Calgary Stampede is here! Calgary Stampede is here!

The Calgary Stampede has arrived. It is by far the biggest 10 days in Canada, well at least as far as rodeo enthusiasts and the city of Calgary are concerned. The annual Calgary Stampede turns downtown Calgary into one big salute to the cowboy. You will find everything that you are looking for from the rodeo itself to a midway and from chuckwagon races to free pancake breakfasts.

Calgary Stampede Rodeo

The rodeo part of the Calgary Stampede involves some of the finest cowboys in the world. They will be competing for glory and fame in such events as Bullriding, Barrel Racing, Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, and Tie-down Roping. You can even watch the little cowboys and cowgirls compete in wild pony racing.

Calgary Stampede is more than a Rodeo

There are so many other activities at the Calgary Stampede to enjoy besides the rodeo. If you are looking to catch a good show full of music and wonderment, then you are going to want to catch the Grandstand Show. The Grandstand show this year is based around a Dream Catcher theme to honor and recognize all the people that came to Canada full of hopes and dreams. The Grandstand Show is described as Broadway … Western Style.

Calgary Stampede Brings Big Music

If Broadway shows aren’t really your style, then you can always catch a great musical act at the Pengrowth Saddledome or the Coca-Cola Stage. This year brings many popular acts to downtown Calgary. So grab your cowboy hat and your dancing boots and come and catch the sounds of Sugarland, The Judds, Kid Rock, Natasha Bedingfield, Dierks Bentley, Finger Eleven, or the Plain White T’s.

Calgary Stampede Brings Big Screams

Finally, if you want to try your luck at the Calgary Stampede midway; there are plenty of games for you. You can do everything from target practice games to the ring toss to Whack-a-Mole. Now, if you are more of a daring cowboy, you can climb on into a seat on one of the many rides. The midway brings many adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing rides this year.

Forget all of this talking about the Calgary Stampede, we are grabbing our best pair of jeans and our boots and heading north. See ya there, eh?

*Photo by Calgary Stampede

N@ked Cowboy and the Blue M&M

N@ked Cowboy Sues M&M’s.  That almost sounds like a title to a comedy film, except it is an actual story. New York City’s famous “N@ked Cowboy” has filed suit against Mars Corporation, the maker of M&M’s.  The N@ked Cowboy, also known as Robert Burke, is claiming trademark infringement by the candy maker.  Apparently the blue M&M is dressed like Burke on the large animation screen outside of M&M’s Times Square store; and Burke claims that the may be construed as his endorsement of the product.

History of the N@ked Cowboy

The 37-year-old N@ked Cowboy walks around Times Square playing the guitar in nothing but a cowboy hat, white underwear, and white cowboy boots.  However, Times Square isn’t the only place that you can find the N@ked Cowboy.  He seems to make his way to New Orleans every year for Mardi gras; and he has even seemed to make an appearance or two in our very own Lone Star capital, Austin, Texas.  If you want to catch him here, start looking in March during the South by Southwest Music Festival.

N@ked Cowboy Look-a-Like

Now if you are finding yourself wanting to emulate the N@ked Cowboy, than you are probably going to need to swing by Allens Boots and get yourself a nice pair of white cowboy boots.  I am sure that you will be able to find exactly the boots you are looking for among our large selection of Justin, Lucchese, Tony Lama, and many other boot makers.

Now that you have your boots picked out, you will need to wander over to our hat section and see if you can’t find yourself the perfect Stetson or Resistol.

As far as the last part of the outfit, the white underwear … Well, as much as we would like to say we have everything you need, we got to tell you that you are on your own with those.

*Photo by LinksmanJD

Purses Go on a Diet

Purse trends this summer are all about the size.  According to all the fashionistas out there, the purse is shrinking this year.  It is all going back to the smaller purse versus the larger purse of past seasons.  Even though in the Lone Star State, we believe that everything should be bigger, we actually have given in to the purse trend and have taken them down a size or two.

