What is the Cowboy Code? What is the Code of the West?
The Cowboy Code of the West Lives on!
“Back in the days when the cowman with his herds made a new frontier, there was no law on the range. Lack of written law made it necessary for him to frame some of his own. Thus developing a rule of behavior which became known as the ‘Code of the West.’ These homespun laws, being merely a gentleman’s agreement to certain rules of conduct for survival, were never written into statutes. But were respected everywhere on the range.” – Ramon Adams, THE COWMAN AND HIS CODE OF ETHICS
When I wrote a Book Review of Western writer James French Dorrance’s classic Northwestern novel NEVER FIRE FIRST, I made this controversial comment:
“When Dorrance was writing a 100 years ago, those Victorian Age masculine values of honour, valour, duty and self-sacrifice were already slipping away, being replaced by discourtesy (men no longer tipped their hats to women) and by modern-day selfishness
(‘I have a right to do whatever I want!’).”
My rant drew some fire.
But I made no apology.
COWBOY CODE What is the Cowboy Code of the West?
I’m an early Boomer and grew up on Westerns. We loved ’em! Read them in Dell comics and ACE Double Western paperbacks. I saw them at the local Paramount Theater’s Saturday Double Feature Afternoon Matinee and on our brand new rabbit-eared black & white RCA TV.
Our heroes were Chivalrous champions. Cowboys, Lawmen and Mounties bringing justice to the wilderness. Roy and Gene and Gabby and Slim and the Duke. So many more…
And Western writers told about it. Even used it in their story titles, from Aaron Latham to Zane Grey.
We quickly learned the Code of the West, Cowboy ethics, the values our heroes lived by and risked their lives for.
We all knew Gene Autry’s COWBOY CODE:
- The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
- He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
- He must always tell the truth.
- And he must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
- He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
- He must help people in distress.
- Always be a good worker.
- He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
- He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws.
- The Cowboy is a patriot.
And then there was the LONE RANGER CREED! See I WAS THAT MASKED MAN by Clayton Moore – Lone Ranger – Book Review!
And, you know, when I read the Lone Ranger Creed today, I still agree with it! And try to live by it. After all these years. As old as I am.
Oh, yeah.
Even then, we lived as best by them as we could. We certainly believed in them. And more than a few of us young Boomers (sons of military men) carried them into our adult lives.
Today those values seem lost. Especially in this modern self-centered Culture.
But now we hear this…
“COUNTRY MUSIC STAR RILEY GREEN AND PRO RODEO STAR TYSON DURFEY SHINE LIGHT ON COWBOY CODE VALUES. DURING THE POLARIS OFF ROAD’S SHORT SERIES”
Polaris, “the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation,” releases the newest edition of “Cowboy Code.” It’s a two-part series featuring country music star Riley Green alongside Team Polaris rodeo champion Tyson Durfey.
“The series highlights the two individuals with different backgrounds. They bond over their shared understanding of ‘Cowboy Code,’ including hard work, respect for community, and being a steward of the land.”
Filmed at Green’s multi-generational property in his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama, the pair learn about each other’s backgrounds. They discuss the similarities and differences of their jobs. And how the “Cowboy Code” is a common theme in both of their lives.
To help share his story, Green takes Tyson to several memorable landmarks on the vast property quickly and comfortably in a Polaris RANGER. Later in the series, viewers can see how Green and Durfey work together to plow and plant a food plot for deer season. And with the help from his Polaris RANGER, they’re able to complete the tasks and still have time for fun at the end of the day.
Durfey and Green infuse personal experiences into the series. Paired with their shared love for the outdoors to highlight how they may have different passions, but embody the same sense of the “Code.”
“The ‘Cowboy Code’ to me is about eating, sleeping, and breathing the ethics that every small town in America is made of. I can honestly tell you the Green Family embodies that,” said Durfey. “I’m honored to be able to work with Polaris to bring another short series of ‘Cowboy Code’.”
“I’m excited to be working with Polaris on its ‘Cowboy Code’ series because it’s a brand that I rely on to maintain my family’s farm,” said Green.
“Polaris leads the industry in developing off-road vehicles to help those who take care of land and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. Understanding hard work, the connection with the land and the sense of community is something Tyson and I spent a lot of time discussing during the series.”
To watch the “Cowboy Code” Series featuring Tyson Durfey and Riley Green, head over to Polaris.com/CowboyCode.
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
And You Have Gotta See Our National Mythmakers — The Western Writers!
About Polaris:
“As the global leader in powersports, Polaris has invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR®, and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles. Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles. Military and commercial off-road vehicles. And much more. To learn more about Polaris Off Road and “Cowboy Code,” please visit Polaris.com/CowboyCode. Or join the conversation and follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and XTwitter. The Series will also be available on YouTube.
About Riley Green:
“Riley Green first released his self-titled EP in 2018. Riley is a good ol’ boy who still lives in his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama. He’s been compelling Country music fans to raise a drink, shed a tear, and, above all, celebrate where they are from,” said a recent press release.
“His songs include the No. 1 PLATINUM hit ‘There Was This Girl.’ The 2X-PLATINUM-certified heart-tugger ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died’ (which he performed live at the 55th ACM Awards). And his chart-topping collab with Thomas Rhett, ‘Half of Me.’ They’ve made Riley synonymous with what Country music does best: making listeners feel something with his no-gimmick, relatable writing and classic feel.”
Riley is riding a wave of success after being named the Academy of Country Music’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year.
As well as a former MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT “Listen Up Artist,” and one of CRS’s 2020 New Faces.
His new album AIN’T MY LAST RODEO, produced by Dann Huff, is more of the signature Riley Green fans have come to know and love. The project is heavily influenced by the rural, small town and slower way of life at home. And time spent with his family. The new project is available now via BMLG Records. See tour dates and learn more at rileygreenmusic.com.
SOURCE: Polaris Inc., PRNewswire & Civilized Bears.
IMAGES: “Cowboy Code” is compliments of Polaris Inc. “Gene Autry and the Mounties” movie poster from my Classic Westerns digital scrapbook. “Rearing Ranger” drawing by W A Smith, illustrating Fran Striker’s novel THE LONE RANGER RIDES, G P Putnam’s & Sons, 1941.
What is the Code of the West? What is the Cowboy Code?
