Tricking Christmas

 

Don't you just love the holidays. Cozy fires. Hot chocolate. Rodeo finals. Cowboys!

My new release Tricking Christmas has got you covered for all kinds of cowboy and holiday fun!

Will an innocent offer of help lead two obstinate hearts along the road to love?

Truitt Lucas is the guy who brings laughter wherever he goes and refuses to take life too seriously. Beneath his carefree exterior, though, he yearns for more adventure and excitement than he’ll find working on the family ranch alongside his cousin and grandmother. When the opportunity arises to assist a trick rider, Truitt eagerly lends a hand. However, he soon finds himself drawn to the perplexing woman who barely tolerates him.

Jolee Judson is living her dream as a trick rider on the rodeo circuit, using her lifelong passion for horses and gymnastics to wow the crowds. But when her partner unexpectedly abandons her, Jolee is just desperate enough to accept a good-natured cowboy’s offer to help. Fascinated and infuriated by Truitt and his shenanigans, Jolee struggles against her growing feelings for him. Falling for Truitt could spell disaster for her future and derail everything she’s worked for.

Can the two of them find common ground where trust is earned and love becomes a cherished gift?

A sweet holiday novel full of the magic of Christmas, Tricking Christmas brims with small-town humor, heartwarming moments, and wholesome romance.

Obviously insulted, two twin lines created furrows between his eyebrows. “I’m not doing this for the money, Jolee.” He scoffed at her and swirled the ice around in his tea glass.

“Then, why are you offering to save my bacon, so to speak, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Truitt shrugged. “Because you’re a good person, Jolee Judson, and you’ve worked hard to establish your act with a sterling reputation. You’ve always been the driving force behind it. Amy even said as much. It’s not fair that you’ve been put into a bind because your partner quit without any notice.”

“Amy had a good reason. She needs to be with her family.”

“She does, but I got the idea she’s had one foot out the door for a while. She mentioned last time we spoke about going back to school to become a veterinarian.”

Shock widened Jolee’s eyes. “I had no idea she was considering it. I think she’ll do great in that field, though. She loves animals.”

“She does.” Truitt took the last bacon tot from the bag. “Dibs on the last one.” He popped it in his mouth, drained his glass, and stood. Once again, the trailer felt cramped by his presence.

Jolee wondered if it was his large personality as much as his muscular physique that made the space seem smaller.

“I better get going. I promised Troy I’d help him with a few farrier jobs he’s got lined up. Do you want me to try to perform with you tonight or during this rodeo?”

“No. Let’s leave things as they are this week, although I wouldn’t mind if you had time to help set out props.”

“Sure. Troy and I are scheduled to rope in the slack tomorrow afternoon, but I can help you out during your performances. Just let me know what you need, honey.”

Jolee bristled as Truitt opened the door and stepped outside. When he turned to face her, his smile melted faster than the ice cream cone she’d attempted to eat the previous afternoon. She’d heard Truitt call babies in diapers, old women with walkers, and females of every size, shape, color, and age in between “honey.” And she didn’t like it. Not one bit.

“You will not ever, under any circumstance, call me ‘honey,’” she commanded in a tone dripping frost despite the heat already surging outside. “Understood?”

“Yes, ho—Yes, ma’am.” Truitt ducked his head, but she caught the hint of his smile.

Merry Christmas!

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with heart, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads

7th Annual Read A Book, Help A Cowboy

 by Shanna Hatfield

Seven years ago, I was working on a sweet romance, The Christmas Cowboy, that had a saddle bronc rider as the hero.

 If you are familiar with the world of rodeo, you know there is a saying, particularly among the athletes who compete in roughstock events, that it isn't a matter of "if" they get hurt, but when. 

When I wrote a scene with my hero getting hurt at a rodeo, I tried to figure out how much medical attention he would receive there versus a need to be transported to a hospital. Unable to find solid answers to my questions, I reached out to the the Justin Sportsmedicine Team®.

