If you are a western retail store or manufacture goods for those stores you should be interested in the Western & English Sales Association which is based in Denver, Colorado. Denis Arey is this year’s President. “Western & English Sales Association (WESA) was organized in 1921 under the corporate name,…
A short length of rope is called a tie-down rope or a “piggin string” by cowboys. It has multiple uses and lengths and it a common item seen attached to saddles or sometimes chaps. You’ve probably see one if you’ve ever watched tie-down roping. It’s the short length of rope…
One of the most talented silversmiths these days is Ernie Marsh. From his website: “Ernie Marsh, his wife, Teresa and sons, Milo and Audie enjoy a small ranch in the high desert country of eastern Oregon. His passion for bits and spurs became reality through the educational programs of the…
Spurs are a metal tool worn on the heels of boots that are used to motivate horses into paying attention. Spurring a horse, however gently, sends the message “I’m serious about what I just asked you to do”. They should be the last thing you use to communicate to the…
Brands are used to permanently mark cattle or horses with a unique image or set of characters. The origin of branding livestock dates from 2700 B.C. Today brands are documented in brand books maintained by state officials or in a few cases by cattle associations. My families 100 year old…