Purses, Purses Everywhere

As the distinguished purse shopper that you are, you will find a variety of designer purses, leather purses, and our personal favorite, western purses, when you walk down the aisles of Allens Boots.  We also did a little research on the purse and found out that purse is derived from the Greek word for oxhide; so it is fitting that we have more leather purses than anything else, don’t you think?

Purses by Ariat

Ariat, a manufacturer of the most advanced boots and leather goods, carries a large selection of leather purses perfect for this year’s summer trend.  From the Ariat Saddle Flap purse made of full-grain leather with printed leather accents with credit cards slots and pockets for your cell phone and cosmetics; to the Ariat Rodeo Round Up Mini Hobo bag with detailed embroidery and rhinestone appliqués as well as an internal leather snap key ring holder; there is a small Ariat purse to fit your unique style.

Matching your purses to your footwear is another big trend this summer; and Ariat has that covered as well.  All Ariat purses are made to coordinate with Ariat boots, such as the Fatbaby and the Heritage Western styles.  What more could you ask for?

Purses:  Stock up for Summer

Now that you know where to find all of your purses for summer, head on down to Allens Boots and start stocking up.

Motorcycle Boots Galore

Motorcycle boots are on our mind. It’s probably because the Republic of Texas Biker Rally, otherwise known as the ROT Rally, is coming up on June 12th through June16th.

The city of Austin transforms into a biker’s dream over ROT Rally weekend when more than 40,000 motorcycles roll into town. Some may say, “Wow, that’s a lot of bikes!” We at Allens Boots say, “Wow, that’s a lot of boots!”

Motorcycle Boots: Not All about Looks

Although we prefer horses over hogs, we still love bikers around these parts and we still know a lot about what they are wearing on their feet … Motorcycle Boots.

When purchasing motorcycle boots, you new to remember that it isn’t just about how good they look; it is also about how well they function when you are riding your bike.

Motorcycle Boots Are Built Tough

There are several attributes that make a boot a motorcycle boot. Most motorcycle boots are at least six inches tall and have ankle padding to protect the ankle. Taller motorcycle boots offer extra protection of the legs against flying objects like rocks.

All motorcycle boots come with durable outsoles to assist in stopping or in sharp turns. Some motorcycle boots even come with steel toes to offer even more foot protection during stops and minor accidents.

Finally, the best choice for motorcycle boots are ones made of leather. Leather boots provide better protection against the elements and in minor accidents.

Motorcycle Boots and Charlie

We hear that the Charlie Daniels Band is playing the last night of the ROT Rally and they play some fantastic foot stompin’ music. The kind of music that makes you want to take off those motorcycle boots and leathers and put on a pair of cowboy boots and jeans. This is the Republic of Texas Biker Rally after all.

*Photo by Paul Menard

Summer Camp for Summer Break

Summer Camp is the perfect way for you little cowboys and cowgirls to spend all that free time during their favorite break … summer break. There are several cowboy and cowgirl summer camps throughout the country. One of the cowboy summer camps that we know about isn’t too far down the road in Humble, Texas.

Cowboy City Texas, founded by Mike and Mary Wall, is home to six cowboy and cowgirl summer camps a year. The summer camps are offered to boys and girls ages seven to fourteen and are chocked full of cowboy boot wearing activities.

Summer Camp Teaches Horsemanship

Summer camp at Cowboy City Texas is all about fun for the beginner and immediate horse riders. But don’t you worry; Cowboy City Texas provides the horses for all summer camp participants.

Cowboy and cowgirl summer camp is centered on horsemanship. Summer campers will learn and work on horse grooming, riding, barreling, cutting, roping and many other rodeo type activities. In fact, there is a summer camp rodeo at then of the summer.

Summer Camp Chocked Full of Western Fun

Other activities summer campers will enjoy while at summer camp are western theater, nature awareness trails, mud fights (be prepared to wash camper’s jeans every night), archery and more.

