Little-Known Facts About “Hoss Tamer”: From Pulp Pages to Tales of Wells Fargo

In September 1936, L. Ron Hubbard’s first Western story, “The Baron of Coyote River,” was published in All Western Magazine. His deep connection to the American West, shaped by his early experiences riding mustangs and his fascination with frontier life, provided a rich foundation for Western tales that were as authentic as they were engaging.

And even though it was as an author of adventure stories and screenplays that he first came to national prominence, his reputation as a Western writer continued to grow right up until the beginning of World War II and later when he returned to the genre again in 1948.

When “Hoss Tamer” first hit the pages of Thrilling Western in January 1950, it likely didn’t cross many minds that this straightforward tale of a luckless ex-circus horse trainer would one day make its way to television. Yet, in 1958, “Hoss Tamer” was adapted into an episode of NBC’s popular series Tales of Wells Fargo. This lesser-known connection to a popular Western TV show highlights just how Hubbard’s Western tales resonated far beyond the pages of pulp magazines.

Now, celebrating the 75th anniversary of “Hoss Tamer’s” publication, it’s the perfect time to revisit this tale.

Tales of Wells Fargo: A Popular Platform

Premiering in 1957, Tales of Wells Fargo quickly became one of the most top-rated mainstream Westerns on television. With Dale Robertson in the lead as Jim Hardie, a special agent for Wells Fargo, the series offered action-packed tales that combined well-crafted plots and strong performances. It was a stamp of approval for any story to be selected for adaptation into Tales of Wells Fargo episodes, showcasing the narrative’s strength and alignment with the show’s standards.

The Adaptation of “Hoss Tamer”

The Tales of Wells Fargo Season 2 episode titled “Hoss Tamer,” aired on January 20, 1958. It followed a plot closely inspired by L. Ron Hubbard’s story: Jim Hardie teams up with Tim Farland, an ex-circus horse trainer, to foil a stagecoach robbery and uncover the culprits behind a Wells Fargo agent’s murder.

Directed by Earl Bellamy, with a teleplay by Frank Gruber, the Tales of Wells Fargo cast included:

Dale Robertson as Jim Hardie
Chuck Courtney as Tim Farland
Walter Coy, Charles Wagenheim, and James Philbrook in supporting roles

The episode’s mix of character dynamics, action, and clever problem-solving reflected the original story while making it accessible to television audiences.

It is only 24 minutes long and you can watch it right here:

The Legacy of “Hoss Tamer”

While “Hoss Tamer” may not be counted among Hubbard’s most known stories, its connection to Tales of Wells Fargo offers a fascinating aspect of his Westerns reaching broader audiences.

As we mark the 75th anniversary of its original publication, the story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of a good storytelling. For fans of classic Westerns and timeless tales of adventure, revisiting this story—on the page or the screen—is a fitting way to honor its place in pulp fiction history.

“Hoss Tamer”: The Story

This is the story of rancher Tim Farland, who is forced to train horses for a traveling circus so he can pay off the debts on his Oregon ranch. When the circus goes broke, so does Tim.

Stranded in Oak Flat, far from home and without a cent, he tries to get hired at the Gopher Hole Ranch where he is made to ride a wild untamed bronc.

Thrown, badly hurt and left with only one good arm, Tim has no options left but to take a job at the livery stable in town. There he keeps his eyes open and prepares for the day when he can even the score. That day comes when the Gopher Hole gang robs the Wells Fargo office and the people of Oak Flat find out just how good a “Hoss Tamer” or “Horse Whisperer” they really have in Tim Farland.

An illustration from the original Thrilling Western publication of “Hoss Tamer,” depicting the unmanageable mounts screaming, rearing, and fighting with hoofs striking inches away from Tim.

The Enduring Legacy of “Hoss Tamer”

“Hoss Tamer” appears in the Stories from the Golden Age Western short story collection featuring “Under the Diehard Brand.”

Get your copy now and experience this thrilling Western adventure in its original form!

To order a copy of Under the Diehard Brand, click here.

“Hoss Tamer” in HD Audio

To explore the vivid storytelling that inspired the Tales of Wells Fargo TV episode, listen to the audiobook excerpt below. This is not just any audiobook, but a cinematic high-definition audio production brought to life by Hollywood actors—a multi-cast unabridged performance.

Book and Audiobook Critical Acclaim

“These full-cast, sound effects-laden productions will engage listeners of all ages, particularly fans of old-time radio, Westerns, genre fiction, action and adventure, and full-cast performances.” —Library Journal

“Tales of two-fisted action by legendarily popular writer L. Ron Hubbard which are sure to satisfy avid readers of the pulp fiction action/adventure genre.” —Midwest Book Review

“L. Ron Hubbard was among the most popular fiction writers of his generation.” —True West Magazine

Other Western articles and resources you may be interested in:

L. Ron Hubbard’s Romance with the Old West

Women of the West

Are all Romance Writers Female?

Hats, Horsehoes and Rodeos: A Note on Superstitions of the Old West

The Cowboy Era and Why Their Legacy Matters Today

How the Legacy of the Arizona Rangers Lives On

L. Ron Hubbard Fiction: Order of Books

Famous Outlaws of the Old West

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