Harris Leather and Silverworks Announces New Line of Ranch Saddles
By: Brittany Bevis
One of the premier saddle makers in the business, Harris Leather and Silverworks, is excited to announce the creation of a new line of specialty Ranch Riding saddles to round out their already extensive selection of handcrafted, show saddles. When it seems they have already corned the market on stunning, silver engraved saddles with elaborate tooling and leather details, why take this departure to a more pared down style?
For a company that has always focused on its consumers, Phil Harris has a simple answer. “First and foremost, it’s because of requests from our customers. We’ve had many calls to make a ranch saddle. The event has grown tremendously and has become a major part of the shows. Like the other events, the riders are demanding a better quality of saddle.”
“Most ranch saddles now are repurposed, cheaper, factory made saddles. Our saddles are known for their fit and finish. These ranch saddles will offer to the riders a very high quality, well fitting, great riding saddle. It will give them a handmade saddle option when showing in the ranch classes.”
As with all of Harris’ saddles, these ranch specific versions can be customized to meet the preferences of individual riders. All of the ranch saddles will feature a rich, chocolate color with heavy tooled designs.
“We start with heavy, native steer hides,” Phil says. “These are tanned in the USA by master tanners and have a very rigid body and a firm feel. Our attention to detail, that has become one of the Harris hallmarks, is not lost on these ranch saddles. We strive to build these to the same exacting standard by which we are known for.”
“These saddles feature a more typical saddle seat that’s lower in the front and lends itself to correctly positioning the rider while performing the requirements of the ranch classes. All saddles include latigo saddle strings with stainless steel, slotted conchos. There’s also a braided rawhide ring woven into the front and rear latigo strings. All saddles have a matching rear cinch.”
With the commitment to detail that has garnered the company a host of fans over the years, these ranch saddles may also be a good option for those Western Pleasure, Trail, or Western Riding competitors who are looking for a simpler, less showy saddle. Overall, the Harris family is excited to announce the addition of ranch saddles to their lineup. “We’re always striving to give the showman a top quality option for presenting their horses in the show pen, whatever the class may be. Adding the ranch saddle to our line only enhances our commitment to the horse industry.”
“Our saddles feature options found on no other western saddle in the marketplace and give the riders the ultimate tool to connect with their horse. It is our mission to be the best western saddle offered to today’s horseman. This is our 50th year producing handmade, high quality show products, and we’re looking forward to serving great horseman in the years to come.”
