By western author Nick Brumby

“Cowboys need nothin’ more than a hat, horse, and the will to ride.”

Were there rules to being a cowboy? No. But every cowboy, ranch hand, range boss, and cowpuncher knew there were basic principles by which everyone lived by.

Some were just common sense and courtesy, such as:
• When approaching someone from behind, give a loud greeting before you get within shooting range.
• Never try on another man’s hat.
• Be hospitable to strangers. Anyone who wanders in, including an enemy, is welcome at the dinner table.

A cowboy may break every law on the books at times, but there was an unofficial code which held those who lived, worked and built the Old West to a higher standard. No self-respecting cowboy would dream of disputing this unofficial code.

These principles included:
1. 1. Live each day with courage.
   2. Take pride in your work.
   3. Always finish what you start.
   4. Do what has to be done.
   5. Be tough, but fair.
   6. When you make a promise, keep it.
   7. Ride for the brand.
   8. Talk less and say more.
   9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale.
   10. Know where to draw the line.
   This is not an exhaustive list – which ones did I miss?

About Nick Brumby

I like a good story. And of all stories, I love westerns the most.

As a kid, I spent far too many afternoons re-watching Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns, picking up ‘Shane’ for just one more read, or saddling up beside Ben Cartwright when ‘Bonanza’ was on TV each afternoon.

I’m a former journalist and I love horses, dogs, and the occasional bourbon whiskey. I live with my wife, daughter and our ever-slumbering hound in a 1800’s-era gold mining town – our house is right on top of the last working gold mine in the area. There may not be much gold left, but there’s history wherever you look.

I hope you enjoy my westerns as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Happy trails,

Nick