bitsandspurs

Greetings all,

I have been lurking on this board now for about a year (sounds creepy, I know) and I thought that it was high time I introduce myself.

First, let me say that I am not a bit and spur maker, at least not yet. I currently manage a performance horse operation in south Texas and am getting going as a saddlemaker. At some point, I hope to become a full time saddle maker. I also have a strong desire to expand my skill set to include a few bits and spurs, along with my own saddle hardware.

I have a highly geographically diverse background, but northern Colorado is where I grew up. For the next year, my wife and I will be in Victoria, TX and after that somewhere around Dallas. My wife just graduated law school and she is keeping me busy moving, though we should stay put for awhile once in the Dallas area.

I shoe quite a few horses and have done a bit (pun intended) of metal fab for hot rod cars, so I do have a very basic working knowledge of metal. And, like I said, I have been lurking here for quite some time, leeching as much knowledge about the craft as I can.

Anyway, I just thought that I should introduce myself. I do a little business with a certain maker on here from the east, so I know I have a least one friend.

You probably won't see me post a whole lot, as I don't have much knowledge to contribute. However, if you have any questions feel free to shoot me a message.

Glad to meet ya Jeff. I grew up around old cars and hot rods. My dad restored old cars and built custom hot rods. I work around it I know how to do it just not my passion. But I got me to love working with metal. Welcome
Ronny

Jeff, good to meet you. Anything i can help with, just give me a shout.
Thanks, Shawn Bradstreet

Glad to see you here Jeff. If you are wanting to learn bits and spurs, this is the place to be. These guys here can help with just about any question that arises. Where in northern Colo are you from?

Gannon

Welcome Jeff.

Ronny and Shawn- Thanks for the welcome and saying hi.

Gannon- I was born and raised in Berthoud, Colorado. It is to the west of you over by Loveland/Longmont.

Stewart- Thanks for the welcome. I really like that gazing bit you posted pics of last week. Very nice work.

Jeff, I lived in Dillon for two years back in the early 1980's. I sure do miss those mountains. What about you?

Stewart

Stewart,

I grew up right at the foothills. Look east from my parents place and it's flat as can be. Look west and there is Longs Peak standing over 14,000 ft. It is still one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. However, it's changed alot even in my short 27 years and now there are just too many people; kind of sad really.

I know one thing, I sure do miss those cool summer nights back in CO. Here in south texas my thermometer hasn't dropped below 78 degrees for two months. I can take the heat of the day if I have to, but 80 degrees with 80% humidity at midnight, good grief!!!

How do you like Portales? I went to undergrad at West Texas A&M in Canyon, TX and we got over your way a fair bit for rodeos.

Jeff,
We don't really like Portales any more; we'll move one of these days, just haven't decided where. My family has been here about 100 years now and my wife's family nearly as long but we are ready for a change. When the big dairies moved in here it ruined it. We are thinking about Westcliffe CO. We really like it there. I have some friends who went to WTAMU but I think they were just ahead of you. Brandon Ward, Jeff Decker, Kevin Johnson, and Clark White.

Stewart

Jeff
I am in Gainesville just north of Dallas. If I can help you let me know.
Rod

If you're ever in the Abilene area give me a call. You need to meet James Jaggars. He's on here and he makes great saddles.