a horse trainer while going to school, I have felt like I have been in desperate need of my rodeo fix. I look forward to heading back into the rodeos, but I most look forward to our amazing rodeo family environment.” WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A RODEO QUEEN? “As cheesy as it may sound, be yourself. Many of us get caught up in being

a ‘cookie cutter’ model of someone they’ve been working with, a person they look up to, or whomever the Miss Rodeo America is at the time. Advice from everyone is a great tool to use, however, one of the best parts of being a rodeo queen for me has been to represent our sport correctly while still adding a little ‘Rosie’ into my style.” DO YOU HAVE ANY FINAL THOUGHTS THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH OUR AUDIENCE? “While this past year has been hard for everyone, rodeo is the one thing I’m sure will pull through it. I’ve never been involved with a stronger group of people who loved what they do more than our cowboys and cowgirls.”

Feel free.

Whiskey Recipes You Need to Try Calling all whiskey lovers! We have found some new whiskey recipes that you are going to want to add to your home bar! With everything from a classic lemonade drink to something a little fancier, there is a recipe here for

everyone at every level of a home bartender. Make sure to pair these drinks with your favorite whiskey and you will be good to go! So stick around and take a look, who knows, you might just learn something new!

B, C

A. Whiskey Lemonade Ingredients

•• 1 part whiskey •• 2 parts lemonade •• Garnish: lemon slice

Instructions: Combine ingredients with ice in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon slice.

B. Peach Whiskey Sour Ingredients

•• 1 1/2 parts favorite whiskey •• 1 part peach schnapps •• 1 part fresh lemon juice •• 1 1/2 part simple syrup •• Garnish: Peach Slice

Instructions: Combine all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a peach slice.

C. White Whisktini Ingredients

•• 1 part Creme de Cocoa White Liqueur •• 2 parts White Whiskey •• 2 parts Cream

Instructions: Add ingredients to an icefilled shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

D. Watermelon Julep Ingredients

•• 2 parts rye whisky •• 9 Fresh Mint Leaves •• 1 part Simple syrup •• 4 (one inch) cubes fresh Watermelon •• Garnish with Melon Balls •• Garnish with Mint Sprig

Instructions: In a glass, muddle the mint with the simple syrup. Add the watermelon and muddle again. Add crushed ice and rye whiskey. Stir to distribute mint. Top with crushed ice. Garnish with melon balls and a mint sprig.

E. Whiskey Workman Ingredients

•• 1 part whiskey •• 3/4 part apple Brandy •• 1 teaspoon Honey •• 3 parts Soda Water •• 1/2 part Lemon Juice •• Garnish with Lemon peel

Instructions: Add lemon juice and honey to the bottom of the glass and stir to dissolve honey. Measure and pour in whiskey and brandy. Fill glass completely with ice, top with soda. Garnish and serve.

RIBE TO C S B U S

L I FESTY Y O B W AGAZINE L O E M 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

The Fundamentals of a Great Farmhouse There are many ways for farmhouse owners to put their distinctive touch on their homes. Here are some ways in which owners can distinguish themselves as interior and exterior designers. BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Color Scheme

Farmhouse Table

•• The color of your farmhouse is necessary to the overall theme of

•• What is a farmhouse home without a classic table? That’s right, I think every-

your home. Below are just some of my favorite colors when considering what to use in your home. What’s nice about a farmhouse palette is that the colors are pretty interchangeable. The colors you use on the exterior of your home, you can use on the inside. Farmhouse colors tend to lean towards the soft and neutral realm, which makes them as timeless as the style of your home.

one should have a farm table. Thankfully, they come in several different shapes, colors, and seating styles. You could get creative and do a bench on one side and chairs on the other. Typically these tables have a rustic feel to them that fits perfectly with any style you might be going for.

Textures •• The textures used in a farmhouse are crucial to your overall style. Wood is used A TON in farmhouse styled homes. Any kind of wood for that matter. And feel free to mix and match your light grain wood with your dark grain then throw in some whitewash and you will have all of your bases covered! Corrugated tin is also a huge texture used in a lot of farmhouse style homes. Tin can be used as an accent for furniture or art pieces, or even on the exterior of your home. And lastly, subtle greenery is always wonderful to break up the neutral colors. It isn’t uncommon to find eucalyptus on wreaths, in flower pieces, or just used as general decor.

Style •• When you think farmhouse, the first things that come to mind are simple, elegant, and cozy (at least that’s what comes to mind for me). Ultimately, your style should reflect the things you want to feel in your home. Whether it be assorted wreaths, wood floors, simple decor, sliding barn doors, or anything else your farmhouse heart desires.

Cows •• What’s a completed farmhouse look like without cows? That might be a silly question, but if you know, you know! Everyone has seen the photos of the cute highland cows. So whether you have cows outside, on your shower curtain, on your wall, or anywhere else, I think cows are an essential part of having a true farmhouse style.