Through mobile medical centers, they provide care at more than 125 PRCA rodeos annually. Their responses to my many questions were extremely helpful and I was so impressed by their kindness, I wanted to do a little something in return.

That year, I launched a campaign to donate a portion of my book sales to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund during the month of December. 

The JCCF began in 1990 when the Justin Boot Company formed a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Aware of how traumatic injuries can be to rodeo athletes without the additional burden of financial worries, the JCCF provides a hand up when one is needed. 

When rodeo athletes sustain catastrophic injuries that leave them unable to compete for an extended time, the JCCF is there to provide help to athletes and their families. They’ve awarded more than eight million dollars in need-based financial assistance to more than a thousand injured rodeo athletes. 

One thing that makes the JCCF stand out among today’s numerous charitable organizations is the fact that one hundred percent of all contributions received are disbursed to eligible athletes. This is made possible by the joint efforts of the Justin Boot Company and the PRCA as they underwrite the administrative expenses associated with the JCCF, leaving the contributions to serve the intended purpose of assisting injured rodeo athletes. The generosity of Justin Boots, and the help from their partnership with the Justin Sportsmedicine Team® make it possible for the JCCF to remain fully committed to helping rodeo cowboys get back on their feet. 

What began as a one-time donation has turned into an annual campaign called Read A Book, Help A Cowboy that provides an opportunity for me to give back to a wonderful organization. As someone who loves country life, rodeos included, this is a way for me to be able  to say “thank you” to those who inspire me through their everyday work and lives. 

For every book purchased (electronic, paperback, hardback and audio all included) from October 1 through December 24, I donate ten percent of the net proceeds to the JCCF. 

You can find out more about Read A Book, Help A Cowboy on my website at http://shannahatfield.com/give-back

 To kick off this year's campaign, I'm hosting the seventh annual Cowboys and Christmas Event on Facebook. Sixteen guest authors will join in four hours of fun, games, giveaways, and more. I hope you'll join us November 12 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific Time). 

Join the Party!

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Read a Book, Help a Cowboy

by Shanna Hatfield

I'm excited to share a little about my upcoming sweet romance release with you today, and a project that is dear to my heart. 

    

  Book: Roping Christmas 

  Series: Rodeo Romance (Book 8) 

  Release Date: October 22, 2020

 

A focused cowboy, a distracted executive, and a hilarious quest 

          make for an unforgettable holiday . . . 

  Wyatt Nash is a professional tie-down roper, a good ranch hand, and not too shabby when it comes to attracting women. But according to his five-year-old niece, he needs to work on both his roping skills and his dating game. His sister thinks he needs to settle down. And don’t get him started on the advice he gets from well-meaning friends. When his rodeo sponsor, billionaire Jon Sinclair, asks for his assistance in tutoring a clueless city girl about Sinclair Industries, Wyatt doesn’t feel like he can say no. Then he discovers he’ll be teaching none other than the one woman on the planet who wants nothing to do with him. 

   Ashley Jarrett would do almost anything to turn her small publicity firm into a huge success. When Jon Sinclair expresses interest in working with her, she readily agrees to his crazy idea to have her learn about his company through hands-on projects. Not only is she forced far outside her comfort zone, but the man documenting every bumbling misstep she takes is an infuriating cowboy she’s determined to ignore. 

   Packed with small-town charm and the wonder of falling in love, Roping Christmas is a sweet holiday romance sure to bring laughter and infuse hearts Christmas cheer.

 

Order your ebook today for just $3.99.

Available on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

ABOUT THE SERIES

 

 The Rodeo Romance Series is all about good, clean, western romance fun! Each book features a hunky cowboy, a feisty woman, and a group of friends who add flavor and humor to every story.

The Christmas Cowboy

Wrestlin’ Christmas

Capturing Christmas

Barreling Through Christmas

Chasing Christmas

Racing Christmas

Keeping Christmas

Roping Christmas

READ A BOOK, HELP A COWBOY

   October 1 through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all of my book sales are donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. This marks my seventh year to hold the Read a Book, Help a Cowboy campaign.

   The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Every book purchased during this promotional period adds to the donation total.

