Riding Herd

omenici law firm. p.c.

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Pete V. Domenici, Jr., Esq. 320 Gold Avenue SW – Suite 1000 Albuquerque, NM 87102 505/883-6250 • 505/884-3424 Fax www.DomeniciLaw.com

HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME! HENARD RANCH OSCAR · 575/398-6155 • 575/760-0814 BOX 975, TATUM, NEW MEXICO 88267 RUSTY · 575/760-0816

Creep Season is Here!

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For more information or for help finding your closest dealer contact: Steve Smith - 970-222-6259 or Hubbard Feeds at 1-800-333-7929

RIDING HERD

by Lee Pitts

Tools of The Cowboy

Several years ago I read in a man’s magazine (not Playboy, probably Popular Mechanics) a list of the top ten tools of all time. Duct tape was number one and “Vice” Grips was also included, which according to mine is properly spelled Vise Grips®. Believe me, Vise Grips® have no vices. Also on the list were zip ties, margarine tubs, a big screwdriver and to show you how old the list was, a phone booth and a quarter was number ten. I haven’t seen a phone booth in years and believe, based on personal experience, they’ve been outlawed in Nebraska for years.

According to the article, really only two tools are needed: Duct Tape and WD 40®. One for things that refuse to move and the other for things that move, but shouldn’t.

When I was making my living as a cowboy not a single one of my essential tools was found on that list. When I composed my list of cowboy tools I left off things like a pick-em-up truck, a horse, Gooseneck® trailer, chaps and saddle bags. They are all indispensable but I didn’t consider them tools. Horses are members of the family, saddle bags are for holding tools, (like a toolbox) and chaps are more appropriately called clothing, not tools.

I also didn’t include things like a chainsaw, nail gun, drone or ladder. Although cowboys are occasionally called upon to use such things they usually avoid them like the plague. Here’s my list of the top ten tools of the modern day cowboy. #10 The Cell Phone: Although I don’t own one I hate to admit that the cell phone has become a vital tool for the modern cowboy. If they can get service out in the boonies where they work, I admit a cell phone might come in handy if your horse bucked you off and ran home, or you’re trying to find the trucker who was supposed to show up two hours ago. #9 Fence Pliers (American made): Your average cowboy knows that the most