Most Popular Western Saddle Brands BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

icking a saddle never gets easier. Whether you are a seasoned horseman/ horsewoman or a beginner, there’s always the question of what western saddle brand you should go with for an investment that you won’t want to regret. There are several things you need to take into consideration when it comes to deciding where to get a saddle. First, you want something that is going to fit what you will be doing with your horse. Will you be roping, showing, cutting, ranching, or just trail riding? Next, you need to make sure you get the proper size for you and what kind of seat you’d like. You should also make sure that the saddle is going to fit your horse, which can be REALLY hard to do especially if it’s going to be custom made. You’ll want to ensure you have the right gullet size and if you have questions, you can always reach out to the maker to clarify before purchasing. The list of western saddle brands below is a combination of great all around, cost, quality, and familiarity.

Corriente Saddle Co. Corriente Saddle Co. makes the top of our list because there is hardly anywhere else we know of that you can get close to a custom saddle, brand new for just over $1000 in most cases. They make everything from trophy saddles to calf roping saddles to reining saddles. With a turnaround time of 30-60 days, there isn’t much to not like about this western saddle brand. Check them out and you won’t be disappointed!

•• Circle Y Saddles

•• Cactus Saddlery

Cactus Saddlery

Genuine Billy Cook

If you’re looking for the real deal and don’t mind investing in a long-term, quality saddle, then you should definitely consider a Cactus Saddle. If you need any ideas on how good these saddles are, the fact that Cactus Saddlery is the proud official saddle of PRCA, ACTRA, NIRA, NLBRA, WTRC and the NBHA should be enough to win you over. Cactus Saddlery provides products that guarantee hand-made in the USA, which more and more people are leaning towards these days. They are able to create amazing products starts by using the highest quality materials. With 150 years of combined saddle making skills, Cactus Saddlery provides premium saddles, tack, and equine accessories designed, developed, and ridden by endorsees, who boast 38 World Champion titles!

IN 1953, A YOUNG

Circle Y Saddles Circle Y’s story started out by manufacturing saddles in the small town of Yoakum, Texas, in 1960. With a vision to build the finest saddles possible, founder Leland Tucker created Circle Y from the ground up. Since then, they’ve carried on with traditions of excellence, always striving to make the best saddles possible. Circle Y saddles are all still made in Yoakum, TX, by a team of expert craftsmen who combine decades of knowledge and new technology to meet the needs of riders. Their accomplished Team of Champions and dedicated “I Ride Circle Y” members continue to inspire them to make the best Western saddles for every rider.

Billy Cook first opened his own saddle shop in Greenville, TX. That year he built seventy-five saddles. Over the next few years, Billy’s business kept growing, and in order to keep up with demand he partnered with Potts-Longhorn, and production was scaled to 1,200 saddles a year by the end of the 1950s. Then as now, every saddle made under the purview of Billy Cook was stamped with a “Billy Cook Maker” maker’s mark. These saddles are meticulously hand-tooled on sturdy saddle trees, and production was never allowed to exceed a volume that could not be inspected by him personally as the manager of production. Billy Cook’s saddles have always been intended to be an icon of affordable quality craftsmanship and functionality desired by the majority of horsemen and women.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

Items You Should Always Have in Your Horse Trailer Here’s a helpful guide of the items that you should absolutely always have on hand in your horse trailer when traveling. This is a complete guide that has everything you might need from personal items to horse items to truck items and everything in between.

Horse Care Because you never know when your trip might go longer than you intended. So make sure you pack: •• At least 2 extra buckets (one for water, an extra just because) •• Extra hay, pellets, or grain •• A pitchfork •• A broom •• A horse blanket •• Extra halters

Human Things Everyone knows that your horses are more important but you do need some items for yourself as well, so make sure to pack these items to ensure you are comfortable on your journey, no matter what gets thrown your way:

•• Spare clothing (even underwear) •• Rain gear •• Sunscreen •• Advil/Tylenol •• A human first aid kit •• Pillow and blanket •• Bottled water and some non-perishable snacks such as granola bars

Truck & Trailer Tools

First-Aid For Your Horse

A flat or blown tire is inevitable, so you’re going to want to make sure that you have all the tools necessary to make your job easier, to get you back on the road. The less time your horse(s) can be stuck on the side of the road, the better. First and foremost, we want to make sure you know how to change a tire (if you don’t then get watching internet tutorial videos or ask a handy friend to teach you). After that lesson, you can start getting all your tools together:

Once again, it isn’t a question of if, it’s a matter of when your horse will hurt itself. And trust me, chances are, they take every opportunity to do it while on the road. I have several favorite first aid items, but you should have these equine first-aid basics on hand:

•• A tire iron (make sure that it fits the tires for your trailer)

