Western Tradition Back When

Western Tradition Back When

By Mike Capron

A nice hat and some cowboy boots is what some folks call “Western Tradition,” but I grew up where “Western Tradition” was a deep, serious statement. It was your character. Your way of life. Your word was your bond. If you told someone you were going to do something, you did it… no exceptions.

When you were making a deal, you dealt with one person at a time—you didn’t have two or three deals going at once. You didn’t need a contract to make it solid or lasting. Your handshake was all that was necessary. And your handshake was strong, not like a limp dishrag. When you talked to someone, you looked them in the eye.

In the Trail Driving Days, plenty of big cattle deals were made right in the dirt beside the herd. Money changed hands and was stuffed in sacks to carry home. And you could bet you’d be dealing with some lead bullets if you messed with that sack full of money.

You always tipped your hat when you met a lady, and you never wore your hat inside the house. You took your spurs off when you went into a lady’s home. And you sure didn’t wear your hat while dancing. Respect for your fellow man mattered, and introductions were always made when someone new joined a group. No cussing in mixed company, and never take the Lord’s name in vain.

Never ride your horse in front of someone else. Don’t eat off the chuckwagon lid. Respect the cook’s space around the wagon. Get in the back of the line—don’t cut in line.

Good strong stories were legal, and the truth was always considered an important ingredient. But the West has always had a way of stretching the truth. Riding long hours in the saddle with only your horse to talk to will help create some good stories. It’s a talent developed over time and through the sharing of tales.

And it’ll keep you as busy as an old gal eating soup with her hat pin.