As I leaned back against the fence in hopes of escaping the harsh light of the late afternoon sun, I had a humbling and growing sense of the importance of documenting the heritage of the American Cowboy–and despite more than a century of ruggedness and durability, I was taken back by how this once-revered existence now delicately hangs in the balance.
As a boy, I must admit the thought of being a Cowboy seized my imagination with great zest. To this day, I remain enamored with the traditions, pursuits, and practices of the American cowboy. But despite the best of generational intentions, my fear is–unless something radically changes–the legacy of the American Cowboy will be lost in our lifetime.
And that will be tragic indeed.
Saddle bronc rider, Eddyville, NE (pop. 86)
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