Art and function seem to be at odds with one another. At least in our culture. “If it’s purty, that means it ain’t usable.” “If it’s usable, there is a limit to how purty you can make it.” “Pretty is as pretty does.” I could list many more platitudes that try to separate function and […]

This is a saddle I made not long ago for a fellow from Texas. This is the third saddle of mine he has owned (he bought one used, and the other two were custom made). Some years ago, I did the numbers and found that half my saddle orders were for repeat customers. Within the […]

I was trolling through some photos recently and ran across this case that I made a couple years ago for a rancher. This design was worked out to serve the needs of an every-day cowboy and conscientious horseman. He needed something for calving that was secure, accessible on the nearside, and could be taken off […]

Before the 1870s the colloquial phrase “on time” was non-existent. The industrial revolution which brought the railroad out west also brought us to the point of declaring a worker or train to be “on time”. Earlier, folks simply “passed time” in their various vocations. Then came the modern dictum that we “save”, “spend”, and “keep […]

Nothing beats the basics for functionality on breast collar connector straps…start out with 10 oz Hermann Oak (case and compress to 8.5 oz), hand sew stainless #150 buckles on with waxed linen, rub edges, lay a crease line on the edge, dry, apply warmed neatsfoot oil, then lastly a heavy load of Ray Holes Saddle […]

So I guess I should wax eloquent about the brevity of life, what with another year passing by with blinding speed. But there’s a good chance that the only wax the folks I know (and who know me) are concerned about is the wax build-up in my ears. Nevertheless, there are enough of you that […]

I usually host a saddle construction clinic in early November. This year Amelie Zunk from Vancouver, BC; Cary Coleman from Payson, AZ; and Cache Morris from Elk Bend, Idaho came for a fun time talking about saddles, leather, and horses. I’ve come to enjoy teaching a great deal and it’s great to see folks take […]

Ok, so I voted today and this is as close to realpolitick as you’ll probably get from me on here. As I entered the polling place, I look back and see my good bird dog watching my every move and waiting patiently in the back of the pickup. I’m thinking I’d rather vote for my […]