An ongoing series of stories about the people that build the West and the True Western Tradition they carry on.
Saddlemaker Ben Geisler knows tradition is bigger than something preserved by the past: it’s something the present demands. As much as he strives to honor the heritage of Western craftsmanship, he knows the real test is how his saddles stand up to a hard day’s work. Stitching, punching, and cutting till his hands ache, late hours perfecting his time-tested technique—it’s all worth it to know he’s earned the trust of the West’s hardest workers today and for the future.
Farrier Jesse Johnston has learned to shoe horses one kick to the knee and hoof knife to the wrist at a time. At this point in his career, these aren’t really injuries. They're lessons—the kind you can only learn under a horse. They’ve taught him the value of being brave enough to take on any job that needs to be done, and the pride that comes from making your name as a master of your craft.
For Dennis Kirkpatrick and his wife Mykal, ranching is more than a business—it’s a tradition worth fighting for. One defined by controlling their own destiny, living in harmony with the land and their animals, and preserving a way of life for the next generation. For decades, they’ve counted winters in the cords of wood they burned while tackling the work from their saddles instead of a tractor cab. But this is the only life they ever imagined, and they’ll do what it takes to make sure it endures.
Katie Grasky is a mom, full-time horse trainer, and 100% badass. From jumping to barrel racing and roping, the rodeo is only part of this cowgirl’s story. To Katie, being a cowgirl isn’t about the competition anymore. These days, it's all about the life lessons taught through a hard day’s work, the joy that comes from helping others, and the laughter that goes so well with a whisky once the boots come off.
Rod Lyman is a legendary bulldogger. He’s also a day-in, day-out cowboy. To him, “that’s more than just a word. It’s the way you live your life.” You can see it in his hands. You can hear it in his voice. You can tell by the quiet satisfaction he gets from doing an honest day’s work, and the pleasure he takes in sharing a well-earned glass of whisky when the day is done.
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