Missouri farrier Randy Cate was recognized at the 58th annual Western Heritage Awards for his efforts in preserving the Western lifestyle and ideals. He was presented with the 2018 Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award.

 “It goes to a person who kind of on a daily basis epitomizes the Western values and integrity … and not necessarily through films or becoming a prominent banker or something of that nature,” says Wyatt McCrea, who is a member of the National Cowboy Museum’s board of directors. “He’s made his living working the West, so to speak.”

The Western Heritage Awards is a celebration of the West’s history and cultural presence. The event took place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, with approximately 900 people in attendance. The event was emceed by actors Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross.

“[T]his is an opportunity for people who have perfected their craft and live it on a daily basis to be rewarded as well,” says McCrea. “Where else is a saddle maker or a farrier going to be able to receive an award of this caliber? It just doesn’t happen, so it’s a pretty big deal for those folks, it really is — and it’s a big deal for us. We’re happy to be able to recognize them as a way to help perpetuate this whole Western movement and keep that history alive.”