Artist's Statement:

When the Spaniards come over here to the "New World" from Europe, they brought with them their cattle herds and horses. Over several centuries, these same herds were bred and developed into our modern day breeds of beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goat herds, as well as modern day horses. Through selective breeding and great care, American ranching became a business necessary for human survival. After the American Civil War, cowboys became a very important part of ranching which is now an American heritage. The ranchers and their cowboys have kept this heritage intact by hard work and knowledge gained by sacrifice and plenty of "cow & horse sense". Through this bronze, I hope to honor these great people for providing the world with so much of what we enjoy in so many ways.

I chose Elmer Kelton for my model for this bronze, mainly because of his vast knowledge of ranching heritage. In his face, I see a rancher with experience, honesty and eagerness to work hard taking care of his herd. You can see he's got a watchful eye as he breaks over the top of a hill on a warm spring morning. He's obviously prepared to rope one that might need a little doctorin' with what he has in that medicine bag made out of an old boot top.

One should remember that beef and leather goods do not grow on trees for easy pickin'. These and all other agricultural products require hard work...VERY hard work! Elmer and I know that from our cowboyin' days that we each did as young men. Today, we do what we can to preserve our experiences with our respective work... his great writing and my ability to paint and sculpt the real ranch life the way I see it. We and our families and wonderful friends have a very deep, sincere appreciation for those great folks... the real keepers of the heritage.
Jimmy Don Cox

I want to give special thanks to my cowboy friends who came by my studio with their knowledge, which helped me develop and finish this bronze. Also, there's my old Friend, Red Steagall whose great radio program, "Cowboy Corner" was a great aid to me. Most especially, thanks so much to Elmer Kelton. I also have great appreciation for all my old ranching kinfolks and cowboy friends that have taught me so much over the past 50 years.

Thanks, Ya'll!!

Jimmy Don Cox