•• Trailer block •• WD-40 •• Flashlight •• A full toolset (they make portable ones that stash away pretty easily)

•• Utility knife

•• Vet wrap (LOTS) •• Gauze •• Roll cotton •• Leg wraps •• Bute/Banamine •• Mineral oil •• Thermometer •• Antimicrobial skin and wound cleanser •• Blood stopping powder/solution •• Saline solution •• Scissors •• Latex gloves •• Probiotics for traveling

•• Plastic cutlery •• Toilet paper •• Folding chairs (optional) •• Gloves •• Jacket (if cold)

Horse Tack Items Everyone needs extra tack in their horse trailer and I always live by the two extra rule. You should always have at least two extra of these items living in your trailer 24/7:

•• Reins •• Stirrup leathers •• Bits •• Grooming brushes •• Saddle pads •• An extra rope (you never know!) •• Cinches •• Breast collards •• Bridles

BENEFITS OF

EQUINE MASSAGE

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

ave you ever heard of equine massage? We have an expert who has been servicing our four-legged friends for quite some time, Tranquil Spirit Holistic Therapies owner Ashlee Kuppens. He has owned and operated an equine massage business for over seven years. “My focus has always been to help horses and increase their performance while focusing on creating a calming and healing atmosphere,” Kuppens said. Kuppens recently joined Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine for a Q&A. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EQUINE MASSAGE? Equine Massage Therapy can benefit a horse in a multitude of ways. Oftentimes we think of massage as relaxing and a luxury but it is a benefit to all aspects of the horses well being. With massage one will notice an increase in flexibility, improved performance and faster healing durations. Massage can also help reduce stress and help establish a comfortable and smoother transition for horses who have been abused, neglected or are overcoming training blocks. Massage Therapy stretches from the horse’s mind into the fibers of their muscles.

•• Massage can help reduce stress and help establish a comfortable and smoother transition for horses who have been abused, neglected or are overcoming training blocks.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A MASSAGE THERAPIST? I always was fond of holistic treatments being an athlete myself for many years. As I started to enter the performance world with equestrian athletes I saw a lack of holistic preventive care. I wanted to blend the world of holistic care and equestrian athletes making a seamless transition to add to ones performance schedule. It was as if my soul was being pulled to expand an industry that was just barely on its feet. I traveled to Carmel, California and took my first certification for Equine Massage Therapy. Since then I have expanded my knowledge over the years and obtained my Licensed in Massage Therapy from the State of Arizona and completed other Equine Certifications. WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED WORKING ON A NEW HORSE? When first evaluating a horse I will address and palpate the horse’s entire body while discussing any discomfort the owner has seen in the horse. After the sore areas are taking into account, I go to my tool box and grab any essential oils that may benefit the horse’s current status. Each horse will then get to choose their aroma therapy option. These oils can create a calming and relaxing effect before engaging in any massage techniques. Once this step is complete the full body session will begin. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? My favorite thing about my job is watching the transition for both horse and rider. I get to see a shift from discomfort to relaxation. Building relationships with horses and their owners really drives me to be the best I can be. I have just as strong of relationships with horses as I do with the people. WHAT KIND OF HORSE ATHLETES BENEFIT THE MOST FROM EQUINE MASSAGE? Each discipline asks for different skills from horses and most times we see a certain breed that is better suited for that specific type of riding. These disciplines engaged different muscles and created different states of mind for each horse. All equine athletes benefit from massage but if I had to choose a specific type of athlete that may benefit the most from massage it would be mounted patrol horses or ranch horses. Mounted Patrol Horses are expected to have the best stamina to control a crowd but also have the mental stress of staying in control through fireworks, crowds, loud music, and even sometimes physical threats. Massage allows them to enter a state of tranquility for their mind and a sense of relaxation for their muscles. Increases blood flow and allowing blocked energy to move through their body and reduces the effects of stress. Ranch horses also never get a day off. They are expected to help ranchers and farms care for livestock or produce food that feeds the land. They care for calves and carry their ranchers over vast mountains and rangelands. Oftentimes they too must be mentally strong and have physical stamina like no other horse. Massage allows them to be free of work that he does for the people and allows him to have relaxed muscles to be prepped for his next day of work ahead. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

•• Group riding around a snow drift. This photo inspired the carving, “Snow Drift Detour” another of the Pack-Horse Adventure Collection.

