Gary Gist, founder and president of Gist Silversmiths, named 2008 recipient of the American Cowboy Culture Award for achievement in Western Wear and Equipment. The award will be presented during the National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration in Lubbock, TX on September 4-7.

The American Cowboy Culture Awards program began in 1989 and was designed to honor individuals or institutions who have contributed significantly to Western heritage and cowboy culture. Today, it is the largest and most comprehensive awards program of its kind in the nation.

Alvin G. Davis, 1993 award winner and President/Chairman of the National Cowboy 

Symposium and Celebration shares a unique connection with Gary Gist. Gist, a life long team roper and former professional cowboy won his first trophy saddle while roping with his father at the age of 12. The champion of the year award saddle presented by the Sweetwater Arena, El Cajon, CA was purchased from the Hub Specialty Company, owned by Alvin G. Davis. “I will always remember winning my first saddle. The saddle had a silver horn cap and cantle plate and my horse’s name tooled on the breast collar. It was a very special award.”, said Gist.

Twenty-nine years later, at the American Junior Rodeo Association’s 35th Anniversary championships officials presented a special buckle created by Gary Gist to the AJRA’s founder, Alvin G. Davis. Mr. Davis who owns numerous trophy buckles says this is his most prized one and has worn his Gist buckle almost daily for the twenty-one years since he received it.

Gist Silversmiths is celebrating their 40th year as an industry leader in custom designed trophy and award buckles created for World Champion cowboys and horsemen. Gist also offers unique jewelry accessories sold in select Western stores around the country. “This is an exciting year for Gist Silversmiths. Receiving such a prestigious award on our 40th anniversary is very rewarding. ”, said Gist.

Visit their website for more information. www.gistsilversmiths.com