   When I was writing The Christmas Cowboy, the first book in the Rodeo Romance series, I reached out to the Justin Sportsmedicine Team® to make sure I had my facts straight about a cowboy dealing with a rodeo injury. It was then I learned about the JCCF and the Sportsmedicine Team.      

   Through mobile medical centers, they provide care at more than 125 PRCA rodeos annually. I was so impressed with them, I wanted to do a little something in return. So I launched a campaign to donate a portion of my book sales to the JCCF during the month of December.

    Please know that your book purchase will help make a difference in the life of an injured athlete.

  UPCOMING CELEBRATION

You’re invited to join in a celebration to officially kick of the Read a Book, Help a Cowboy campaign. The fun gets underway November 12 at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time) on Facebook in the Wholesome Hearts Events group with guest authors, giveaways, and more!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller. Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

Website | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads

All About Bull by Paty Jager

I've got the bull by the horns- or not.  I'm currently writing the next story in my Tumbling Creek Ranch contemporary western romance series. The heroine is a rough stock contractor- specifically bulls.

For those who may not know a lot about rodeos, rough stock are the animals used in rodeos. The bulls and bucking horses that are rode and the steers that are rope and bulldogged. There are ranches and individuals who raise the livestock that is used in the rodeo world. The bulls and horses, when they are athletic and best the riders more than the riders besting them, get their photos and names in the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

The first book of this series had a woman bull rider. There aren't many at the professional level but having a friend's daughter ride bulls in high school, I wanted to have a woman who made it to the NFR- National Finals Rodeo. And that was how my character was born.

It happens that twin sisters, who I knew through 4-H and my husband knew the family through his job with a fertilizer outfit, started their own rough stock company. They raise and breed for bucking bulls. Knowing them and using them to learn more about the business of rough stock, I decided my heroine needed to be a contractor who supplied bulls to rodeos.

Here is a bit of what I've learned about a rough stock contractor:

The ranch needs safe fencing to keep the animals in and not have them come to harm.  Just like an athlete animals need to be well fed and have plenty of fresh water and exercise. Some contractors have bull riders come to their ranches on the off season to practice and to see how up and coming bulls buck.

It helps if the contractor or someone in their employ knows about the health and care of the livestock. There are injuries, vaccinations and breeding to be dealt with and determined. As much care as the owner can do on his own without a veterinarian, is more money in his pocket. There needs to be younger stock coming along to replace the older stock.  A good contractor also has mares or cows to breed to keep the herd growing and to find the most athletic and responsive buckers.

Another asset to the contractor is to have trucks and trailers to haul the animals safely to the rodeos or to contract the hauling. It needs to be decided if they will do their own hauling or contract it out. This is all knowledge and business sense that is needed to have a profitable organization. Someone needs to find the rodeos that work for their stock and to keep track of the expenses.

Depending on the size of the event a contractor can get from $100 - $8,000 per animal that is being used at a rodeo.   In addition, bulls that are used in special bucking events can win up to $250,000. These are the most athletic or cunning bulls that have a reputation of being hard to ride. 

Having gained all this information and the questions I sent to the twins about day to day information, I feel like I'm prepared to tackle a character with a unique occupation.

Myself, having visited with some bull riders in Deadwood a few years ago before a PBR event, I respect that they feel the need to get on a 2000+ creature and prove they can stay on, but I don't see the thrill and cringe most of the time when bodies go flying through the air and a bull comes down on a rider. I can't stomach it. But I admire the almost gypsy way of life and pride they have in what they do.

Have you ever been to a rodeo or a bull riding event? 

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 45 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

This is what Romance Junkies has to say about the Tumbling Creek Ranch series: “There are twists and turns to the story with a nice flow and a depth to the characters. The vivid scenic descriptions made me feel like I was there… I hope to return to Tumbling Creek Ranch over and over again.”

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Bookbub

photo source: Paty Jager

Big 4 Rodeos

by Shanna Hatfield

After the hectic days of July known as Cowboy Christmas in the rodeo world, many rodeo athletes make their way to the Pacific Northwest where they'll compete in four events joined through the Big 4 Rodeo Association.