THE AGELESS

WESTERN WONDER Artist Don Woodard continues to lead pack-horse trips at 73

on Woodard has never liked to be pigeon-holed into one description. The Broomfield, Colo., resident created “Fine Art in Wood” and is also a retired race car driver and builder, as well as a successful businessman for over 45 years. At the age of 73, he continues to lead pack-horse trips into the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Before retiring in 2018, he was the owner and designer for Blue Goose Exhibits, Inc., which created the exhibits for the Colorado Music Hall of Fame at Red Rocks; exhibits for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); the Congressional Medal of Honor exhibit in the Pueblo Convention Center honoring the four Medal of Honor recipients from Pueblo, Colo.; exhibits for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame; and many trade show exhibits for a vast number of companies. Prior to launching his exhibit company, he designed the chassis and drove late-model stock cars, racing at both dirt and asphalt race tracks throughout the Western and Midwestern states. He is now a full- time artist, exhibiting his work at nationally juried art shows around the country, as well as in his art studio/gallery, Don Woodard ARTWORKS.

In 2019-2020 Don created the “Pack-Horse Adventure” Collection, which is a six-piece mixed media, bas-relief, hand carved collection depicting scenes and events that he has experienced leading pack horse trips into the Colorado wilderness. This unique mixed media collection was created to be shown at art museums and secure visitor centers around the country. Visit www.DonWoodard.com, to view Woodard’s artworks, which include Western scenes, wildlife, landscape, floral, sunsets, old structures, images of Hawaii, and pictures from a few of the pack-horse trips. He has chosen to create work in his non-traditional style, blending his skills of detailed wood carving with fine painting that has been well received by art collectors. Last summer Don and Grace, a lady wrangler working for Ripple Creek Lodge in Meeker, Colo., guided four gentlemen to a fishing camp in the Flat Tops Wilderness. After a 4 ½-hour horse ride to the campsite, they helped the men set camp, then turned around and led the nine horses through the wilderness back to the lodge, another 4-hour ride. Don Woodard shared his life experiences in an interview with Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

HOW DID YOU COME TO START LEADING PACK-HORSE TRIPS INTO THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS? “I had a friend who was a good horseman, and he asked one time if I wanted to go on a fishing trip with horses. I said, ‘Yeah, I’d love to do that.’ I went up with him for a couple of years. I kept doing it and became a more experienced horseman. I’ve never stopped for almost 45 years.” WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION FOR FINE ART IN WOOD? “One year, in the middle of winter, I got tired of watching TV. Earlier in my career, I owned a sign company -- sandblasting signs and stuff like that. We went on a family vacation to Silver Dollar City, Mo., many years ago. I saw a carving studio and thought it would be beat to try. I bought a set of carving tools and put it in the closet. It sat there for 25 years. That’s when I got tired of watching TV, and I wondered if I could carve pictures from my horse rides. Let’s try it in the garage. It turned out pretty well. It took my mind back to riding horses. It was a great escape from the winter doldrums. It started as a hobby and evolved from there. Every adventure has a story.” WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT RACING LATE-MODEL STOCK CARS? “Back when I was in high school, I used to go to a quarter-mile speedway, Lakeside Speedway, on Sunday nights. I enjoyed it. I thought it would be fun to race. I didn’t know anything about cars. My brother was in college at the time, and he called me to say he was putting together a stock car. I said, ‘That’s neat, but you don’t know anything about cars either.’ He said some guys at the gas station would build the car, and he’d finance it. I said, ‘Well, give me a call when you’re ready to go to the track with it.’ Toward the end of summer, he asked if I’d ever thought of getting a racecar. He’d been transferred to Idaho and he wasn’t sure if he could take the car with him. He tried, but he ended up leaving the car on the side of Interstate-25 because it wasn’t towing good. I called my Dad and went up with a chain and towed it home. It’s a good thing I wasn’t killed in it. It wasn’t much of a racecar. The first night out, I timed the slowest of everyone on the track. Our team raced all around the Midwest, and at one point, Olympia Brewery sponsored us.”

•• Group riding in tall weeds.

•• “High Mountain Meadow”

•• “Creek Crossing”

•• “Wilderness Camp”

•• “Trail to the Top”

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

•• Group riding down the mountain towards Trappers Lake.

HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO DO SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE? “It goes back to a couple of things that happened. I went to college in Hawaii. A situation developed, and I gained a lot of self confidence from it. When I came back to Colorado, I had always wanted to play football at the University of Colorado. So, I walked on for spring ball as a fourth-year senior. I made the team. When it came time to vote on captains, the coach wrote the names of all of the seniors on a board. He asked if he’d missed any seniors. I raised my hand. They knew I was older, but they had no idea I was a senior. I was No. 2 on the depth chart. The defensive backs coach called me into his office and asked what I thought I was doing. I said, ‘I’m trying to make the football team.’ He repeated the same question three more times, each

time louder than the last. He said, ‘I have you penciled in as a starter, but there was no sense in me coming back out if I didn’t have more eligibility. There were younger guys who had similar skills with more years of eligibility. It didn’t make sense to play me over them. But I had the skills to do it even though people always told me I was too small. It changed my life. If there’s something I think I can do, I’m going to go for it. Maybe I won’t be successful every time. But more times than not, I guess I have been.” HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE? “I call it Fine Art in Wood. It’s blending details of wood-carving and fine painting. When I reached a certain level of skill, I thought I could get in shows. I had shows turn me down. They said

