2026 Nomination Form: Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award

The Ranching Heritage Association (RHA) Working Cowboy Award recognizes outstanding individuals who make a living primarily in the saddle caring for livestock and the land on a daily basis. The recipient must be skilled in all aspects of ranch work and respected by the ranch crew and ranching community. Each year, two awards are presented: one to a cowboy from the Rocky Mountain and Western states, and one to a cowboy from the states east of the Rockies.

Award Qualifications:

Makes their living full-time as a cowboy
Works primarily horseback
Possesses the necessary skills to care for and raise stock humanely and efficiently
Is a person of exemplary character, who rides for the brand and is an asset to his or her community and ranch

The Working Cowboy Award recipients are selected by a committee of ranching peers from nominations received. Two recipient is chosen annually from this national pool. The winners are recognized at the National Golden Spur Award Honors event and presented with custom spurs and a $5,000 cash award.

Recent Recipients:
2025-West | Jeff Bilberry, Singleton Ranches | New Mexico
2025-East | Tom Moorhouse, Moorhouse Ranch | Texas
2024 | Buzz Thorp, R.A. Brown Ranch | Texas
2023 | Jimbo Humphreys, Guitar Ranches | Texas
2022 | Wes O’Neal, Four Sixes Ranch | Texas
2020 | Joel Nelson, Anchor Ranch | Texas
2019 | Ed Ashurst, Ten X Ranch | Arizona
2018 | Boots O’Neal, Four Sixes Ranch | Texas

Deadline – March 31, 2026. Please note, the completed nomination form includes two letters of recommendation (minimum) and nominee’s work history.

Please complete and submit the following form:

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* 1. Name of person being nominated:

First and Last Name:

City:

State:

Current Employer:

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* 2. Who is nominating this individual?

First and Last Name:

Phone:

Email:

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* 3. Based on the award qualifications, please describe why this nominee should be considered for the RHA Working Cowboy Award.

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* 4. Please list or describe the nominee’s work history as it pertains to the Award qualifications. Include employers and work locations, if available.

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* 5. Please list or describe community involvement, awards, or recognitions that illustrate the nominee's character and the respect garnered from their ranch and community.

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* 6. Recommendation 1: Provide two letters of recommendation (minimum). Letters may be uploaded online by clicking the Choose File button - or - delivered to the contact information below. All letters of recommendation must be received by the nomination deadline for consideration.

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* 7. Recommendation 2: Provide two letters of recommendation (minimum). Letters may be uploaded online by clicking the Choose File button - or - delivered to the contact information below. All letters of recommendation must be received by the nomination deadline for consideration.

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* 8. Feel welcome to include additional documentation in support of the nomination (not required). Documents may be uploaded online by clicking the Choose File button - or - delivered to the contact information below. All supporting documentation must be received by the nomination deadline for consideration.

Contact:

Jim Bret Campbell
Executive Director, Ranching Heritage Association
and National Ranching Heritage Center
Box 43200
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: (806) 834-2685
Email: jb.campbell@ttu.edu

Visit goldenspurhonors.com for more information about the Working Cowboy Award and the National Golden Spur Award Honors.

Learn more about the Ranching Heritage Association and National Ranching Heritage Center at ranchingheritage.org.