Cowboys who compete in the  Horse Heaven Round Up (Kennewick, WA), the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days (Walla Walla, WA), the Lewiston Roundup (Lewiston, ID), and the Pendleton Round-Up (Pendleton, OR) have a chance at winning a sizable cash award along with a Stoney Saddlery saddle.

The Big 4 Rodeo Association began in 1948 and is one of the oldest organizations of its type. Following World War II, the rodeo committees from Pendleton, Lewiston, Walla Walla and Ellensburg joined together to create an association that became not just a way for committees to share insights about their events and trends. Eventually, Ellensburg dropped out, but the Horse Heaven Round-Up stepped in to take their place, assuring the continuation of the Big 4 Rodeo Association.

In the 1950s, the committee added a cash prize as an incentive that drew, and continues to draw, some of the biggest names in rodeo.  A who's who list of past winners includes Larry Mahan, Dee Pickett, Tuff Hedeman, Cody Ohl, Mike Beers, Fred Whitfield, Trevor Brazile, and Tuf Cooper.

Cowboys who compete at all four rodeos and earn money are also earning points. The one with the most points takes the cash bonus and the saddle.

Held the third full week in August, the Horse Heaven Round-Up is part of the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo located in Kennewick. This rodeo's record book dates back to 1954 and it is currently one of the stops on the Pro Rodeo Tour.

The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days Rodeo  is also a stop on the Pro Rodeo Tour. Back in 1913, organizers of the county fair wanted to add to their event. The Frontier Days Rodeo was born with a spectacular display of bull dogging, relay races, bronc riding, and stagecoach races. In 1938, it became the first night rodeo to have a fully lit arena and the phrase "Greatest Night Rodeo on Earth" was coined. 

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Lewiston Roundup. Over the years, the event has drawn some of the best athletes in the rodeo world with records held by recognizable names like Trevor Brazile and Cody Wright. The event is held the first full weekend in September.

Following a successful 4th of July celebration in 1909 that included bronc riding, relay races, and other events, a group of area leaders in Pendleton decided the town would hold an annual event called the Pendleton Round-Up.  The iconic Let 'Er Buck slogan was inspired and plans took root.
The committee decided to stage the rodeo in September to allow grain farmers time to complete their harvest and those with livestock an opportunity to make a late summer check-up on their animals. The first rodeo took place in 1910 and all the stores in town closed. Thousands flocked to this small Eastern Oregon town for the event and have been doing so ever since. Held the second full weekend in September each year, approximately 20,000 spectators a day can watch the rodeo on the historic grounds that is the only rodeo in the world to offer a grass arena.

If you have a thing for cowboys and enjoy reading about rodeo's, check out my sweet Rodeo Romance series. The newest book, Racing Christmas, is on sale right now for just 99 cents!

She’s racing to save the ranch

   He’s struggling to win her heart. . . again

Brylee Barton has just one goal in mind: win the barrel racing world championship. Not for the glory, but for the attached cash prize that could save her family’s ranch. When an injury leaves her at the mercy of the very same copper-headed, silver-tongued cowboy she once vowed to loathe forever, she has no choice but to swallow her pride and accept his help.

Fun-loving, easy-going Shaun Price has a million dollar smile, more charm than he can channel, and a string of ex-girlfriends rumored to have started their own support group. When the one woman he’s never quite managed to get out of his head or heart needs his assistance, he jumps at the chance to help. Little does he realize how challenging it will be to keep from falling for her all over again.

With the holiday season fast approaching, will Shaun and Brylee discover the gift of forgiveness, and experience their own happily-ever-after?

~*~

“From the realistic rodeo scenes to the tender love scenes Shanna Hatfield keeps you reading.”

—   Jodi Thomas

New York Times Bestselling Author

~*~

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Audible

5th annual Cowboys and Christmas Celebration

by Shanna Hatfield

 For the past five years, I’ve been seeking to help rodeo athletes who need a hand up. 

