Cantle back is on now we will put the cantle plugs on for the Cheyenne roll. All this is done while the cantle back is wet so that we can get the proper shape to the roll.
Saddle construction
The front is on now and next comes the cantle back which has already been tooled.
Big Loop Big Money
This weekend is the Big Loop roping in Bryan, TX at the expo center. We have been on the road for two weeks straight and now we will set up our booth here at home in Bryan. For all the ropers who are coming to the roping good luck and be sure and come by the booth for some great deals and see some of our new stuff. And for the ropers trying to decide where to go this weekend, the Big Loop is your best option… Don’t miss it come out and rope at one the best ropings available today.
Hope to see you there!
Dry spots!!!
We have all seen the dreaded dry spot on a horse at one time or another. Some folks pay little attention to them and some folks loose their minds when they find one. As with most things in life we have to approach the situation with a calm open mind.
Though most of the time it is not the end of the world, it is something that we should watch and try to fix. A dry spot is caused by increased pressure in that area and this prevents sweating in the area. This increased pressure can cause soreness and sometimes cause the hair to turn white. Continue reading
All Round Ranch Rodeo 2011
Don Gonzales Saddlery would like to thank All Around Performance Horse for another great show at their ranch rodeo. We have been working with the rodeo and the All Around crew for five years now and really appreciate the opportunity and great times.
The rodeo in Clovis, NM was great and the cowboys that competed put on a great show. Congrats to Arndt Bailey Ranch for winning the $50,000 and to Eng Ranch for their second place. A special congrats goes out to Jake Conrad for winning the Top Horse Award which was a bit made by Joe Spillar and a custom saddle made by DGSaddlery. Jake is a long time customer of our shop and a close friend and it was a great honor to award the saddle to him.
I would also like to thank Matt Stockton the 2009 Top Horse winner who allowed us to showcase his two year old DG custom saddle in our booth during the short round.
Mark your calendars and plan on attending the worlds biggest ranch rodeo in 2012!
When to replace stirrup leathers
“if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. This seems to be the thought with most people when it comes to their saddles, but this idea could lead to having to fix some body part when it comes to stirrup leathers. Some get lucky and the stirrup leather will brake right as you put your weight in the stirrup getting on or off your horse. Unless your riding a colt, this is usually in eventful. Other unfortunate souls will be leaned out over a steer or yearling about to take that perfect shot when… Here comes the ground. Ouch!
Take a second to check your leathers every so often. Look for heavy corrosion of the Blevins buckle, this can lead to the actual buckle braking. Look at the holes, are they stretched out or have cracking around the hole. Also, try to fold the leather in a couple spots. If you see the leather crack at the fold then it is probably time for a new pair.
When you decide that you need new stirrup leathers, or after the accident, replace both sides and DO NOT patch them. Patching stirrup leathers may be cheaper, but you are only buying time till… Here comes the ground! Ouch!
Loaded and ready!!!
After tons of preparation, stacks of leather, and elbow grease…. We are loaded and leaving for Clovis, NM for the All Around Ranch Rodeo Challenge. Our booth is bigger than ever and packed full of some of the best new and used saddles that we have to offer.
After a ten hour drive and lots of coffee we will rest up and awaken refreshed and ready to begin construction on the DG Saddlery booth. When the double mugging begins Thursday afternoon we will be in the booth and ready to begin a four day trade show with some of the best ranch rodeo cowboys in the world and their family and friends.
Come by the booth and have a seat.
Cramped quarters!!!
I’VE HAD IT!!! Spending the day cleaning and getting ready for another great week of slinging leather. The one thing that is for sure is that we are pretty close to needing more space. We are doing our best with the space we have and as with most businesses, if they are lucky, they grow in production and need more space.
Although our workspace is tight and old, we will continue pushing onward and deal with our issues. If anything it adds a sense of great comedy to our day in day our work life. Blessed to have the pile of work that we have and blessed to have the sense of humor to enjoy it all.
After all, what is a saddle shop with out character. Ya, that’s what I call it, character! Those that work for me have become quite capable of dealing with the unconventional working environment, and we all patiently wait for the day when ample workspace will be a reality and coming from such sparse beginnings will keep us humble. The flip side is we could have a big fancy building and nice big retail floor with no work… I prefer our current situation.
Scotty Cobb Spring Gathering 2011
Well I guess it’s that time again to spend the weekend at Scotty Cobb’s ranch cooking for his spring gathering. Jim and I went last year for the first time and had a blast. I was the head cook for the function and since no one died from my cooking we were invited back to handle the food again.
This year John Klam is having The Big Hat Classic which should be a very interesting take on ranch life and team roping. Look out for this all to air on RFDTV in the future.
I will be sure and take photos for our Facebook page so that our customers can have a sneak peak of the event. I just hope I can come up with better fixins then I did last year. Any ideas? Please comment with any help you may have.