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 […]

   

I like to listen to the rhythmic tap, tap, tap of the sprinklers in the pasture and watch their spray break up and cover the forty foot orb each bird is responsible for. You’d think I’d hate sprinkler pipe. My first job at age twelve was moving three inch diameter hand lines in the fields […]

Those who keep up with what I’ve got going know that I am a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association. A group of us got together in 1998 and came up with this idea that seems to have taken on a life of its own. Like any journey in life, its had its […]

I just shipped out my 2014 TCAA saddle to the National Cowboy Museum yesterday. It’s always a good feeling to get a demanding project finished and off the stand. The last sixteen summers have been consumed with doing work for our show that opens in October. I say ‘summers’ but actually most of the work […]