Tell Deatrich Tell has been a full time rancher since 2015, and he is able to work in his shop during the winter months. Tell’s dad was able to find a great mentor for Tell in his third grade year. Mr. Henry was a retired industrial arts teacher that made time for Tell to come … Read more
Matt Wilson “Participating in the Cowboy Arts and Gear Bit Contest, allows me to showcase my own style, while paying homage to tradition,” Matt explained. Matt and his wife, Rachel, have been married 28 years; 25 of those years spent raising their five daughters, riding, roping and ranching, enjoying living rurally, and having a lot … Read more
Jake Brown Jake grew up on a ranch west of Winnemucca, Nevada. He spent nearly three decades buckarooing in Elko County on some of the biggest ranches in the west. He is an accomplished rawhide braider and decided to give the bit making a try after a good friend of his (Curt Waddington) showed him … Read more
Jens Berg Jens Berg grew up along the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming surrounded by the expert leathermakers and artisans that would later inspire his bit and spur work. He didn’t know it at the time, but his obsession with the detailed designs of the old cowboy gear he saw in museums and in rancher’s tack … Read more
Kaydence Potratz At just 19, Kaydence Potratz represents the next generation of Western makers, bringing fresh energy to traditional crafts while honoring time-tested techniques. A lifelong rodeo competitor who continues to ride, Kaydence understands firsthand the importance of quality gear and the connection between maker and user. Her journey into silversmithing began in 2022 when … Read more
Stephen Hoyt Stephen Hoyt is from Washington, Missouri. He’s a retired welder who likes making bits and spurs, silversmithing, and engraving. Stephen has taken some engraving classes to learn and expand his engraving skillset. “I really enjoy the journey of bit making, studying the old bits, and trying to improve and learn.”
Andrew Lewis I’ve always loved the style of Californio bits and spurs, and thought maybe I could make some of it. Having a welding and buckaroo background helped, but learning by trial and error has still been a journey that I hope never ends.
Ann Duce Ann is a rancher from Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan. Together with her husband, Tyler, they own and operate a commercial cattle herd and breed/raise ranch horses and stock dogs. After being introduced to silversmithing in college, Ann began dabbling in engraving and taking numerous classes. A year later, after coming home to take over … Read more
Riley Wells I am Riley Wells, a bit and spur maker hobbyist from Lewiston, Utah. I grew up in southern Idaho and was always helping on my family’s small ranch. My dad was my welding and vo/ag teacher in high school, and he taught me to weld. Ever since then I have had the desire … Read more
Chad Helmick Growing up on a ranch in Idaho, I have always admired the silver bits and spurs of the cowboys that surrounded me. After high school I spent five years welding before returning to the ranch lifestyle. Not long after returning, I found myself collecting some custom made gear that gave me the drive … Read more