Way Out West

Cowboy Gear & Craftsmanship Episodes

From hand-tooled leather to the brim of a well-worn hat, the gear of the cowboy tells the story of skill, pride, and practicality. Cowboy Gear & Craftsmanship celebrates the makers and the materials that shaped life on the range — spurs, saddles, ropes, and the timeless artistry behind them.
April 15, 2025

The Cowboy Hat: History, Etiquette, and Western Identity

From cattle trails to concert stages, the cowboy hat has always stood tall. In this episode of Way Out West , we uncover the history, meaning, and myths behind the most iconic headwear of the American frontier. Learn how cowb...

Listen to the Episode
March 18, 2025

Cowboy Coffee: The Strongest Brew on the Open Range

Before the first light of dawn, before boots hit stirrups and the long day begins, there’s one thing every cowboy counts on— a strong cup of coffee. In this episode of Way Out West , we’re brewing up the history, legends, and...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 19, 2024

Lost Arts of the Cowboy: Skills That Shaped the Frontier

In this episode of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant , saddle up for a journey into the past to uncover the lost arts of the cowboy —the practical skills and crafts that shaped life on the frontier. From the intricate b...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 24, 2024

The Get Down Rope: A Horseman’s Essential Tool Explained

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the get down rope, a key tool in western horsemanship often overlooked by those outside the cowboy world. We discuss the history of this versatile piece of gear, how it has been used ...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 3, 2024

Wrapped in Tradition: The Story of a Cowboy's Wild Rag

In this episode of "Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant," we delve into the history and significance of a simple yet iconic piece of cowboy gear: the wild rag. More than just a practical accessory, the cowboy bandanna is ...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 27, 2024

Tales of the Lariat: The Cowboy’s Essential Tool

In this episode we explore the iconic cowboy rope, a tool that has been essential to the cowboy way of life for centuries. You’ll discover the rich history behind the lariat, its role on the open range, and the skill it takes...

Listen to the Episode
April 29, 2021

Why Cowboys Hobble Their Horses

Hobbling horses dates back to at least the ancient Egyptians. And while today hobbles are most closely associated with Western culture and their use by working cowboys to restrain horses in lieu of trees or other tie devices...

Listen to the Episode
March 9, 2021

Why Spurs Are For More Than Looks

A lot folks think a cowboy's spurs are merely so he can look fancy. In this episode, though, we'll talk about the western spur, what they're used for, and the lessons we can take from the signal a touch of the spur provides. ...

Listen to the Episode