The Code Of The West

 

by 'RoundUp'

 

First chronicled by the famous western writer Zane Grey in his 1934 novel of the same name, no written 'Code of the West' ever actually existed. However, the cowboys prided themselves on, and were bound by, these rules which centred on hospitality, loyalty, fair play and respect...especially for the land.
 
A cowboy who failed to abide by the code was never formally punished; instead, he more or less became a social outcast, subject to the punishment of the very code he had broken.
 
Although 'The Code of the West' was always unwritten, knowledge of it was imprinted into a boys mind over a period of years, sometimes by his father but, more usually, by the hands who worked the ranch, (often after he'd accidently broken one of those as yet, (to him), unknown rules), and he was always expected to live by it!.
 
Below is a list of those rules, which I hope you'll enjoy reading.

 
Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what  he is today.

Never steal another man's horse. A horse-thief pays with his life.

Defend yourself whenever necessary.

Look out for your own.

Remove your guns before sitting at the dining-table.

Never order anything weaker than whiskey.

Don't make a threat without expecting dire consequences.

Never pass anyone on the trail without saying 'howdy'.

 

When approaching someone from behind, give a loud greeting before you get within shooting range.

 

Don't wave at a man on a horse, it might spook the horse. A nod is the proper greeting.

 

After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.

 

Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife. Never even bother another man's horse.

 

Always fill your whiskey glass to the brim.

A cowboy don't talk much. He saves his breath for breathing.

 

No matter how weary and hungry you are after a long day in the saddle, always tend to your horse's needs before your own, and get your horse some feed before you eat.

 

Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.

Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.

Always drink your whiskey with your gun hand, to show your friendly intentions.

 

Do not practice ingratitude.

A cowboy is pleasant, even when out of sorts. Complaining is what quitters do, an' cowboys hate quitters.

 

Always be courageous. Cowards ain't tolerated in any outfit worth its' salt.

 

A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.

 

Never try on another man's hat.

Be hospitable to strangers. Anyone who wanders in, including an enemy, is welcome at the dinner-table. (The same was true for riders who joined cowboys on the range).

 

Give your enemy a fighting chance.

Never wake a man by shaking or touching him, he might wake suddenly and shoot you.

 

Real cowboys are modest. A braggart is not tolerated.

Be there for a friend when he needs you.

Drinking whilst working means instant dismissal and black-listing.

A cowboy is loyal to his 'brand', to his friends, and to those he rides with.

 

Never shoot an unarmed or un-warned enemy. (This was also known as 'The Rattlesnake Code'...always warn before you strike. However, if a man was being stalked this could be ignored).

 

Never shoot a woman no matter what.

Always be considerate of others. (e.g., don't stir up dust around the chuck wagon; don't wake the wrong man for herd duty, etc,).

 

Respect the land and the environment by not smoking in areas prone to fire, disfiguring rocks, trees, or other natural areas.

 

Honesty is absolute-your word is your bond. (A handshake was more binding than a contract).

  
An interesting insight into the Old West, folks!. Much of the Code, I feel, wouldn't be out of place if employed in today's modern world...(oh, an' I always take my guns off before sitting down to dinner!).
 

End