There has never been a better time to immerse yourself in the Western industry. From artists, fashion, horses, events and everything in between, here are the things I am loving as of late.
Wow! Does January feel like the longest month ever to anyone else? December always feels like it’s about six days long to me (my brain doesn’t compute the week of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the National Finals Rodeo nor the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as actual days). Meanwhile, January feels like it’s about 60 days long. I love it, though. Nothing gets me motivated like a fresh start, plus the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas, kicks off in January, which is my absolute favorite.
As the editor, I get to see and experience many cool things and meet a ton of interesting and inspiring people. Of course, not everything makes it into our monthly magazine, so I wanted to give you a rundown of some things I loved in 2023 that you might not have seen in print.
Don’t Miss it in 2024:
Cowtown Collection: Western Art and Gear Show, hosted by Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design
This event was incredible. If you’ve never been to Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design in Fort Worth, it’s a must-stop. The furniture gallery itself is so beautiful to walk around. The intricate details of the ottomans, the smell of leather, the unique and thought-provoking Western art — you will leave with inspiration to remodel your entire home. In 2023, Brumbaugh’s hosted another installment of their annual Cowtown Collection event, where a culmination of artists and craftsmen come together to display their talents and offer one-of-a-kind items for direct-to-consumer purchase. Plus, you get to meet the artists and craftsmen behind the designs. There were so many of our would-be Best of Western Horseman winners in attendance, and seeing them in action was something special.
Cody Canada of the former band Cross Canadian Ragweed provided acoustic entertainment. If you are a country music fan, you know how special it is to see someone with such an iconic voice perform live.
I met some truly incredible photographers like Peter Robbins and Steve Wrubel.
Someone whose art I was particularly drawn to was Mike Tabor. The way he mixes mediums and layers of paint with printed words from novels, newspapers and more — I just found it so special. Every time I looked, I noticed something new. Additionally, Stephen Wilson incorporated fabrics and combined high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès with Western vision. I hadn’t seen anything like this before with the exception of the Leather and Vodka LV bags, and I thought this was a fun, girly way to decorate a Western space in an elevated way.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Western craft showcase without the likes of bit and spur work by Kerry Kelley and Wilson Capron.
Other artists and makers I was particularly impressed with include Maddie Hoelscher (leatherwork), Tyrel Jensen (silver jewelry), Corinne Buchanan (art) and Leea Arnold (jewelry).
The food was catered by Tim Love, which rarely disappoints, and Ghostwood whiskey was flowing. There was also a live auction with great items like a night at Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, a Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo experience and more. Proceeds from tickets and VIP table sales for the event were donated to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Art Contest. In 2024, other causes will be added to the lineup.
What I’m Reading:
“Cowboys and Rodeos,” by Alyn Robert Brereton
Brereton grew up in Roberts Ferry, California, where the only jobs available to teens in search are working on farms or ranches. What began as taking a single rodeo photo for a sick relative turned into a passion for Brereton, documented in this beautiful book.
The book is organized a bit chaotically, which helps tell the story and move the reader through the pages. It tells a lot about Brereton’s background and journey; it also tells a lot about life as a cowboy. The photographs help the reader immerse themselves and relate to the words. Every few pages is a moving quote about the Western way of life, being around horses or something similar. Once the story is told, the book flips like a Western art gallery, moving from cattle, cowboys and ranches to rodeo. The photos range from ethereal and serene to grit and mud.
I would have liked to see more notable Western figures quoted throughout the book. Many of the quotes are unknown or from authors and writers who weren’t involved in Western life. It would have been great to sprinkle some quotes from Boots O’Neal, Sherry Cervi and Bob Tallman, just to give it some authenticity. That said, the photos are beautiful, and the book is perfect for the Western coffee table or end table. You can buy it by searching for the book title on Amazon!
