Focus on Texas: Belt Buckles

These are more than accessories—they help hold up the owners’ pride

By Grace Arsiaga December 2015

Chandra and Kenny Corse, Greenbelt EC: Preparing her horse Lightning for the Junior Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo in Clarendon, cowgirl Etta shows off her latest prized buckle.

Linda Lou Morgan, Farmers EC: Grandchildren Channing, 5, and brother Jagger, 4, won their buckles at the Winners Youth Rodeo Association finals in Terrel.

Brianne Bernsen, Bluebonnet EC: Daughter Aubri, 7, won first place in a mutton bustin’ contest just as her brother, William, 8, had done the previous year. She beat another boy by one point, achieved by riding her sheep the length of the arena sideways.

Darcy Maloney, Concho Valley EC: Son Oliver Werner, then 11, won his first buckle in 2010 at the Wall ISD Stock Show for Junior Showmanship with his pig.

Jane Martin, Cooke County EC: Owen Stoddard, 3, shows off his lead-line buckle to his nana at the Brazoria County Fair.

Web Extra: O.R. Perdue Jr., Trinity Valley EC: National Guard Association Texas commemorative minute-man buckle

Web Extra: Leigh Flores, Victoria EC: Elizabeth Rose with Daddy’s team roping buckle

Web Extra: Bonnie Burbidge: This buckle features turquoise and a mother of pearl inlay.

Web Extra: Kenneth Driska, Heart of Texas EC: Ainsley Driska, 10, of Burlington shows off her buckle for winning the intermediate division of the Rabbit Showmanship Contest at the Milam County Junior Livestock Show.

Web Extra: Paul Garcia, Medina EC: “If you want one of these beauties, you will have to earn it at the Sabinal Lions Club Wild Hog Festival” by bagging and dragging a wild hog from a whiskey barrel.

Web Extra: Suzanne Storey, Wise EC: Daughter Abby Linn won grand champion with one of the chicks she raises and breeds in Montague County.

Web Extra: Ashley Smith, CoServ Electric: Belt buckles from the Fort Worth Stockyards

Web Extra: Stephanie Brown, United Cooperative Services: Brayden and Brock Brown ride for Open Range Cowboy Church in Whitney. Brayden won his buckle at the PRCA in Coleman on mini bulls, Brock won his in mutton bustin’ in Gustine.

Web Extra: Sandra Moore, Big Country EC: Frito, daughter Hailey’s show steer, tries to lick the belt buckle they won for grand champion steer at the Fisher County Livestock Show.

Big or small, short or tall, Texans are proud to show off their belt buckles. We wanted your favorite belt buckles, and you did not leave us strapped for photos. Buckle up and hang on as these readers really show their mettle—in metal!