they don’t consider it art as much as a craft. It beat me down and frustrated me. After a year or more of thinking that way, I said, ‘I don’t agree with them. I’m going to break the mold.’ Now I’m getting invited to more and more shows to sell carvings and art work.” WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF A PIECE OF ART IN THE PACK-HORSE ADVENTURE COLLECTION? “There’s one called Crossing the Creek. It’s actually about a ride I did with my brother-in-law. It was his first ride, and he asked if he could lead the pack horse for a little while. I told him how to do it. We got to a small creek, and his horse stepped across the creek. The pack horse stopped. He got dumped in the ditch in the creek. That was great fun.”

GO ON AN ADVENTURE

To view Don Woodard’s art, visit donwoodard.com

•• Group photo on top of the Chinese Wall.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

Summer 2021

Favorite Finds The cowboy lifestyle is synonymous with food, fashion, art, music and travel. We want to help you find the right products for the cowboys and cowgirls in your life. Here is a mix of products that embodies the cowboy lifestyle.

Because grease is great for bearings – not for your meat snacks. You work hard. You need a snack that works as hard as you do. Something with substance. Not a rice cake, quinoa chia seed granola bar or cardboard protein snack. No, you need honest-to-goodness, home-grown, red-blooded protein. You need Wenzel’s Farm. Great-tasting snack sticks made with quality cuts of protein-packed meat, hand-crafted in small batches to deliver truly sustainable energy. With 13 flavors of snack sticks, and three varieties of mouthwatering beef jerky, you are sure to find the snack that is perfect to power you through race day. W E N Z E L’S FA R M . R E A L M E AT FOR R E A L LI FE . S AV E 20% ON YOU R OR DE R W I T H P R OMO CODE FU E L AT W E N Z E LS FA R M .COM

Mr. Steak Deliveries Quality Meats Brisket Burgers Take Burger Night to a Whole New Level. Mr. Steak is known for world-class steaks delivered to your door, but we also offer a range of melt-inyour-mouth burgers. Whether you’re grilling in your backyard, tailgating, camping or RVing, you can always find a reason to indulge with our pasture-raised, hand-cut steaks and burgers. And now, in celebration of the 2021 NASCAR season, you’ll get a 4-pack of ½-pound craft Brisket Burgers FREE with your Mr. Steak order. OR DE R NOW AT M R ST E A K .COM .

Redneck Riviera American Whiskey Redneck Riviera™ celebrates the men and women who make America the greatest nation in the world. It’s based not only on a work ethic that’s second to none, but also a passion for making the most of every moment. With Redneck Riviera, we’re honoring this unique American mindset by celebrating those folks who play every bit as hard as they work. So, celebrate your contribution to this great land with us by enjoying many of the fine “American Made” products found behind the Redneck Riviera Star. Whether it be the All-American Redneck Riviera Whiskey, sourced in the heartland using only the finest ingredients and bottled in American glass, or the best-tasting “1776” BBQ sauce using

the freshest tomatoes grown by America’s farmers, you can always count on these products being exceptional quality. Proudly supporting our military and first responders, Redneck Riviera and its partners tithe a portion of all profits to the Folds Of Honor (FoldsOfHonor.org), an organization that provides college grants to those children who have lost a mom or dad in combat. We can think of no higher honor than helping those families who have a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. To date, Redneck Riviera Brands has granted scholarships to more than 100 children. For more information, please visit us at RedneckRiviera.com or come see us at John Rich’s Redneck Riviera in Nashville, Tennessee! Redneck Riviera™ is the highly successful lifestyle brand founded by John Rich, the multiplatinum singer/songwriter, TV host and half of the super duo, Big & Rich.

Tecovas Western Goods Tecovas is an Austin, TX-based company that sells quality western goods directly to consumers with no middleman markup. Their handmade, traditional cowboy boots for men and women established the brand as a contender in 2015. Today, you’ll find the same quality and craftsmanship in their men’s shirts and jeans, rugged Ranch Wear, bags, and leather accessories. V I S I T T E COVAS .COM OR ON E OF T H E I R H A N D SOM E LY DE S I GN E D R E TA I L ST OR E S FOR MOR E .

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

ZYMOX EAR SOLUTION ZYMOX Ear Solution, the No. 1 best and effective formula for relief of painful ear infections in dogs and cats. Veterinarian recommended for 20 years. Features the patented LP3 Enzyme System to eliminate bacteria, yeast and fungus without antibiotics. Easy-to-use with once daily application and no pre-cleaning of the ears. T O LE A R N MOR E A BOU T T H E Z Y MOX FA M I LY OF P R ODUCT S V I S I T Z Y MOX .COM .