November 1 through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all my book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period.

I decided to donate to JCCF after writing the first book in the sweet Rodeo Romance series that centers around rodeo athletes. Now in the fifth year, the Read a Book, Help a Cowboy campaign generates funds through book sales made during the holiday season and raises awareness about JCCF.  For more details about the campaign, please visit my website:

https://shannahatfield.com/jccf/

To kick start this year's campaign, I'm throwing a party! I hope you'll join me, along with 12 guest authors for four hours of fun, games, giveaways, and surprise announcements! The fun begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (11 MT, Noon CT, 1 p.m. ET). 

https://www.facebook.com/events/150301592314193/

I'll also be celebrating the release of the next book in the Rodeo Romance series. 

She’s racing to save the ranch

He’s struggling to win her heart. . . again

Brylee Barton has just one goal in mind: win the barrel racing world championship. Not for the glory, but for the attached cash prize that could save her family’s ranch. When an injury leaves her at the mercy of the very same copper-headed, silver-tongued cowboy she once vowed to loathe forever, she has no choice but to swallow her pride and accept his help.

Fun-loving, easy-going Shaun Price has a million dollar smile, more charm than he can channel, and a string of ex-girlfriends rumored to have started their own support group. When the one woman he’s never quite managed to get out of his head or heart needs his assistance, he jumps at the chance to help. Little does he realize how challenging it will be to keep from falling for her all over again.

With the holiday season fast approaching, will Shaun and Brylee discover the gift of forgiveness, and experience their own happily-ever-after?

This sweet Christmas romance warms the heart, lifts the spirit, and touches the soul with its message of forgiveness, hope, and redemption. Don’t miss it!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HYLJPCK

And here's a little excerpt:

Brylee opened her eyes and tipped her head back, watching as the pickup men rode into the arena. 

One went to catch Rocket while the other hastened her direction. The announcer and the clown told a joke as the medical team hustled toward her as fast as they could make it through the mud.

Frustration battled with anger as the pickup man approached. The last person on earth she wanted to see was that man.

“Maybe today would be a good day to die,” she muttered as she tried again to move her foot from beneath the fence. If she freed it before he reached her, she could crawl over the fence and make her way back to her trailer without speaking to him.

Why couldn’t he have gone on ignoring her like he had the last five and half years? Why tonight, of all nights, was he going to force her to acknowledge him? Didn’t she have enough to deal with, like missing her opportunity to claim the winning title? Or the undeniable fact she looked like a half-drowned kitten that had been dragged through a pig wallow?

She thought of her wasted entry fee. Not to mention the hours it would take to get all the mud scrubbed off Rocket and her tack.

Wasn’t a no-score enough punishment without being forced to face the most arrogant, self-centered, childish man she’d ever known?

Trapped on her back in the mud, it seeped through her clothes, chilling her and making her fight the need to shiver. She questioned how she could exit the arena with even a shred of dignity when her pants oozed soupy mud like a toddler’s soggy diaper.

The slap of boots hitting the mud in the arena drew her gaze upward. A handsome face appeared above her as the pickup man leaned over her. Gray-blue eyes twinkled behind thick lashes and a smile full of even, white teeth gleamed in the arena lights. Shaun Price braced his gloved hands on his thighs and offered her an infuriatingly cocky grin.

Why couldn’t she have at least passed out and awakened far away from the infuriating, irritating, Adonis-like cowboy?

“Well, Bitsy, I see you’re still racing Christmas,” he said, his voice sounding as deep and rich as she remembered.

Brylee glowered at him. “You know I hate that name."

“Yep, I sure do.” Shaun chuckled and stepped back as the medics surrounded her.

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up dreamy characters, twisting plots, or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. 

Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Amazon | Pinterest

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Audible

Cowboy Christmas in July

Tis the season for Christmas - Cowboy Christmas, that is.

Not for mistletoe and sleigh bells, or hot chocolate (unless it is frozen), but for mad dashes across the country as rodeo athletes seek to increase their chances for qualifying at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December in Las Vegas as well as earn additional income.

