Western Trail Rider

08/22/2026

I just finished covering a new pair of stirrups for my friend Liam Barlow. His boots are too large for his current stirrups, so I got him a pair of 3" tread overshoe roper stirrups. They should fit his boots easily, which will be much safer than those regular sized ones he could not easily get his boots into and out of.

08/15/2026

I finally made the ride to the top of Loafer Mountain, the fourth tallest peak in Utah at 10, 696'. I have been wanting to do the ride for more than 10 years, but never actually put it together. Last week a buddy invited me to assist him in packing in some gear for some friends for their archery deer hunt. Just the excuse I needed.

I have to say, though, that this trail is not for the average horse, nor the average rider. The trail is about 8 miles from the trailhead and the climb in that distance is very heavy. We did it as an overnighter, but it could be done in a day if the horse were in good condition (don't forget the elevation). The last 1/2 mile is extremely difficult for horses and most riders get off, park the horses, and walk it. It is a tough and dangerous trail for all but the most intrepid riders and excellent trail horses.

I rode that last 1/2 mile, walking only about 50 feet of extreme climb on loose rock. My buddy walked his horses. Even so, one of his horses walked off the trail and ended up down an extremely steep side hill and we could not get it to climb back up to the trail. My buddy had to traverse the side hill, descending to avoid cliffs and finally making it around to a valley, where we were able to meet up with him. It was a harrowing adventure that, luckily, ended with only a few scrapes to the horse and some saddle damage.

An epic ride!

Here are a few photos.

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

I will be making several sets of pommel bags and spur straps and maybe a few other items between now and Christmas. Please use Messenger for inquiries. I'll get back in touch with you.

Pommel bags: Plain, $350, partially tooled $375, fully tooled $400. With holster add $25. Shown is partially tooled with holster.

Spur straps: Tooled $50. Shown are stamped and carved.

I also make a variety of other horse-related items as well as handgun holsters, r***e scabbards, and chinks. Let me know what you need and we'll work something out. I do not do this full-time and sometimes it takes a while to get things done, so don't wait until the last minute, please.

03/15/2026

Today I took my 8 year old granddaughter on her first horse ride. We headed out on a local trail and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I can't say enough about how important it is to have good horses to rely on when teaching young children to ride and enjoy horses. It also helps to have a granddaughter who has no fear of anything! At one point, Chief broke into a lope to catch up with Trooper and Emma just broke into the greatest giggle and loved it!

03/15/2026

Today I took my granddaughter on her first horse ride. We both enjoyed the day. What a pleasure it is to have grandkids that enjoy horses and horses that I am comfortable with them riding.

12/08/2025

I spent a nice weekend riding with Jon Tanner and a few other friends down around Saint George, Utah this past weekend. We rode Red Mountain Trail, which is one of my favorites and has some spectacular views of Snow Canyon. We also rode Coal Pits Wash, east of LaVerkin, Utah, which goes up into the backside of Zion's Canyon National Park. Another of my favorites in the area.

I rode my youngster, Trooper. He's becoming a top-notch trail horse. I am very proud of him.

When it gets cold up here around Utah Valley, we try to head to St George a couple times each winter, where it's much warmer. The weather was superb this weekend.

11/02/2025

It's been a long time, but I just published a new post on my website. I hope you enjoy it.

Back in 2018 I composed a blog post about my love for time spent with my horses. I just re-read it and realized it needs some updating, it now being the final months of 2025. But, rather than just do that, I just thought I'd write something about the horses I have owned that hold

07/29/2025

Diesel, who just turned 2 years old, is now under training. Two weeks ago, we started in the round pen with some longeing and learning how to pay attention when the boss gives a command. Then we moved to getting used to having things placed on his. back. From there we went to a riding saddle, then a pack saddle.

Last week we put empty hard panniers on him and went for a long trail ride through the mountains, bumping and banging into trees. He learned a little about hobbles. He's a fast learner and it's likely he will never, ever, bump his rider's knees into trees or rocks, plus he got used to noisy packs on his back.

Then, last Friday, I stepped up into the saddle for the first time. His reaction was mostly curiosity, no spooking, no bucking, just a calm, but curious demeanor. Just what I like to see. I let him wander around the round pen for awhile, then started teaching him the basic commands, go, stop, turn left, turn right, back up. I am looking forward to giving this youngster his basic training.

We'll go pretty easy, maybe a couple miles a week for another year, then a little more mileage for another year. By the time he's four years old, I will no longer be taking it easy on him and he'll take his place with his crew.

Diesel is half Rocky Mountain and half Kentucky Mountain. He has a nice gait, but his real quality shows in his character. He's full of fun, curious, loves a good scratch, and he loves people.

He's going to be a special one.