Artisan - Laura Pittman

Cinch Making Sisters

Several years ago, sisters Dana and Tracy Eklund were working at a therapeutic riding program. Like many service-oriented groups, the center was operating with a $400 tack budget, and yet responsible for procuring and maintaining working tack for around twenty horses. Taking into consideration the cost of quality tack, the need for special therapeutic equipment, and the desire to ensure horse comfort and proper fit, it was very difficult to keep things running with the minimal tack budget. In addition, neoprene cinches would sore the horses, the saddles were small children’s saddles, and the horses were large draft crosses.

Handcrafted Heirlooms

Dominique and Jack Allen are a couple whose story is full of pride and commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The high school sweethearts own JAD Custom Engraving, where they produce heirloom quality sterling silver jewelry designed for the modern cowgirl.

Artisan Horses Rodeo Queen

Portraying Passion

The work of a true artist is like a secret, with a little bit of the hidden truth revealed in each depiction of both reality and imagination. For artist Cat Davenport, portraying horses means highlighting the beautiful detail of what is present while also drawing the observer’s mind to the hidden possibilities. You can look at her sketches and find yourself drawn into the eyes of the animal, contemplating their thoughts and personality. Her work brings the creation to life, making it apparent that she knows her subject matter inside and out.

Artisan Horses Livestock Showing Ranch Youth

The Owens Collective

The things we learn in childhood have a way of providing a platform for future dreams to take shape. This has certainly been the case in the life of Kelsey Owens and her husband Matt as they have taken their collected wisdom and paired it with their own ideas to shape a life connected to the land for their three children.