ARMOR SHIELD IX The Highest-Rated DIY Ceramic Coating on the Planet Meet ARMOR SHIELD IX by AvalonKing, the No. 1 ceramic coating on the planet. ARMOR SHIELD IX not only gives your car a professional shine and the world’s highest scratch-resistance rating, but its super-easy DIY application comes with everything you need right out of the box. ARMOR SHIELD IX rejects UV rays, surface scratches, road grime, mud, pollen, acid rain, your father’s insults, bird droppings and any other crud. ARMOR SHIELD IX is also guaranteed to work on all vinyl wraps, paint protection films, clear bras, carbon fiber and powder-coated surfaces. AVA LON K I NG.COM

Lubriplate LUBRIPLATE Chain and Cable Fluid – Penetrating Oil. A superior, cleansing, nongumming penetrating oil for wire rope, chains, cables and general lubrication. Prevents rust and corrosion, protects brightwork and loosens rusty nuts and bolts. Excellent for drilling, tapping and sawing. Available in a 12-ounce spray can, Part No. L0135-063. Buy it today at lubriplate.com BU Y I T T ODAY AT LU B R I P L AT E . COM OR CA R QU E ST AU T O PA RT S ST OR E S .

Forney Industries 220 ST PRO Do you work on a farm or ranch? This message is for you! Forney recently released an entirely new line of welders and a plasma cutter built with the professional metalworker in mind. Among that line is the Forney 220 ST PRO, a stick and TIG capable welder designed for several applications including fence repairs or horse trailers. This powerful machine was designed with a low starting amperage of 5 AMPS, and features pulse control that allows the operator to regulate welds on thin material. The 220 AMPS of welding power supports welds up to 1/2”, and dual-voltage capabilities allow you to take this machine anywhere you need to weld. Visit your local Forney dealer or forneyind. com to invest in the game-changing Forney 220 ST PRO welder. FOR N E Y I N D.COM

Joe’s Original All-Purpose Hand Cleaner For more than 65 years, Joe’s Original All-Purpose Hand Cleaner has been manufactured and distributed in the heartland of America. Aside from its powerful cleaning ability to remove the toughest grease and grime off your hands, it’s a true water-less hand cleaner that contains lanolin and petroleum jelly for that extra help in the battle against the effects of water. Water can be very drying, especially for those who wash their hands multiple times a day. If you can remove water from that equation, you will begin to see improvements in your skin. It’s also very convenient for those who do not have access to water. There are no harsh chemicals and it can be used multiple times per day. Apply cleaner to dry skin and simply wipe off with a towel. Give your hands a wake-up call with Joe’s Hand Cleaner. JOE S H A N DCLE A N E R .COM

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

o e d o R d n i w e R he National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to promote interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. In half a century it has grown from a Hall of Fame honoring the American cowboy to a world-class institution housing extraordinary collections of history, material culture and art. The Museum today collects a broad array of material that reflects the variety of peoples, cultures and historical currents found in the West. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum shared the photography collection of historic rodeo falls with Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine.

1945

•• LOOK OUT BELOW.

Jim Whiteman falls beneath a steer. (Photo: Ralph R. Doubleday)

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

1969 58

•• DOWN FOR THE COUNT. Mike Waters on the wrong end of #51 NorEaster in Richmond, Va. (Photo: A. Stone)

1968

•• DON’T STAY DOWN.

Walt Lore fell off Chopper #68 in Springfield, Va. (Photo: Oppy)

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

1970 1964

1970

•• HEAD BELOW HEELS. Ray

Watson fell off Thump Thump at Klamath Falls. (Photo: DeVere Helfrich)

•• KICK BACK. Larry Mahan

flies off of Spearfish at the NFR in 1970. (Photo: Al Long)

•• OFF HE GOES. Myrtis Dightman flew off #434 Tex M at the ’70 NFR in Oklahoma City, Okla. (Photo: Ferrell Butler)

1971 1969 •• SAVE THE HAT. Jack

Busby fell off Pinky in LaGrange, Calif. (Photo: Eugene F. Hyder)

•• PREPARE FOR LANDING. Gary Leffew flew off 425 Playboy at the ’71 NFR. (Photo: Ferrell Butler)

1967 •• AIR MAIL. Ken Stanton flew off his ride at the ’67 NFR in Oklahoma City, Okla. (Photo: Ferrell Butler)

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

1969 •• AN EARLY EXIT.

Myron Ross flies off Hooker in South Bend, Ind. (Photo: Unknown)

1930 •• GOODBYE AND GOOD

NIGHT. Pancho Villa was tossed by a bull at J.E. Ranch Rodeo. (Ralph R. Doubleday)

1965

•• BETWEEN A BULL AND A HARD PLACE. Robert Biddinger

on #22 Super Charge in Woodtown, N.J. (Photo: Bryant Foster)

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

American Hat Company: Keith Maddox’s Dream Fulfilled Texas Proud AMERICAN HAT

Company has been based out of Texas since 1915. Keith and Susan Maddox moved the business from Conroe to Bowie in 2003. “The city’s economic development enticed us to come here,” Mundee said. “They have been a help to us every step of the way.” American Hat Company is now represented in more than 1,300 retail outlets across the country. To find a hat store near you, use the store locator on www. americanhat.net.

