
Growing up on my family’s 5th-generation cattle ranch in Tomales, California, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the land, the animals, and the traditions that defined our way of life. Now raising my own children today, I’m struck by how much these values still resonate—and by the renewed interest in the Western way of life. In many ways, Western heritage is making a comeback, as people seek to return to basics, embrace local products, and reconnect with the land.
For me, one of the most defining aspects of this heritage has always been horses. I grew up in the saddle, riding through the rolling hills of Marin and Sonoma County, moving cattle, and exploring the landscape on horseback. Horses weren’t just a means of transportation or work—they were partners in everything we did. They taught me responsibility, patience, and trust, and they remain an integral part of my life to this day.
As I raise my children, I’m ensuring that horses play just as big a role in their upbringing. From the moment they could walk, my kids have been around horses, learning to ride, care for them, and understand the deep bond between human and animal. Riding together as a family, whether we’re out tending the cattle or just enjoying the open land, is one of the ways we stay connected to our roots. It’s a tradition I’m proud to pass down, knowing it’s something that will shape their character and their connection to the land, just as it did mine.

This resurgence in Western heritage is about more than just a love of horses, though. It’s about embracing the simple, yet meaningful, aspects of life that have sustained families like mine for generations. People today are craving authenticity, whether it’s in the food they eat, the products they buy, or the lives they live. There’s a growing appreciation for local, sustainable goods and a return to the values that define rural living. The cowboy era is seeing a revival—not just as a romanticized part of American history but as a lifestyle that emphasizes hard work, self-reliance, and respect for nature.
Family farms are at the heart of this movement. Our families have always prioritized sustainable practices, from rotating cattle to preserve the grasslands to carefully managing water resources. We see ourselves as stewards of the land, responsible for its health and productivity for future generations. My ancestors, who first settled in this area in the 1890s, understood that the land is both a provider and a partner, and that relationship is something I’m committed to honoring and preserving.

Horses, of course, have always been an integral part of this stewardship. Whether we’re rounding up cattle, checking fences, or simply riding through the pastures, horses bring us closer to the land. They offer a different perspective, one that’s slower, more mindful, and in tune with the rhythms of nature. I can’t count the number of lessons I’ve learned while on horseback—from reading the land’s subtle cues to understanding the behavior of the cattle. It’s a connection that can’t be replicated by any machine.
Hunting is another key element of our Western heritage. My father taught me to hunt when I was young, and it’s a tradition that continues in my family today. Hunting isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of living in harmony with the land, respecting the wildlife, and participating in the natural cycle. It teaches patience, respect, and a deep understanding of the environment we live in.
But perhaps the most important aspect of Western heritage is family. Growing up in this lifestyle meant that work and family were never separate—we worked together, played together, and learned from one another. My husband and I are raising our children in the same way, ensuring that they understand the value of hard work, the joy of spending time outdoors, and the importance of preserving the land for future generations.
Every time I saddle up a horse, take my kids on a ride, or teach them to tend to the land, I’m reminded of the generations before me who did the same. Western heritage isn’t something that’s fading away—it’s evolving, finding new relevance in a world that’s moving too fast and becoming too disconnected. People are returning to the values that once defined life on the frontier: simplicity, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land and animals that sustain us.
In today’s world, Western heritage is more than a nod to the past—it’s a guide for the future. It teaches us to slow down, to appreciate what we have, and to protect the resources we’ve been given. It’s about ensuring that our children grow up with the same respect for the land, love of horses, and commitment to family traditions that shaped me. And in a time when so many are seeking a return to authenticity, I’m proud to carry forward the values of Western heritage, sharing them with my children and ensuring they live on for generations to come.