The “Beef” sign called to me from across the Wal-Mart. It was high enough that I could see it peeking over the aisles, past the fruits and vegetables and frozen pizzas. Beneath it stood 40 feet of refrigerated wall, holding hundreds of pounds of bloody, red beef.

Christopher (Kit) Carson, born on Christmas Eve 1809, was a man of contrasts. At age 15, he ran away from an apprenticeship, whereupon his master advertised for his capture, offering a reward of one penny. Some 20 years later, he dined with President James Polk at the White House.

As food, board, and vet bills become increasingly difficult to justify in hard economic times, many families face the difficult prospect of separating from their horses. And some owners must weigh the grim options of euthanasia, slaughter, or release (often illegal). Horse rescues, like Colorado Horse Rescue (chr.org), are filling up with starving and neglected animals.

A former rodeo cowboy, rancher, anthropology professor, and World War II veteran known for wearing protective feathers and war paint into battle, Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow High Bird, 96, of Montana’s Crow Indian tribe received the nation’s highest civilian honor this summer—the Presidential Medal of Freedom. U.S.

In the skilled hands of an artist, everyday objects are elevated to the extraordinary. Meet three craftsmen who keep western traditions alive.

For ten days last June, a group from the Professional Bull Riders traveled to Bolivia to help replenish the cattle industry, which has been devastated by recent flooding and famine. They also demonstrated more efficient ways to rope cattle and break horses, pitched in to help with construction projects, and distributed school supplies and clothing to local children.