A gathering of cowboys

Headliners "The Cowboy" brought their New Mexico groove to Encampment's 14th annual Cowboy Gathering Saturday. Members are, from left, Jim Jones, Mariam Funke and Doug Figgs.

Retired Texas Sheriff Jim Wilson taught gun safety and self defense for a group of around 50 people Saturday morning. Wilson stressed communicating clearly with police and knowing local laws while traveling.

Three stick horse rodeo competitors take some time to "compare notes" before the big show.

Kevin Margoulis, of Colorado, affixes a number to Levi Margoulis before junior mounted his "horse" for the Saturday morning "stickhorse rodeo."

With Saratoga residents JR Henslee on bass, Janet Hahn on fiddle and Debbie Easterling on guitar, "Dusty Trails" brought a bluegrass feel to Grand View Park.

German-native Mariam Funke, left, of the trio "Cowboy Way" may have been born in Europe, but says he never really felt at home 'till he made it to New Mexico. Demonstrating the "Cowboy Way," Funke uses a jack knife to cut the top off a bottle of water so his thirsty pup can enjoy a drink.