Code of the West

 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.

One concept included in the statement, "Ride for the brand" is that of loyalty. A cowboy working for another person would be committed to his boss.  He would treat the cattle as if they were his own.  Today we call that "taking ownership."  He would fight off rustlers as if those cattle were his own.  He was  often willing to die protecting the property of his boss.

Commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, ownership, pride and sacrifice are some of the concepts embodied in the term, "riding for the brand."  Some of these are rare in today's world.

We will be completing this article soon. So... Hold you horses... (smile)