Out of the Chute

HERE AT SADDLEBAG DISPATCHES, we’re excited to present to you our Autumn/ Winter 2019 issue. Unfortunately, that excitement has been dimished somewhat in the face of recent events. Our loyal readers may notice that this issue is about two weeks later than normal. There’s an unfortunate reason for that: we lost one of our own. Richard Howk, an associate graphic designer with us for the past four years, was killed in a tragic automobile accident two days after Christmas.

For those of you who didn’t know him like we did, Richard was a brilliant, humorous, fun-loving guy with a big heart. He was a talented writer, graphic designer, bathroom and kitchen designer, and a great friend. A real-life Peter Pan, Richard was always the life of the party, the guy you wanted to hang out with to toss back a few beers and sing some karaoke. He was also always there when you needed a shoulder to cry on. He was just 44 years old. Hard upon the heels of the loss of our dear departed Ranch Boss, Dusty Richards, only two years ago, this was a blow to the entire Saddlebag Dispatches/ Oghma Creative Media family. We ask that you keep his family—and that of the other driver killed in the accident—in your thoughts and prayers, and thank you for your patience while we’ve grieved his passing.

In spite of the circumstances, though, we really are proud of the issue you now hold in your hands, and both Dusty and Richard would be, too. Let me tell you why. More than two dozen individual writers have contributed their immense talents and western knowledge to the Saddlebag cause. Not only do we have more writers, but we have a greater diversity among the authors found in these pages than ever before. Just as in the Old West, the authors in this issue run the gamut of age, gender, and ethnicity, and we’re proud of all of them.

The stories and articles featured here range from the deserts and mountains of New Mexico to the open prairies of western Canada, from the hills of the Ozarks to the Hollywood Hills. Lawmen and bad men, cowboys and cattlemen fill these pages with interesting facts and fascinating fiction.

Here you will find the stories of real-life heroes, outlaws and stars of the silver screen. Read about the latest honor bestowed on rodeo legend Ty Murray or the legacy of the late great Bob Norris. Read the history of the legendary U.S. Marshals out of Fort Smith or visit the beautiful and historic Taos Pueblo. Share with us the stories of murders and kidnappings, of harsh landscapes, and restless spirits.

So, pour yourself a cup of cowboy coffee, pull up a stump or a box to sit on, and share the amazing talent represented here. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have putting it together for you.

And Richard...wherever you are now, this one’s for you. Happy trails, partner, and Godspeed.

—Dennis Doty, Publisher