If you’ve ever wondered what Hollywood stunts, bull riders, team ropers, leather workers, and whiskey have in common, the answer is a California cowboy named Bobby Conwell.
From a young age, Bobby was curious about how things worked. Eager to discover new adventures, he helped his mother on their calf operation and later competed as a bull rider. His handiness with livestock blended with his creativity, and Bobby took up the craft of leatherwork.
Not one to start small or give up easy, his first pair of chaps were crafted out of a cowhide rug in his mother’s house. The thick hide paired with the added harness leather provided durable protection that stood up to bull riding and the beatings of daily ranch work. Even today, years later, the chaps are tear-free.
Bobby’s buddies were impressed with the uniqueness of the chaps, and started asking for a pair of their own. Although the business grew, his mission remained to make products for friends and not worry about the financial side of it. Instead, he enjoys the relaxing nature of the work and exhibits the love for the craft that true artisans hold.
His cowboy capabilities span far beyond dressing well and riding rough stock, and have even been on display in Hollywood. His work as a stunt double for horseback scenes has appeared in shows such as The Wild West on the History Channel (pictured here playing Jesse James). Bobby has the guts for the risks, and the patience to coach actors who are new to horses behind the scenes.
Today, Bobby makes his home at Rawhide Ranch, with his wife Gretchen, daughter Kadence, and son Gage. Gretchen serves as the director of Rawhide Ranch, a formerly renowned reining barn and now summer camp for children to get a taste of the western life. His daughter Kadence is taking the west coast ranch riding world by storm at only nine years old, and along with her brother has developed an interest in leather tooling and stamping.
When not spending time with his family, leatherworking, or managing things at his day job at the stables at Camp Pendleton, he serves as an ambassador for California Cowboy Whiskey and is a competitive team roper with plans of making a run for the Indian National Finals Rodeo next year.
Bobby’s sense of humor, adventure, and fun is a joy to witness, and only matched by his skill with horses and leatherwork.
Not to mention, he makes a mighty fine belt (I wear mine daily!)
