Newton Porter Vintage Saddle

In the late 1850s Newton Porter was born in Independence, MO and by the end of the Civil War Newton Porter was left an orphan. He moved to St. Louis, MO where he was raised by an Aunt and in his teens he started learning saddle making by serving an apprenticeship with a St. Louis, MO saddle maker. By 1875, Newton Porter opened his first saddle shop in Taylor, Texas, and the shop was an immediate success, but by 1881, a fire wiped out the shop and Newton Porter closed his business and moved to Abilene, TX where he reopened another shop and continued working in Texas over the next 8 to 10 years.

It was in 1895 when Newton Porter moved to Phoenix, AZ where he established the N. Porter Saddle & Harness Company, which became one of the finest Saddleries over the next 70 years. After Porter died in approximately 1906, his oldest son, Earl, took over the operation of the business, and he continued to institute the same business practices of his father until his death in 1925 when the business was taken over by Newton Porters youngest son, Fred Porter.

The N. Porter Saddle & Harness Company remained family owned and operated until the closing of the business in the mid 1960s. N.Porter Saddles & Harness Company employed two dozen or more master craftsmen, who tooled and sewed the saddles. Their saddles were world famous for being among the finest made. They also mentored apprentices who often opened their own shops. The design of a swastika or (nohokos) was a Navajo design that was adopted and used by the N. Porter Saddlery & Harness Company, but they eventually went to the Famous Steer Head Logo.

This is a beautiful black leather Newton Porter vintage saddle. It has a 15-15 1/2" seat. This saddle is all original with sterling silver. It is in excellent condition. Asking price is $5900.

For more information give Buckaroo John a call at 530-545-0139

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Own a Piece of Bohlin History

This is a unique and wonderful opportunity to own a piece of history!

This saddle is a genuine black leather Edward H. Bohlin saddle complete with original sterling silver and cinch. (Only the saddle strings have been replaced.) This saddle is in good condition. Asking price of $4900 OBO.

Bohlin History:

Ed Bohlin was known for his beautifully crafted parade saddles. A perfectionist, for good and bad, he never accepted anything less than the best craftsmanship. The leather on his saddles still squeak after 60 years. The silver requires only a cloth to clean because he used the highest grade of sterling. He and his artisans made many of the pieces by hand, especially the gold figures on his saddles. His carving was stunning and recognizable.

Many of High Noon's customers remember going into Bohlin's shop as children while their fathers purchased saddles, buckles, belts, bolos and money clips. Some time the kids got a special gift, too, from their dads. A few child's saddles (The Jackie Cooper model) were made to match their fathers' for parades. The Tim McCoy model and others were made for the stars of the era. Fiesta was truly a work of art, both in the silver and the pictorial carving. The Murietta was one of his brilliant models, mounted with Indian and Tepee design with distant hills all done in three shades of gold. The Dicksons were used many times for riders who wanted to twinkle with silver in parades.

 Bohlin saddles have always been valued higher than any other maker and have kept their value throughout the years. Both riders and collectors of Western Americana still clamor for Bohlin, whether they plan to ride using them or only to display them proudly in their offices or living rooms as art.
For more information give Buckaroo John a call at 530-545-0139.

Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

National Farriers Week

Flickr/Richard Walker/CC

This article is a modified version of a story that was originally published here on December 20, 2012.

Without our farriers, we riders and trainers would be up Excrement Creek without a water-displacing implement. Our horses would be lame, sore and elf-footed. From the most mundane routine care to extreme emergencies, our farriers are always there at our beck and call to take the best care of our dearest friends. While it’s common courtesy to have your horse caught, clean and ready for a farrier appointment, it’s also nice to do a little extra to show our farriers how much we appreciate all of their hard work and time spent on our horses’ hooves.

1. Gift cards are simple, basic, always needed, and do not require a trip to the mall. I suggest Starbucks, Panera, Cold Stone Creamery, Walmart, any gas station (BP, Shell, etc.), or a special favorite establishment that your farrier just loves to treat themselves to.

 2. Do not be afraid to employ the help of your practitioner’s spouses at a time like this. Ask their husbands/wives/children/apprentices what they really NEED. This can vary wildly and may take some creativity on your part. As an example, this year I went to the local farrier supply store and asked the boss man exactly what my farrier needed and he directed me to an elk horn hoof knife. My farrier swore up and down it was his favorite gift all year. Something that your practitioner can actually USE on a day to day basis is often the best choice when choosing a gift.

 3. Custom-made leather work cannot be beat for a gift that isn’t too expensive but employs a personal touch and really makes a statement about how much your appreciate your practitioner’s work.  Contact Buckaroo Leather Products and let us help you find the perfect gift for your farrier.

 4. I have found that my farrier’s children, especially if they are under the age of 10 or so, are their entire world. Sentimental gifts “for” your practitioner’s children will sometimes bring them even more joy than gifts for themselves. This can be any number of things from a longed-for stuffed pony from Build A Bear, to a miniature version of something Mommy or Daddy uses, to breeches for the budding equestrian. Again, creativity is a plus!

 5. With all of the bumps, kicks, bites, and bruises that most farriers endure on a daily basis, consider a gift certificate to a local spa for a day of pampering. Even for the male farrier, a massage can go a long way to alleviating those sore shoulders/backs/legs. Places like Massage Envy offer introductory massages for $39!

 6. All of us that are professional horsemen and horsewomen have a hard time getting any time to ourselves. Consider a gift certificate to a hotel chain or to one of those little log cabin companies in your local recreation area. These usually range in price from $50-$120 per night and have at least a year’s worth of validity. While your horse will invariable choose that weekend that your farrier is gone to pull a shoe, I promise you they will appreciate the down time.

 7. If you own or operate a business or farm, anything emblazoned with the establishment’s name and logo are both great advertising and still contain that personal touch.

 8. Speaking of attire, all farriers spend entire MONTHS of their lives out in the elements. No horses ever seem to get sick or throw shoes when it’s sunny and 60 degrees outside. So in the spirit of keeping your favorite people warm and dry, consider a very nice piece of outerwear to complement their wardrobe. For the budget minded, a good pair of gloves or socks can really do away with that winter chill. Good boots, a nice rain jacket, or a fleece pullover all are needed and appreciated as well and can even include your logo as you see fit.

 9. We all know the quickest way to a man’s (or a woman’s!) heart is through his stomach. A box of chocolates, bottle of wine, gift basket from your local bakery, or even a loaf of homemade zucchini bread is sure to bring a smile to their face and chase the rumble from their bellies.

 10. If all else fails and you cannot come up with a suitable gift for one or more of your favorite equine caretakers, a handmade gift (which can often be FREE!) that can be as simple as a framed picture or a card drawn by your own hand or even a letter expressing your gratitude for all that your farrier does for you can really mean a lot to the giftee.

Again, it’s the thought that counts and as long as you let those that keep your horses sound and healthy know how much you appreciate them this and every National Farriers Week, that is all that matters!

Buckaroo Leather has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site