Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

Perfecting the look, feel, and most of all, the fit, of someone’s dream saddle is my life’s work. Getting horses comfortable uses every skill, talent and gift I have developed as an artist and horsewoman. Creating a gentle, humane saddle made of traditional leather layered with foam with the classic look of a western saddle. Built to last three generations. The big difference is no hardwood or fiberglass on the horses back. No nails, no screws. All laced and handstitched with love.

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature, trails, my own horses inspire me. My family history and heritage as pioneers. My location on the central coast of California where I am a 7th generation American. I carry on my family’s skills with the land, horses, cattle, hides, handtools. I delight in introducing a horse to the comfort of a lightweight, well fitting saddle. The unspoken aknowledgement. I also serve riders that have specials needs. With the sculptability of the foam, I tailor around pressure points and other issues.

What would you do with $25,000?

I’d put the money toward my big dream of having a barn and shop to teach the craft. I have no children of my own to pass on the teachings. I’d love to have a ‘saddle camp’ for people of all ages to come and learn the tools, materials and tailoring that I have now mastered. My student helpers and I have all benefitted from working with leather and horses. It is a unique, nurturing environment for building self esteem and relationships. And of course, being around horses is good for the spirit!