Discover the Cowboy Spirit: Iconic Ranchers Share Their Lives in a Captivating New Book

Longtime Steamboat Springs resident Matt Tredway has woven together a collection of ranching tales in his new book, “The West: Essays of Mountain Cowboys.” Growing up in Gunnison, Tredway has always had a strong connection to the cowboy lifestyle, despite being a town kid.

The book features stories about ranchers he’s encountered throughout his life, capturing the essence of the cowboy experience. Tredway pulls from his relationships with many families in Routt County, like the Green, Daughenbaugh, Stanko, Deline, and Schalnus families. He also shares insights from ranchers like Shane Yeager and the Hildreth brothers, along with stories honoring cowboy artists, including Curtis Zabel and Rudi Mergelman.

Tredway aims for readers to feel as though they are stepping into his tack room, surrounded by Western memorabilia. He describes a collection of saddles, spurs, and chaps that holds deep meaning for him. "To the untrained eye," he writes, "it’s just a messy collection. But to me, it’s a rich tapestry of the past."

After years as a wrestling coach at Steamboat Springs High School, Tredway retired 15 years ago. He spent a winter gathering stories from local ranchers, and to his surprise, the book came together quickly. He’s currently collaborating with editors Sophie Dingle and Melissa VanArsdale to finalize the project.

According to recent surveys by the American Cowboy Culture Association, interest in cowboy culture has surged, with 63% of respondents stating they have a personal connection to the history of ranching in the U.S. This is reflected in social media trends, where hashtags like #CowboyLife and #WesternCulture see thousands of posts weekly, showcasing the enduring legacy and fascination with cowboy life.

Tredway’s book is set to hit the shelves at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore in a couple of weeks, and will also be available at Abracadabra Bookstore in Gunnison and online later this fall.

For those interested in cowboy culture, Tredway’s rich recounting of personal stories serves as a vital reminder of the deep connections between people and their pasts. You can keep an eye on updates through his local bookstore or follow discussions around the book on social media.

For more insights into the cultural significance of cowboy life, visit the American Cowboy Culture Association’s website.

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