Preserving cowboy and western culture is important to many. For Cy and Marie Eardley, it’s a way of life. For as long as they can remember, the Eardley’s have lived the cowboy way.
Because of the Eardley’s western lifestyle, the couple was honored at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo on July 20 as part of the National Day of the American Cowboy. Nominated by Coco van den Bergh, John and Sheila Lemon and Tate Weber, the Eardley’s were selected to represent Emery County at this year’s rodeo event.
“We both grew up with a love of horses and livestock,” Marie explained. “I married Cy because he wore a black cowboy hat with a red rose on it. He married me because I was already trained to work the roping chutes.”
Marie explained that as their children grew, the kids began competing in 4-H horse and livestock programs, team roping and rodeo events throughout school. “This helped us make the decision to raise good Corriente cattle which lasted through our grand kid’s high school and college rodeo years.” she explained.
According to the nomination letter, the Eardley’s were one of the first owners of a registered Corriente bull in the United States. Today, they have approximately 200 head of cattle and raise their own hay.
“In our spare time, we make pottery like the Indians that lived here used to do,” Marie explained. “We use primitive techniques and dig clay here on the ranch. I also enjoy making antique looking quilts which I take to the county and state fairs.”
To those who know the Eardley’s, they have not only fulfilled their dream of living the western cowboy life, they also learned to make pottery like the Indians that had lived in the region. They have worked hard and played hard their entire lives for the love of the cowboy heritage and have instilled this love in their children and grandchildren. The Eardley’s are a true inspiration for the cowboy way of life.
Because of their passion, the couple was honored during the National Day of the American Cowboy. This day is designated to honor ranchers, working cowboys and cowgirls who contribute to Western culture in America.
“Our hope is that the country and Western tradition will some how carry on through the younger generations,” Marie concluded. “Let us never forget our roots and the Western way of life that made this country so great.”