Jesse Smith Saddlery

Jesse Smith has been making saddles for 40 years. He moved to Spokane WA in 1965, where he built custom saddles for The Tack Shop. In 1972 he purchased the saddle shop part of the business and has maintained a custom saddle shop till this day.

He attended Art School at Spokane Falls Community College where he received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Commercial Art.
In 1979, Jesse was asked to teach the Saddlemaking Program at Spokane Falls Community College. He taught this program and upgraded its curriculum to make it the #1 Saddlemaking Program in the United States. While teaching at the college he also operated his saddle shop and continued to hone his saddlemaking skills. Jesse retired from teaching at the college in 2000, to return to Colorado and the ranch where he was born.  Today, he maintains his saddle shop and teaches students on that ranch in Pritchett, Colorado. 
Click here to learn more about Jesse's saddle making school.

Here are some examples of saddles Jesse has made for other customers.  Call Jesse today at 719-643-5553 to order a custom one-of-a-kind saddle or other tack made by one of the legends in the saddlemaking world.

Jesse W. Smith Saddlery
499 County Road J
Pritchett, Colorado 81064
719-643-5553
jesse@jessesmithsaddlery.com

#1. Tribute to Ranching Saddle
Tim Benard tree, 16", 12" front, 4" cantle Quarter Horse tree Full-floral carved with 8 different ranch scenes Inlaid shark skin padded seat Full 18" taps	click on photos for larger views
#2 Ben's Saddle
15 1/2" Lieuellen tree, 12" front, 3 1/2" cantle Quarter horse tree Inlaid patch padded seat Basket stamped with floral border 3" stitched stirrups Round skirts
#3. Jesse's Wade Saddle
15 1/2" Wade tree, 9" front, 4" cantle 3x3" Wood post horn Floral carved, basket stamped, serpentine border 7/8 in-skirt rigging 3" stitched stirrups 4" roper back cinch
#4 Tracey's Wade Saddle
15" Wade tree, 9"front, 4" cantle 7/8 in-skirt rigging Butterfly skirt 7/8 carved floral Serpentine border 4" monel stirrups Loop seat with exposed stirrup leathers
#5 Kathy's Show Saddle
15 1/2" Lieuellen tree, 12" front, 3 1/2" cantle Quarter Horse tree Inlaid padded seat Full combination floral pattern Rope roll sliver laced front and Cheyenne roll Sterling silver conchos and corner plates	click on photos for larger views
#6 Call's Saddle
15" modified Association tree, 12" front, 3 1/2" cantle Rough out seat and fenders 3" covered roper stirrups Round skirt Brand on fender
#7 Matt's Wade Saddle
13" Wade tree 3x3 horn 9" front, 3 1/2" cantle Basket stamped Floral carving Round skirts 3" monel stirrups
Samples of other custom leather tack available
Custom full-carved leather knife case with belt loop		Saddle bags, 10x10" Full arrowhead basket with brand

SADDLEMAKING CLASS

The Saddlemaking Course is taught by Jesse W. Smith, 2001 recipient of the AI Stohlman Award, on their ranch in the Canyons and Mesas of Southeastern Colorado.
Students will receive intensive personal instruction with emphasis on attention to detail and quality of workmanship. The student will make one saddle during the 5-week program which they will get to keep.  The following subjects will be covered.

1. Leather Technology
2. The proper use and upkeep of tools
3. Safety practices in Leatherwork
4. Pattern making
5. Layout and cutting of a Saddle
6. The preparing of the tree
7. Casing and fitting of leather to tree
8. Sewing and stitching techniques
9. Study of styles and types of saddles
10. Figuring pricing and expenses
11. Finishing of Saddle
12. Making money in the saddle business

TUITION

SADDLEMAKING CLASS: $4,000.00
($1000 deposit due with application to secure dates)
LEATHER CARVING CLASS: $600.00 FOR 1 WEEK

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Jesse W. Smith Saddlery
499 County Road J
Pritchett, Colorado 81064
719-643-5553
jesse@jessesmithsaddlery.com

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