American Hat Company FOR OVER 100

years, American Hat Company has been committed to producing the finest quality, handmade cowboy hats in the world. WEB:

www.americanhat.net PHONE:

1-800-392-4197

If there was any question about whether American Hat Company would survive the pandemic, the company’s history of overcoming adverse market conditions was certainly an accurate indicator that it would. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

hile American Hat Company has a rich history dating back to 1915, it’s safe to say the company didn’t embark on its current path to becoming the nation’s finest quality hat company until 2003. That’s when Keith Maddox purchased American Hat Company from the bank, saving the business from going into bankruptcy under its previous ownership. While Maddox laid down the foundation for the thriving business, it hasn’t entirely been an upward trend since Maddox’s purchase. In 2005, a grass fire at the company’s Bowie, Texas, headquarters caused Maddox to lose $13.5 million in inventory. Unwilling to give up on his dream, Maddox doubled down and bet it all on American Hat Company. He emptied his savings and retirement accounts, sold his stocks and borrowed against a house he owned outright. American Hat Company fought its way back to earn the title of being the highest-quality hat company in the United States. “Now, in 2021, we’re kind of at the point where (Maddox) always dreamed of being,” said American Hat Company President Keith Mundee. “We’re not looking to be the biggest; bigger is not always better. Better is better, and that’s our focus. Keith left us with the goal of making the finest quality cowboy hats in the world. To this day, that’s what we do.” Maddox, also known as “The Hat King”, died in September of 2019, leaving his beloved wife Susan as the owner of the company and the de facto “Hat Queen”. Mundee shared the vision for American Hat Company is a recent Q&A.

TWITTER:

@AmericanHatCo FACEBOOK:

@americanhatcompany INSTAGRAM:

americanhatco YOUTUBE:

American Hat Company

PINTEREST:

americanhatco

WHAT MAKES AMERICAN HAT COMPANY’S COWBOY HATS THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS? Our straw hats are hand woven, and then everything gets hand-finished. For most bigger manufacturers, hats are made on machines. Ours are made by hand and finished by hand. We don’t have hard and fast recipes. Everything is based on feel. Does that feel good? At the end of the day, we have our people feel each and every hat to meet our quality standards.”

•• American Hat Company President Keith Mundee

HOW DID THE GRASS FIRE OF 2005 IMPACT THE WAY THE COMPANY DOES BUSINESS TODAY? “We’re fairly frugal. We don’t spend money on outlandish things. We have comfortable offices; we call it a working museum. It’s all old equipment with 106 people working to make hats every day.” WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT THAT THE HATS ARE AMERICAN MADE? “At one point, kids hats were imported from Mexico. We wrote a constitution and vowed to discontinue importing finished goods. We don’t do that at all now. Importing hats from Mexico became unconstitutional. Now, we make our regular hats in kids’ sizes.” DOES THAT MAKE IT CHALLENGING FOR THE BUSINESS TO THRIVE? “Quality is the No. 1 thing. We can’t cut any corners. If for some reason we’re out of material to make a 20X hat, we always go to the next quality up at 40X. We can’t send you a 10X.” WHAT ELSE IS IN THE COMPANY’S CONSTITUTION? “The goal is always to give four things from the constitution 1. World-class quality 2. World-class service 3. Deliver on time. 4. Do all of the above at a fair price. “We always say it’s not going to be hard to find a cheaper hat. The hard part is that when you find a cheaper hat, you have to wear it. We want to make something you’ll be proud to put on your head.”

WRANGLER.COM

SOME READ HISTORY.

OTHERS LIVE IT.

Rusty Wright 4X Wrangler NFR Qualifier

YETI’s Ties to the

Western Industry

•• Yeti branched out to begin their involvement with the Western industry in 2015.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

