Meet the Makers
Brian Hochstrat-
Brian is an engraver saddle maker and from Midvale Idaho. He is a master engraver focused primarily on high grade custom firearms and knives. Brian also builds a limited number of bits and spurs. He is a former bit and spurmaker member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Assoc.
Bit 1 – Santa Barbara cheeks with half breed mouthpiece
Opening bid: $2,400
Bit 2 – Nevada cheeks with spade mouthpiece
Opening bid: $5,800
Albert Zwahlen-
5/8” hackamore, 1/2” hackamore and 3/8” center tie. Rawhide with dyed accents and leather hangers.
Opening bid: $750
The Wild Hare-
We are Shar Peterson and Mandi Mudd, a mother/daughter partnership from Battle Mountain, NV. We are the owners of The Wild Hare. We take vintage furniture from everyday to something out of the ordinary by giving it a unique western feel with elements of authentic cowboy culture included in each design. We design our own pieces to sell as well as collaborating with clients to transform their pieces into one-of -a-kind functional furniture art.
Antique platform rocker, copper highlighter acid wash cowhide, embossed gator inset in back, finished horsehair tassels, copper nail heads
Opening bid: $1,500
Rodney Mike-
Mantle clock with engraved silver
Opening bid: $400
Wall/Mantle clock with engraved silver and stamped leather
Opening bid: $700
Kelly Wahlen-
Kelly, is a talented rawhide braider, horsehair hitcher and buckaroo gear maker. His pieces are in high demand among collectors as well as working cowboys. His work has been exhibited in prestigious competitions and shows, such as The Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada. Over the years he has made and donated numerous pieces to raffles, benefits and awards for various western organizations.
Rawhide braided headstall with horsehair hitched slip ear.
Opening bid: $600
Jeff Myers-
Jeff Myers is a cowboy from Montana. He attended college in Colorado majoring in fine arts. For many years he was listed as a Master Artist with the Nevada Arts Council, mentoring to others. Jeff has worked with leather for years creating fine gear using traditional stamping patterns. In the past several years, he’s added a new twist to his work, repurposing antique furniture with stamped leather finishes. Jeff also has worked with homeowners and businesses leather crafting doors and architecture.
1-Antique side chair with tooled leather rose seat and retro cowgirl
Opening bid: $800
2-Antique side chair with tooled leather sunflower seat and retro cowgirl.
Opening bid: $800
Jerry Arbiter-
After obtaining a copy of Bruce Grant’s book on making horse gear in 1968, Jerry dabbled in braiding, making a few scruffy projects. In 2010, Jerry began braiding in earnest, making reatas, reins, hackamores, bosals, quirts, rein chains and the like. He processes his won hides and strives for continuous improvement. He gives credit to other braiders and friends including Doug Groves, Kirby Orme and Mike Skinner who’ve generously shared their braiding knowledge.
The piece displayed includes a set of 8 plait reins, with a 12 plait romal, and rein chains .The reins and romal are constructed with rawhide cores.
8 plait reins with 12 plait romal
Opening bid: $700
Dan Ames & Merlin Rupp-
3/4” hackamore with Merlin Rupp mecate
Opening bid: $600