Cowboy Advice

by Vickie McDonough

What is it that people find so appealing about cowboys? They worked long, hard hours in the saddle and sun, baking their skin as tough as leather. They rarely wasted water by taking a bath and probably worked up a stink only disguised by the stench of their horses and the cattle they herded. And yet, there is something compelling and intriguing about the American icon.

Maybe the answer lies in the cowboy code and the era that he lived. It was a time when a man’s word carried value, a time when there was pride and honor in having a good name, a time when a man protected what was his, especially his woman. He was a friend to any and all and could be counted on to deliver.

We’ve all heard of the Cowboy Code—a code of honor, of love for God and country, but I stumbled across something I hadn’t seen before while working on this article, The Lone Ranger’s Creed. I found it inspiring and wanted to share it with you.

The Lone Ranger’s Creed

·      I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.

·      That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself    
      the power to make this a better world.

·      That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and 
      light it himself.

·      In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when 
      necessary for that which is right.

·      That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.

·      That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always.

·      That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.

·      That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make 
      payment for what we have taken.

·      That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.

·      I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

Are those great rules to live by?

Cowboys have some sage sayings of their own. They may not be quite as polished as the Lone Ranger's but equally profound, in their own, humble way. Here are a few for you to chew on:

There’s many theories about arguin’ with a woman. None of them Work. (Gotta love that one)

It’s hard to put a foot in a closed mouth.

The challenge is not always saying what you mean, but to say it with as few words as possible.

No matter where you go, there you are. (so true!)

If somebody outdraws you, boy, walk away. There’s plenty o’ time to look tough when your outta’ sight.

Never kick a cow patty on a hot day.

Scars are cowboy tattoos with better stories.

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.

Don’t worry ‘bout bitin’ off more than you can chew, your mouth is bigger’n you think.

Letting the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than gettin’ her back in.

If you get thrown from a horse, you have to get up and get back on, unless you landed on a cactus; then you have to roll around and scream in pain. (love it!)

Good judgment comes from experience, & a lot of that comes from bad judgment.


If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.


Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Me again. Some of those are funny, but there’s a lot of sound advice and good logic in them.

So, do you have a favorite cowboy saying? Or who was your favorite TV cowboy?

Happy trails!

I'll be participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt, which runs from May 17th - 19th. 

Fill out the Rafflecopter form at Stop #32, and you'll be in the running for an iPad Mini (loaded with books from the participating authors), or one of two runner-up prizes---all 31 of our new releases in paperback. In addition, some authors are offering additional prizes.

The starting point for the Scavenger Hunt is  LisaBergren.com 

Coming July 1st: Whispers on the Prairie

When Sarah Marshall’s wagon breaks down near a stage stop at the mouth of the Santa Fe Trail, marriage proposals fly in faster than the incessant wind, but only one man interests Sarah—and he’s not proposing.

Ethan Harper’s well-ordered life is thrown into turmoil when an uppity city gal is stranded at his family’s stage stop. Now his two brothers and every unmarried male in the county are wooing Miss Priss. When one brother proposes, Ethan is in turmoil. Is it because she’s the wrong woman for his brother —or the right one for Ethan?

Vickie McDonough is an award-winning author of 27 books and novellas. Her novels include the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series and the 3rd & 6th books in the Texas Trails series. Her novel, Long Trail Home, won the Inspirational category of the 2012 Booksellers’ Best Awards. Coming July 1st: Whispers on the Prairie, the first book in an exciting new series set in 1870s Kansas. To learn more about Vickie, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com