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 of fun. Starting out in his twenties with a shoeing anvil and a vice on a stump, Matt tinkered at bits and spurs. Over the years he was lucky enough to meet some great guys. He learned to braid rawhide, tool leather, and build gear, and approximately five years ago, he settled back into bit building.

Matt believes that tradition is the foundation of culture; yet, cultures are ever adapting including the Cowboy world. “I am not afraid to be original in my work as the makers in the past have been.” This year’s bit will be his second entry into the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum’s Contest. Matt is looking forward to challenging himself with this year’s cheeks and seeing the other makers creations.