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| Carson Thomas |
| Contact the Gallery for more information on sizes and/or additional pieces. |
| AZ Puncher |
| Buffalo Skull |
| Montana Rig |
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“I was born in Deadwood, S.D., and raised in cow camps and saddle shops
ranging from Montana’s Wolf Mountains to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert,” explained
Thomas. “I apprenticed for five years under my father, who had 50 years of
saddle making to his credit. That apprenticeship, plus a lifetime of riding
horseback, gave me a solid understanding of building saddles that fit both horse
and mount.”
Renowned throughout the West and known internationally, Thomas’ custom
made saddles are in demand by working cowboys and astute horsemen
(including former President Ronald Reagan). At the same time, the saddle
maker has become famed for his masterful half-scale saddles and gear.
Collectors seek out Thomas’ work, with one of his contemporary-style miniature
saddles recently selling for nearly $35,000.
According to Thomas, the custom-made miniature saddles take the same
amount of time to make as a full-size version – about 200 hours according to
Thomas.
The idea to create miniatures started back East early on. Since saddles at the
time were primarily made in the West, they had to be conveyed by railroad, boat
and stage, making the full-size versions too unwieldy to transport. To solve the
program “salesman samples” were made half size; that way, six to eight of them
could be packed in a hard suitcase or trunk.
“When the saddle is scaled down, I believe that its artistry is even more
apparent,” Thomas said. “The smaller size really shows off the patterns of
stamping and carving more effectively.”
“One of the Cowboy Artists of America founders, the late Joe Beeler, described
me as a ‘saddle artist’,” said Thomas. “I can think of no higher praise.”
ranging from Montana’s Wolf Mountains to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert,” explained
Thomas. “I apprenticed for five years under my father, who had 50 years of
saddle making to his credit. That apprenticeship, plus a lifetime of riding
horseback, gave me a solid understanding of building saddles that fit both horse
and mount.”
Renowned throughout the West and known internationally, Thomas’ custom
made saddles are in demand by working cowboys and astute horsemen
(including former President Ronald Reagan). At the same time, the saddle
maker has become famed for his masterful half-scale saddles and gear.
Collectors seek out Thomas’ work, with one of his contemporary-style miniature
saddles recently selling for nearly $35,000.
According to Thomas, the custom-made miniature saddles take the same
amount of time to make as a full-size version – about 200 hours according to
Thomas.
The idea to create miniatures started back East early on. Since saddles at the
time were primarily made in the West, they had to be conveyed by railroad, boat
and stage, making the full-size versions too unwieldy to transport. To solve the
program “salesman samples” were made half size; that way, six to eight of them
could be packed in a hard suitcase or trunk.
“When the saddle is scaled down, I believe that its artistry is even more
apparent,” Thomas said. “The smaller size really shows off the patterns of
stamping and carving more effectively.”
“One of the Cowboy Artists of America founders, the late Joe Beeler, described
me as a ‘saddle artist’,” said Thomas. “I can think of no higher praise.”
| 11"h x 5"w Edition size of 100 $1900 |
| Edition size of 36 $875 |
| Edition Size 49 $3200 |