ETI was created in 2006 with the simple mission of creating a cooler that could be used for everyday use and hold up to life’s adventures. They have since branched out to create a range of products that are made to support the American lifestyle, whether that be fishing, hunting, ranching, rodeo, or really anything that has to do with the outdoors. In 2015, YETI hired Cory Wiese to begin their involvement in the western industry. Wanting to get into the industry the right way, the company started by sponsoring just a few rodeo athletes that could proudly wear the infamous YETI patch. The very first athlete to accept an ambassador position was PRCA Steer Wrestler, Luke Branquinho, who continues to rep and live the brand to this day. At that time, YETI also brought on several PBR ambassadors such as JB Mauney, Chase Outlaw and Reese Cates. Having started their journey with ambassadors only in the PRCA and PBR, they have now expanded to include athletes and individuals from a wide range of ranch and rodeo backgrounds such as the barrel racing industry, youth rodeos, and many more. “Our growth was strategic and steady, allowing us to build a strong team of western sports ambassadors that are authentic to the brand and genuinely love our products,” Wiese said. “It also gave us the opportunity to be deliberate about the events and organizations we’ve ultimately aligned with in order to build meaningful relationships within the community. Together, this has fostered strong affinity for our brand and we couldn’t be more excited and grateful for the way this industry has embraced YETI.” Fast forward a couple of years to 2018, Peyton Bennight was brought on to the YETI team to assist in furthering the company’s involvement in the western industry. This isn’t just an additional marketing effort for YETI, they take pride in being well versed in the industry and having folks on board that know the industry like the back of their hand. Not to mention, they truly embrace the “boots on the ground” mentality when it comes to being involved with their ambassadors, events, associations, and industry-related organizations. Their dedication to the community as a whole is astounding because it’s as much their life as it is for the partners they are working with.

•• Yeti has community ambassadors in the hunting and fishing communities.

One of the most impressive feats about this story is the fact that what you see being done in this community, is also being done in several other communities of ambassadors for YETI, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, beer, BBQ, wellness, and many others. This is just one small slice of the pie that we are sharing with you and we can’t wait to dive into the other stories. YETI prides itself on always evolving with the times and pushing the envelope to create opportunities for all of its events and athletes. Their main focus with their ambassador program is to support the industries that they are so passionate about, in an authentic way. “YETI is proud to support the western industry and those men and women who embody the ranch and rodeo way of life,” Bennight said. “We have developed strong relationships within the community and will continue to focus on building authentic connections now and in the future.” If you could take a snapshot of what YETI’s community outreach looks like now, you would see that they work with a total of 30 ranch and rodeo ambassadors, organizations, events, and associations. They are also proud supporters of PBR, Pro Rodeo, youth rodeo, ranch rodeo, barrel racing, and team roping, along with several other aspects of western life thrown into the mix. YETI’s story with the ranch and rodeo industry mirrors the values that we see within our community, integrity, grit, and a passion for this way of life. It’s no surprise that YETI dedicates so much to these ambassadors and their overall mission of supporting ranch and rodeo. Remember, when you buy YETI, you are buying from a company that is invested in supporting our heritage and those that are on the front lines of keeping the western industry alive. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

YOUR CONNECTION TO THE WESTERN INDUSTRY. Cowboy Lifestyle Network was founded by people who live and love the cowboy way of life. Our purpose is to provide you and your business with the tools and platform you need to be successful. What makes us different from your run-ofthe-mill marketing agency is that our audience is already primed to learn about you. We have already done the hard work for you and have taken the time to gain their trust and build rapport, our audience is ready to learn more about your business and what you have to offer. Our formula is simple, your brand will be introduced to our 2 million+ fans and in return you will see increased brand awareness, improved brand image, sustainable growth, increase in sales

and many other benefits. Our authentic approach coupled with relevant technology, messaging, purpose, a plan,strategy and sound implementation has opened the door for Cowboy Lifestyle to lead the way in connecting the individual to the brand. We have worked with brands such as Wrangler, Boot Barn, MolsonCoors, Papa Johns, Resistol, YETI, Hobby Horse Inc., Total Feeds, Record Rack Feed - Powered by Cargill, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Earnhardt Auto Centers, Calgary Stampede and so many others. If you’re ready to take your Western lifestyle brand to the next level, then it’s time to get in touch with us. Check out what we were able to accomplish with one of our new partners, Wickenburg Western Days.

“We want to thank Cowboy Lifestyle Network for saving our rodeo. We were up against all odds, from a town that canceled the event 10 days prior, COVID restrictions and public scrutiny. CLN’s marketing team and network pulled through by creating exciting videos, articles and social media posts that were orchestrated in a fashion that can only be described as outstanding. One example I want to share with you was an Instagram post that CLN created and shared with our local audience. We saw a 14k spike in page views within a two-hour window. I believe the combination of the years of industry knowledge and their team of cutting edge marketers made our event a success.” -THANK YOU CLN, WICKENBURG WESTERN DAYS RODEO

Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2021

Articles inside

Historic Rodeo Photos

Favorite Finds

Horse Trailer Essentials

Pack-Horse Adventurer Don Woodard

Western Saddle Brands

Whiskey Recipes

Farmhouse Fundamentals

Q&A with Rodeo Queens

Red Dirt Country Artists

Western Lifestyle

Carroll Spur Company

Cover Photographer Natalie McFarland

WNFR World Champion Bull Rider Stetson Wright

PBR Champion JB Mauney

Drones on Farms

John Rich’s Whiskey