What I’m Watching:
Tin Top
Tin Top is a crowd-funded series filmed in Weatherford, Texas, the cutting horse capital of the world. I grew up just off of Tin Top Road in Weatherford, so I have a soft spot for this project. The creators, Dusty and Shaina Whitford, have a long road ahead of them to fund their project, and I hope they succeed. The show features everything we all love — cutting horses, Western life, veterans and more. Their goals for this show come from a pure love of the Western lifestyle, and I hope that the show is a huge success. You can watch on horsepro.tv!
What I’m Wearing:
We have seen a lot of new Western fashion popping onto the scene lately. Milton Menasco saw a hugely successful National Finals Rodeo campaign, brands like Justin are leaning into vintage trends, The Good Babes Co. sold out of their staple denim trousers again and everyone is talking turquoise.
Mud Lowery is an all-time favorite for me. I wrote an article about the brand in our September 2023 issue that you can read HERE. Shannon Lowery’s hands are behind the jewelry, and he makes some of the most unique stuff. He’s not trendy, and that’s what I love about the jewelry. It’s different, pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes, and I’m not the only one who has noticed. Besides the fact you can’t get your hands on Mud Lowery because the pieces sell out within minutes of a new drop, celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson are wearing Mud both on and off the stage. Beyond the jewelry, Mud Lowery hats are everything. My personal favorite is the No Money Ranch Trucker Hat and the All Hat No Trust Fund camo trucker.
As far as boots go, we all probably have more than we need, but I couldn’t pass up the Verlie Western boot from the Vintage Collection at Justin Boots. They are my new go-to staple. Super comfortable, elevated look, with high-quality materials. They also come in white!
Finally, if you’re in the market for an elevated Western look that is conservative, clean, classic, timeless and affordable, the Corporate Cowgirl collection from The Good Babes Co. is where you’ll find it. So much of this line is already sold out, but my personal favorites from this collection are the Freya Horse Sweater Vest, the Daphne Western Sweater, the Alice Rhinestone Collar Top and the Robyn Ribbed Basic Tee — also, all of the wild rags and bows.
Where I’m Going:
The upcoming spring means the arrival of rodeo season! Outside of the NFR, I would say March through July is the time to shine for Western events. I am particularly excited for The American Western Weekend.
On March 7, Western Sports Foundation is hosting Dancin’ with the Rodeo Stars at Tannehill’s Tavern in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s not related to The American Western Weekend, but if you’re coming to Fort Worth for the rodeo, you may as well plan to attend this on Thursday night. I am personally on Team Tina Battock and Gary Hawkes! Then, on Friday, March 8, I’ll be celebrating some of the most impressive women in the West at the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 event. Meet the honorees here. The rest of the performance horse community will be at Globe Life Park for The American Performance Horseman, featuring some of the most impressive riders and horses from the cutting, reining and cow horse industries, with a concert by Luke Bryan. Saturday, March 9, is The American Rodeo, where there is $1 million on the line for a few lucky cowboys and cowgirls and a concert by Post Malone. Tickets are available for each night or as a package for both nights here.
Last Chance:
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions is quickly approaching and it’s featuring a stray gathering and a Cowboy Class with an unprecedented payout. Here’s what you need to know:
- The class, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch, is open to cowboys and cowgirls who have earned less than $15,000 in Open or Non-Pro money at NRCHA events (other than the Cowboy Class) and are currently employed by ranch or livestock operations.
- The class includes reined work, cow work and modified steer stopping that won’t include a chute or barrier.
- There is $25,000 in added money for the class (!!!), and the books are open to enter until February 12.
This is always one of my favorite classes to watch during the Celebration of Champions. Share this link with your cowboy friends so they don’t miss out on a chance to win a ton of money and participate in the stray gathering.
Whew! That was quite a recap. I will keep this a little tighter in the coming months, but I am excited to share so much of the Western culture I love with you. As always, send me your thoughts and ideas to [email protected].
Cheers,
Amanda Devan
Editor, Western Horseman