Typically, rodeos around the 4th of July pay more than the rest of the year. And there are a plethora of rodeos for contestants to choose from. 

Because of this frenetic, hectic season with the opportunities for big payouts and solidifying the possibility of competing in Vegas, it's referred to as Cowboy Christmas. 

Cowboys who go all-in this week might compete in Prescott, Arizona at the world's oldest rodeo during Prescott Frontier Days. The dust in the arena might not even have settled from their ride before they are back on the road. Those who travel to my home state of Oregon will find to PRCA sanctioned rodeos just about thirty minutes apart with staggered start times. Cowboy can ride in Molalla then buzz to St. Paul to compete (sometimes with seconds to spare). 

They might be in Greeley, Colorado, or Cody, Wyoming, or Red Lodge, Montana before heading up into Canada for the Calgary Stampede - an event that might equate to some cowboys like Ralphie getting his Red Ryder air rifle on A Christmas Story.

Winnings earned at the Calgary Stampede don't count toward PRCA season standings, but they are rich. A win there could mean thousands of dollars to a cowboy for his ride.

Those who compete push their bodies to the limits, often living on the road for days at a time, grabbing sleep and showers intermittently. They test their skills to the extreme. 

In spite of the injuries, sleep deprivation, endless miles, and no scores, the possibilities of winning and the thrill of competing keep them going.

Read about rodeo cowboys, their adventures in competing, and the women who can't help but fall for them in my Rodeo Romances series!

Start with The Christmas Cowboy. 

After spending her formative years on a farm in eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky heroes. When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Amazon

Ten Gallons of Myths for One Iconic Cowboy Hat

By Heather Blanton

No one wore a ten-gallon hat like the Duke.

Let’s talk hats. Not just any hat. The fabled ten-gallon cowboy hat. Where did the name come from? What is it exactly? Is it just a big Stetson?

Here’s what we know. Generally speaking, any cowboy hat that has a tall, rounded crown and broad brim fits the description. The phrase was brought into popular culture by Hollywood and famous cowboy actors like Tom Mix and William S. Hart. Probably around 1925. The name, however, existed before then.

So where did it come from? Interestingly, there are two Spanish terms that could be the culprit. First, galón—the word for galloon, or the narrow, braided trim that ran around the crown of a type of vaquero’s hat. Sounds awfully close to gallon, right? And these Spanish hats were tall enough to accommodate ten regular hat bands, like those worn on an American cowboy’s hat.

Early example of a vaquero and his hat.

The crown on an average Stetson was only 4”. Hmmm. Sounds to me like a cowpoke was having a little fun at a vaquero’s expense: “Looky there at that tall hat, Slim.” Texas Pete tags his companion in the shoulder and points at a vaquero moseying through the smoky saloon. “I reckon he’s got room up there for ten galóns.”

Another possibility—and the one I find more likely—is the simple Americanization of the phrase tan galán. Loosely translated, it means gallant, handsome, fine-looking, even expensive. If the Spanish cowboys were going around referring to their hats as tan galán compared to the American cowboys’ simple, flat-brimmed Stetsons—well, with men, everything is a competition. It’s not much of a stretch to see where the nickname could have easily gotten its start. Especially once the U.S. hat manufacturers started turning out fancier styles. Stetson and some others designed some pretty, uh, understated hats. Not.

Tom Mix -- arguably the first to sport the white hat of the good guy.

I can just hear the argument:

“Mine is a tan galán hat, señor.”

“No way, Juan. Mine is a ten-gallon hat.”

Juan blinks. “Uh, si, señor, if you say so.”

Reminds me of Hoss Cartwright's hat.

Now those hats have some tall crowns!

Pretty much no one thinks the term started with a hat that could hold ten gallons of water. True, the early cowboy hats were made from beaver, tightly woven—especially the Stetsons—which made them ideal for wet conditions. It is a fact a man could give his horse some water from his hat without ruining it (long as it was beaver). But even Stetson acknowledged in the early twenties that their largest hat held only a few quarts of water.  

