Written by Doreen Shumpert This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.38 The courage to do something different places you in a different position. Being a little bit of a risk taker has its advantages. Those are insightful quotes from renowned cowboy artisan Jeremiah Watt of Coalinga, Calif., (located on top of a row […]
Written by Doreen Shumpert “It’s tougher than you think.” With that simple statement, the “gauntlet had been thrown down” as Pete Melniker said, the challenge was on, and the seed was planted for what would become the Double Diamond Halter Company, Inc. As a youngster, east-coast – born Melniker rode horses some and learned how […]
Written by Doreen Shumpert This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.35 What once started out as a summer job for teenage Wyoming ranch cowgirl Sara Douglas has blossomed into a full-time business for Sara Hagel—an award-winning crafter of custom cowboy gear. Back when she was merely 13 years old, Hagel (then Douglas) wanted […]
Written by Doreen Shumpert Known best for his rich and beautiful Sheridan-style, wild-rose tooling patterns on his leather work and saddles, Ray Arthun originally hailed from Montana and Wyoming and was a bronc-ridin’ rodeo cowboy. And, as with most youngsters of that time, he grew up being a do-it-yourself kinda guy, and there isn’t much […]
Written by Dorreen Shumpert If you’ve got your eyes on one of Kent Frecker’s custom saddles, get in line. For a long time. Try until about 2016 because that’s how long he’s booked out as far as making you one with his own two talented hands. Pretty impressive for a business previously stationed in the […]
Written by Doreen Shumpert The horsehair mecate is as traditional to Spanish-influenced horsemanship as fireworks are to the Fourth of July. However, master craftsmen like Doug Krause, who can produce modern-day quality hair ropes, aren’t so commonplace. It’s artisans like him that keep tradition – and history –alive and pure for generations to come. For […]
Written by Doreen Shumpert Gary and Cynthia Wiggins (Wiggins Bits and Spurs) transplanted one year ago from the hustle and bustle of Castle Rock, Colo. to the quieter side of life in Brewster, Kansas. The backdrop of their “30-cow outfit” of commercial crossbred cattle and four horses provides perfect inspiration for Wiggins’ custom silver creations. Out […]
Written by Cary Shwarz Bucking rolls have increased in popularity within the last few years, which has followed the increased demand for slick fork saddles. Questions arise as to their practicality, where and how they evolved and whether or not they are here to stay. Answers to these questions are not as satisfying as we […]
By Sue Stuska Ed.D. We recognize two main types of bits: snaffles and curbs. There are many variations on each type, and some bits combine the actions of both. We will concentrate on snaffles and curbs in this article and do more another time. Even limiting ourselves to these two categories, when we check any tack […]
Written by Chuck Stormes This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.15 The original “saddle”, a simple cloth much like a saddle blanket, and the later pad-saddle version were held in place by a surcingle—a strap encircling horse and pad, secured by tying. The development of the saddle tree offered new possibilities for securing […]