Attendees of cowboy and cowgirl summer camp also have the opportunity to learn western arts and crafts, play sports with other cowboys and cowgirls, go swimming (make sure you take off your cowboy boots and cowboy hats first), and even go shovel surfing. Now, we aren’t quite sure what shovel surfing is, but it sounds pretty fun.

Western Gear for Summer Camp

Before you take your little cowboy or cowgirl off to summer camp, whether at Cowboy City Texas or another western summer camp, swing by Allens Boots and we will make sure your summer campers have all the western gear they need.

*Photo by Cowboy City Texas

Mules in the Hot Sun

So it’s hot outside and you really want to wear your cowboy boots with your new jeans or your new skirt or dress; although the mere thought of having all that leather on your legs in 90 degree weather causes you to instantly break out into a sweat.

There is an answer to having the boot look without all of the boot … Mules! And we aren’t talking about the four-legged kind.

These Mules Were Made for Walking

Mules, by definition, are backless and very often close-toed shoes. The open-toe version is called a slide. They are very popular among women and are believed to have gotten their start back in the 18th century. Mules gained popularity in the 1970’s as clogs, but re-emerged in the 1990’s and haven’t looked back.

Mules, Mules, Mules

Mules come in all sorts of colors and styles, they can be dressy or casual and they are extremely comfortable. In fact, Allens Boots has yellow mules, red mules, black mules, multi-color mules made by Charlie 1, Old Gringo, Frye and Ariat. You name it; we have it to go with all your summer styles.

Mule Rules

Now before you run off with your mules, there are a few things you should know about proper mule fit.

• You need to make sure that your heel fits on the back of the mule properly. Take care that your heel isn’t hanging over the edge, sitting right on the edge or not close enough to the edge. Just a little edge showing is perfect.
• Make sure you get up and walk around in the mules you are interested in buying. That way you know they stay on your feet and that they look right with your legs.
• If you are planning on wearing socks or hosiery with your mules, make sure you bring them with you when you try them on.

Cutting Horse Adds Spice to CEO Life

There was an article in Fortune Small Business Magazine today about a woman who is CEO by day and a Rodeo Queen by night. Yes, you are reading this correctly.

According to the article, Anita Lind Janssen spends her days as CEO of a company that handles asset management for large firms in the middle of transition. This is a job that requires conservative decisions and very little risk. Wanting to add a little spice to her life, Anita put on a hat, polished up her boots, and became a cowgirl.

It also appears that cutting runs in the Lind Janssen family. Ryan Lind, Anita’s son, placed in the top ten of the youth division at the National Cutting Horse Western National Finals this past weekend. I am sure that his mother couldn’t be more proud of her cowboy son.

Cutting Horse: What is it?

Cutting is a western riding style event where a horse and rider are judged strictly on their ability to separate a calf away from a herd of cattle for a certain period of time.

Cutting, which is becoming quite a popular equine sport these days, is special in that once the calf is separated from the herd, the cowboy or cowgirl loosens up on the reigns and the horse then takes over in keeping the calf separated. These horses are known as a cutting horse.

Cutting Horse Queen is One of Many

After reading about Anita, we did some poking around into the careers of the members of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. We found out that Anita isn’t the only corporate big wig that likes to compete with their horses for stress relief. We found an owner of a women’s western store, a President/owner of a drilling company, a ranch owner, a Chief of Staff of a state assembly, and a CEO of a golf construction company.

Who would have ever thought that participating in adrenaline pumping rodeo events could be so relaxing?

*Photo by Mike Murrow

Cowboy Museum’s Annual Memorial Day Event

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, located in Oklahoma City, will be celebrating its 18th Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival this Memorial Day weekend. The festival will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th.

Dressing like a Cowboy More than Alright at Cowboy Museum

Grab your kids, put on your jeans, boots and cowboy hats and head on down to what the American Bus Association has named one of the Top 100 events in North America. You, your family and more than 10,000 other Old West fans will sure to be pleased with all the exciting activities and food planned for this jam-packed weekend.