This myth may have come from the fact that during the civil war, a soldier’s hat was often used as a quick feedsack to hold grain for a horse.  

Maybe we'll never know, but it is fun to speculate. What do you think about the theories for the ten-gallon name?

Pendleton Round-Up

by Shanna Hatfield

One of the sweet historical western series I write is set in Pendleton, Oregon.

From the moment I began writing the series, I knew one of the books had to encompass the very first year of the Pendleton Roundup - 1910.

You might wonder what the big deal is about "another rodeo," but the Northwest Frontier Round-Up, or The Roundup as it was called in numerous newspaper articles, was such a huge event, they ran special trains from Portland just to bring attendees to see it.

 
As I poured over old city newspapers from that month before the event, I was quite surprised to find the paper ran at least one story every day leading up to The Roundup.

From my understanding, the idea for The Roundup came into being that July and quickly gathered steam along with supporters. It was decided to hold an event which would "bring back the feel of the Old West" in conjunction with the Eastern Oregon District Fair taking place the last week of September.

Organizers wanted the first Round-Up to be a "frontier exhibition of picturesque pastimes, Indian and military spectacles, cowboy racing, and bronco busting for the championship of the Northwest.

For the initial performance all businesses in town were asked to close. People were asked to open their homes to out-of-town attendees since there weren't rooms enough at the area hotels to accommodate them.

The very first show went off with a bang, with a reported 7,000 people in attendance and hundreds left outside the gates, wanting in. Not about to miss out on an opportunity, organizers raced to build another 3,000 bleacher seats before the second performance began the following afternoon.

And the slogan heard throughout town that weekend was "Let 'er Buck" - a phrase still popular with attendees today.

The Pendleton Round-Up was the first in the country to crown a queen.

Another unique attraction was the encampment of tipis behind the rodeo grounds with participants from the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes. That encampment continues today.

Souvenirs of all types were sold to the thousands crowding into the city.

And cheers rang out at the exciting, breath-taking events held in the arena, including the wild horse race, captured by Lee Moorehouse.

As the initial show drew to an end, one newspaper reporter wrote: "The words 'Pendleton' and 'Round-Up' are on the lips of thousands and will continue to be for months and years to come... The Round-Up is a whirlwind success."

Since 1910, the show has gone on every year except for two during World War II and continues to draw thousands of spectators each September.

If was such fun for me to incorporate so many fun little moments of history and the Round-Up into Dally, Pendleton Petticoats Book 8.

She’s ready to spread her wing and fly…

            He’s scrambling to set down roots.

Unconventional, Dally Douglas is as likely to be found wearing her brother’s britches and riding a horse as she is dressed in lace-trimmed finery sipping tea in the parlor. With no plans to wed, she convinces her family to allow her to stay at their ranch in Oregon. Free and unfettered, she plans to remain that way, even when the town’s beloved young doctor returns home and captures both her interest and her heart.

Charismatic, handsome, and dedicated to his work, Doctor Nik Nash finally makes his way back to Pendleton. After years of studying and gaining hands-on experience, Nik is excited to bring his skills and knowledge to the place he calls home. Focused on his career, he has no time for a woman, especially not one as lively, fascinating, and enchanting as Dally Douglas.

When a freak accident brings the two of them together, their stubborn determination may cost them the chance to know true love.

     Dally clenched every muscle in her body and held her breath as her brother eased onto the back of the blindfolded horse in the middle of the arena. In theory, the blindfold would keep the horse calm until the rider gained his seat on the saddle.

     The way the bronc tensed and his ears twitched, Dally had an idea the animal was anything except calm.

     Cautious yet determined, Hunter slid onto the stock saddle and took the rein in his hand. He hunkered down and grinned, then yelled, “Let ’er Buck!” and the man holding the horse tugged off the blindfold.

     The horse bucked and pitched, kicked and reared, putting on quite a show, but so did Hunter.

*****

Available May 18 on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1CX1BP/

 USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Audible

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter