The Cowboy Code
(My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys)


Gene Autry’s Code of HonorGene_Autry

  • A cowboy never takes unfair advantage – even of an enemy.
  • A cowboy never betrays a trust. He never goes back on his word.
  • A cowboy always tells the truth.
  • A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals.
  • A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerances.
  • A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble.
  • A cowboy is always a good worker.
  • A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents and his nation’s laws.
  • A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed.
  • A cowboy is a Patriot.

 

Hopalong Cassidy’s Creed for American Boys and Girls

  • The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all hopalong_cassidytimes.
  • Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
  • If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
  • Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
  • Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show-off.
  • If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
  • Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
  • A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
  • Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
  • Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American

 

Wild Bill Hickock Deputy Marshal’s Code of Conduct

  • I will be brave, but never careless.Wild Bill Hickock
  • I will obey my parents. They DO know best.
  • I will be neat and clean at all times.
  • I will be polite and courteous.
  • I will protect the weak and help them.
  • I will study hard.
  • I will be kind to animals and care for them.
  • I will respect my flag and my country.
  • I will attend my place of worship regularly

 

The Lone Ranger Creed

  • I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.The Lone Ranger
  • That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
  • That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
  • In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
  • That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
  • That “this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people,” shall live always.
  • That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
  • That sooner or later…somewhere…somehow…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
  • That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.
  • I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

 

Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules

  • Be neat and clean.Roy Rogers 2
  • Be courteous and polite.
  • Always obey your parents.
  • Protect the weak and help them.
  • Be brave, but never take chances.
  • Study hard and learn all you can.
  • Be kind to animals and care for them.
  • Eat all your food and never waste any.
  • Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.
  • Always respect our flag and our country.

Roy Rogers Prayer

  • Lord, I reckon I’m not much just by myself,
  • I fail to do a lot of things I Roy Rogersought to do.
  • But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
  • Help me ride it straight the whole way through.
  • And when in the falling dusk I get that final call,
  • I do not care how many flowers they send,
  • Above all else, the happiest trail would be
  • For YOU to say to me, “Let’s ride, My Friend”
    AMEN

Texas Rangers “Deputy Ranger” Oath 

  • Be Alert.texas-rangers
  • Be Obedient.
  • Defend the Weak.
  • Never Desert a Friend.
  • Never Take Unfair Advantage.
  • Be Neat.
  • Be Truthful.
  • Uphold Justice.
  • Live Cleanly.
  • Have Faith in God.

Code of the West
(from “Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West” by James P. Owen)

  • Live each day with courage.Cowboy_Ethics
  • Take pride in your work.
  • Always finish what you start.
  • Do what has to be done.
  • Be tough, but fair.
  • When you make a promise, keep it.
  • Ride for the brand.
  • Talk less and say more.
  • Remember that some things aren’t for sale.
  • Know where to draw the line.

An Old Cowboy’s Advice

  • Keep your fences horse-high, pig-tight & bull-strong. Adios Amigo Pic4
  • Keep skunks & bankers & lawyers at a distance.
  • Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.  
  • A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.  
  • Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.
  • Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.  
  • Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads.  
  • Don’t corner something that would normally run from you.
  • It doesn’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.  
  • You cannot unsay a cruel word.
  • Every path has a few puddles.  
  • When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
  • The best sermons are lived, not preached.
  • Most of the stuff people worry about is never gonna happen anyway.
  • Don’t judge folks by their relatives.  
  • Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.  
  • Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.  
  • Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.  
  • Sometimes you get, & sometimes you get got.  
  • Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.  
  • Always drink upstream from the herd.  
  • Good judgment comes from experience, & a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
  • If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

And last but not least:

Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.  

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Vaquero Enterprises ~ Ralph Pavey ~ 144 Prickly Pear Court, Florence, MT 59833 ~ Phone: 916-539-8181