CowboySpirit.TV - There are two major stereotypes for Old West cowboys: The unmannered ruffian and the Southern gentleman. Considering how rare gunfights actually were, it seems that the cowboy as a gentleman was the more common of the two, and it’s mostly the advice of these men that we’re enjoying as Old West sayings to remember in today’s segment of our ongoing series.
1. If you’re sitting at the counter leave your hat on, but if you’re sitting at the table take it off.
2. That’s too much pumpkin for a nickel.
This Old West saying refers to doing something that promises to be more trouble then it is worth.
3. “You have two ways of leaving this establishment, my friend. Immediately or dead.” – Hugh O’Brian as Jack Pulford in The Shootist
4. Nobody will ever notice it on a galloping horse.
This was a way to say that something was unnoticeable, like a stain or a missing button, and to remind someone not to be too concerned with their appearance.
5. If wishes were horses we'd all ride to town.
6. “Any ranch that you can see on foot just isn't worth looking at.” – Jean Simmons as Julie Maragon in The Big Country
7. There are three uncertainties: woman, wind, and wealth.
This is widely attributed as an Indian saying that was adopted in the Old West.
8. Don’t stop kickin’ till the clock stops tickin’.
9. “Where there's revolution there's confusion and when there's confusion a man who knows what he wants stands a good chance of getting it.” – James Coburn as John H. Mallory in Duck, You Sucker
10. “The horse knows. He knows if you know. He also knows if you don’t know.” — Ray Hunt
What’s the best piece of Old West advice that you ever heard? Let us know in the comments section!
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Comment by Neil Waring on January 4, 2013 at 2:36pm 
Comment by Bud "Marshal" Stilwell on January 4, 2013 at 2:53pm 
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