Nyk Feller Born and raised in the Dakotas, Nyk started making rawhide and braiding horse gear at the age of 16 for a homeschool project. After reading “How to Make Cowboy Horse Gear” by Bruce Grant, he contacted accomplished braiders who generously shared their knowledge and began critiquing his work regularly. Over the years, he … Read more
Joe Engelhart Joe Engelhart has made and braided rawhide for the better part of 25 years including bosals, romal reins, quirts, hondas , and reatas. He was encouraged by several people he knew to enter the contest and this will be his second entry with the Cowboy Arts and Gear Show.
Bret Haskett Bret Haskett grew up on a small cattle ranch located at the Fort Hall Indian Reservation where he still lives today but no longer ranches. Currently he is the Director of Fish and Game for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. He became interested in braiding rawhide cowboy gear at an early age beginning with repair … Read more
Joel Otley Joel Otley is a fifth-generation rancher currently residing near the Oregon/Nevada border. Joel began his braiding career while studying at Eastern Oregon University. His initial interest in braiding was to build usable tack for himself and close friends and family. After graduating from college, he began his career cowboying for several operations throughout … Read more
Edward Waldner Hi I’m Edward Waldner, I live in Alberta on a family ranch with my wife and two kids. I have been around horses most of my life, from starting colts to strait up in a bridle, have always been fascinated in the old tradition way of doing things, which leads to making your … Read more
Jon Mendiola Jon Mendiola, a native Idahoan, was raised in a ranching family. His parents, who migrated from the Basque Country of Spain in pursuit of employment opportunities, built a life working on a cow-calf operation, where they raised their family before retiring. Jon worked alongside his father on the ranch, cultivating a deep appreciation … Read more
Jared Martin My wife, our three children, and I live in beautiful Wyoming. I fell in love with braiding at a young age and always dreamed of turning that passion into something more. I’ve now been braiding for roughly five years, and I truly enjoy learning and growing every single day. I feel incredibly lucky … Read more
Joseph Stanek Joseph Stanek grew up in the Bitterroot Valley forty miles south of Missoula, Montana, on a small family ranch, working with horses and cows. In his father’s library, he would spend time reading leather repair and rawhide making books. “I liked looking at the pictures, figuring out how thing worked, and got put … Read more
Dakota May Dakota May was born and raised in Nevada and was always fascinated with the artistry and functionality of handmade gear. Fortunate to have Spider Teller as a mentor in his formative years, he learned the old traditions that have been used for generations. Having worked on ranches in California, Nevada and Idaho, Dakota … Read more
Thayne Oian My name is Thayne Oian and I’ve been a rawhide braider for the last 7 years. I got started braiding at a young age making stuff outta parachute cord and then transitioned into rawhide. I enjoy making hand made gear that also doubles as art. I’m currently cowboying in Idaho and still braiding … Read more