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Saddle makers

By | October 19, 2007

Saddle makers are craftsmen and artists making saddles. They spend long years learning the craft and mastering over craft. Years of patience, portion of talent and lot of practice makes a top saddle maker.

A number of talented but not known saddle makers are creating wonderful saddles in small saddlery shops throughout the world. Some of the most prominent and accomplished custom saddle makers are Steve Mecum, Dale Harwood, Chas Weldon, Don King, Eddie Brooks, Chas Weldon, Jeremiah Watt, Robert Chavez, Cary Schwarz and Chuck Stormes.

Saddle makers have modernized with the developed technologies and they are no more simple leather workers. Each saddle maker has its own unique style. Now days are saddles are even factory made which satisfy broad average needs. They are suitable for most people who require general comfort and facilities at reasonable rates.

While most of people want more than average for themselves and their horses. Riders know it well that not every horse is same and a same saddle cannot fit all horses. A hand made custom designed saddle proper fitting and designed carving and ornamentation will give best comfort and style.

The goal of a saddle maker is to make a saddle which is comfortable for rider and horse too. Each maker put his best effort and talent into the designs of saddles. His leather carving, tree wood, tooling and stamping are of best quality and results in durable, functional and comfortable saddle.

Dale Harwood worked hard at learning the art of saddle making. He practiced and followed his masters for years and opened his retail business in saddle in 1961. Soon he gained the reputation of best America’s finest western gear artisan. His work is in demand all around the world. Harwood has a school where he teaches saddle making to generation. His work is exhibited in cowboy poetry gathering in Elko, Nevada and at trappings of the west in flagstaff, Arizona.

Rick C. Bean, 1961 born grew interest in saddles at age of twelve. He started working a t penny saddle shop after school and built his first saddle when he was fifteen. In 1978, R.C.Bean saddlery was founded. He is a finest artist with number of customers. Rusty May has been making saddles since past forty years and his saddles are famous in the world for quality and craftsmanship.

Saddle makers are heart of western saddle tradition.

Topics: Saddles |

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