Chuck Wagons Circle the Cowboy Museum

There will be authentic chuck wagons present offering up some of the finest wrangler food from Oklahoma and Texas. Festival goers even receive their very own tasting bowl to fill up with cowboy favorites such as brisket, biscuits and gravy, stew, and cobbler.

Children’s Cowboy Festival Events at the Cowboy Museum

There will be plenty of good ‘ol western entertainment for the family at the festival. Little Cowboys and Cowgirls can get pony rides, stagecoach and wagon rides, learn how to make a rope, design a bandana, and even pet a Longhorn steer. For the older cowboys and cowgirls, there will be entertainment from the likes of Don Edwards and Red Steagall.

There is even a cowboy bootmaking demonstration, which we here at Allens Boots are the most excited about.

Cowboy Museum has More to Offer than the Festival

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was founded in 1961 and is considered an institution of Western history, culture, and art. More than 9 million visitors a year come to see the Cowboy museum’s collection of Western art and artifacts and to garnish an insight into the Old West.

*Photo by National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Lucchese Boots History

Sam Lucchese, the founder of Lucchese boots, was just 17 years old when he decided that he was going to be a bootmaker. When he was 20, just three short years later, he opened the Lucchese Boot Company in San Antonio, Texas. Then in the 1960’s, Sam Lucchese, Jr. (grandson of the founder) took over the company and turned it into the nationally renowned boot company of today.

Lucchese Boots Celebrates 125 Years

Lucchese boots are known for their superior fit, quality and comfort. They may take more time to create and cost more than most other boots, but these hand-finished boots are worth every penny; which is something you will figure out the minute you slip your foot into one of these works of art. Founded in 1883, this year marks the 125th year that Lucchese has been outfitting America’s cowboys with high-quality boots; and to celebrate, they have created a limited edition anniversary boot.

Lucchese Boots Limited Edition 125th Anniversary Boot.

The Lucchese Limited Edition 125th Anniversary Boot will be made with the finest American Belly Alligator that is available. The boot will be made in the Lucchese matador construction with covered sideseams and fully hand-tooled and hand-painted quarters. Lucchese logos, stars and hand-tooled scrolls will adorn the tops of each of these beautiful anniversary boots. The scallops will be hand-laced and the torero pullstraps will be overlaid in alligator. The inside of each boot will be lined with Lucchese’s premier grimini linings.

Get Your Lucchese 125th Anniversary Boots Today

Lucchese is only making 125 pairs of the anniversary boots. Each boot will be hand-signed and numbered by its creator. To ensure the authenticity of this piece of Lucchese history, an embossed seal will be on a numbered certificate; and each boot will come in a matching numbered 125th anniversary edition hand-tooled leather boot box. And to top it off, each purchased pair will be recorded in a dedicated 125th anniversary edition log book.

We here at Allens Boots are proud to be a part of this celebration. Happy Anniversary, Lucchese!!

Ariat Boots for Women: Always In Style

Why we don’t see more Ariat boots on ladies’ feet, we’ll never know. Fashionable, a great fit, a lasting investment, and affordable to boot Ariats make a girl smile. Not just your browns and blacks, Ariat covers the color wheel, lingering over the reds and pinks. And we dare you to find a pair of Ariats priced anywhere over $200–a rare find among quality boots.

Ariat Boots: A History

Ariat Boots was founded in 1990 by two women who were fed up with clunky, stiff cowboy boots. For three years, they worked with a team of the world’s top footwear engineers and designers to develop a dependable line of boots for both English and Western riders. Only then did Ariat release its first pair of boots, in 1993. Ariat Boots is a company founded on the drive to achieve the best results in equestrian footwear, but that drive tributaried into something else: one of the most fashionable lines of women’s boots. A classic example of form following function.

Ariat Boots + Allens = A+

Ariat Boots is the “Official Boot and Belt” of the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSRA), one of Ariat’s many honors. Allens Boots is proud to be one of the 4,000 retailers in the world at which Ariat boots are sold. It’s incredibly easy to put your best foot forward in a colorful pair of Ariat Boots, whether for fashion or function.