Shopping List

As the summer winds down into fall, cow works are cranking up. Some folks are shipping yearlings off summer grass. Others are weaning calves and pregging cows. No matter what the individual operation’s pace is, a change in season almost always means a change in the works for the American agriculturalist.

For many—especially in the northern tier—it means the winding down of an intense season of horseback work. Fall, for many ranchers and cowboys, also means payday. Calves are sold and care checks are written. So, with some hard-worn equipment and a little jingle in their pockets, fall is a great time for a little cowboy shopping, and there’s no better place to do it than the World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo, Nov. 8-11.

The vendor list there is legendary. From saddles to boots to hats to bits to spurs to trailers to cattle handling equipment to knick-knacks for the house, it’s all there. (Of course, it’s less than 45 days prior to Christmas, so that timing doesn’t hurt, either.)

With all those factors in mind, my personal shopping list has been growing. I know I’ll need a new saddle pad or two—I rubbed a couple ponies raw on some long days. My wife got me a bit for our anniversary, and I want to find the perfect headstall, reins, and curb chain to put on it. My son needs a new hat and he’s always eyeing the knives some of the vendors come with. My wife and daughter, they’re into the clothes and boots. I don’t think I’ve ever left Amarillo without a new pair of boots for one or both of them.

Of course, there’s got to be a little room in the budget for Christmas shopping—and I usually have to get my daughter to spy on my wife so I know what she’s been looking for.

It’s fun, hectic, and exhausting all at the same time, but there’s no better place to see friends, buy stuff, and watch the best rodeo in the land than the WCRR. Hope to see you there.