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It seems these days we have lost sight of the Cowboy way, and those great lessons it taught us. We have forgotten Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger and the many other great Cowboy figures of a bygone generation. In an effort to try and revive those ideals and promote them, I have started The Cowboy Code Blog and The Cowboy Code Deputy Marshals.

After thinking about it, I sat down and did some research and read all the old Cowboy creeds, codes, commandments, etc. that I could find. While they are all very similar in nature, they are at the same time all different. After much thought, I put down my Cowboy Code below which contains the spirit of all the original Cowboy codes and a few original thoughts of my own. I can only hope that it would gain the approval of all those Cowboy role models who inspired it.

Christopher's Cowboy Code

1.  A cowboy always tells the truth and keeps his word.
2.  A cowboy is a Patriot and defends the American way.
3.  A cowboy never betrays a trust or takes advantage.
4.  A cowboy is brave, but never careless.
5.  A cowboy defends the weak and helps them.
6.  A cowboy is kind to children, old folks, and to animals.
7.  A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
8.  A cowboy is clean in thought, word, deed and person.
9.  A cowboy is loyal, hard working and maintains a high ethic.
10. A cowboy is thankful for what God has given him.

Gene Autry's "Cowboy Commandments"

1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage.
2. A cowboy never betrays a trust.
3. A cowboy always tells the truth.
4. A cowboy is kind to small children, to old folks, and to animals.
5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
6. A cowboy is helpful and when anyone is in trouble he lends a hand.
7. A cowboy is a good worker.
8. A cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.
9. A cowboy respects women, his parents, and the laws of his country.
10. A cowboy is a patriot.

Hopalong Cassidy's "Creed for American Boys and Girls"

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

Roy Rogers' "Rider's Rules"

1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave but never take chances.
6. Study hard and learn all you can.
7. Be kind to animals and care for them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.
10. 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 ought 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

The Lone Ranger's Creed

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

The Code of the American Cowboy
(As reportedly read at John Wayne's eulogy by his son Patrick Wayne)

1. A cowboy does not judge color of skin, but by character within.
2. A cowboy always respects a lady and tips his hat to all that pass him by
3. A cowboy stands strong for what the American frontier is all about: Freedom, Truth, Justice and the American way.
4. A cowboy will not be wronged, nor wrongs another. The justice he deems out depends on that.
5. A cowboy is loyal, and hard working and maintains a high ethic.
6. A cowboy loves his country, and will fight for it's principles and sovereignty.
7. A cowboy respects his animals and the earth they roam upon.
8. A cowboy is faithful to what is entrusted to him.
9. A cowboy is bound by duty, honor, and gratitude for what God has given him, which includes his friends and family.
10. A cowboy maintains a hidden code in his heart, for all to see.

Wild Bill Hickok Deputy Marshal's Code of Conduct

1. I will be brave, but never careless.
2. I will obey my parents. They DO know best.
3. I will be neat and clean at all times.
4. I will be polite and courteous.
5. I will protect the weak and help them.
6. I will study hard.
7. I will be kind to animals and care for them.
8. I will respect my flag and my country.
9. I will attend my place of worship regularly.

Texas Rangers "Deputy Ranger" Oath

1. Be Alert.
2. Be Obedient.
3. Defend the Weak.
4. Never Desert a Friend.
5. Never Take Unfair Advantage.
6. Be Neat.
7. Be Truthful.
8. Uphold Justice.
9. Live Cleanly.
10. 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)

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.

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