A week on the range

From the Los Angeles Times: A vaquero's grandson tests his wrangler genes at a dude ranch that promises an "authentic" cowboy experience.

Country comes to Malibu

Nashville may still be Music City, but according to Great American Country, some country music superstars are flocking to Malibu. That's where Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have found their home away from home.

Not so hot to trot

From The Houston Chronicle, bad news about horse sales:

"I've seen it rough before, but I don't ever think I've ever seen it this bad," said Mark Riley, who has worked as an auctioneer for three decades. "To most people, horses are a hobby or a plaything or a toy. When the economy gets tough, the plaything is the first thing to go."

Proud parents

Congratulations to country superstar Keith Urban and Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman -- proud parents of a baby girl born Monday in Nashville.

Happy Independence Day!

Meanwhile, back at the Hallmark

The Hallmark Channel promises an entire month of rip-snorting, straight-shooting Westerns -- everything from Two Rode Together and Ride Lonesome to Bite the Bullet and Seraphim Falls -- throughout July. Of special note are two world premieres: A Gunfighter's Pledge (July 5) and Every Second Counts (July 12).

Maverick marathon

Great news for fans of James Garner and classic television: You can celebrate July 4th with 12 back-to-back episodes of Maverick on the Encore Westerns cable network. The marathon kicks off at 12 noon EDT on Independence Day. And with all due respect to Mel Gibson -- Garner remains, now and forever, the coolest and craftiest cardshark cowboy to ever ride tall in a tongue-in-cheeky sagebrush saga.