Saddle up for high art

A saddle is the connection between horse and rider, but it can be much more. Sixteen saddles on display at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum also are exquisite works of art. "These are historic saddles - they're all unique and valuable," said museum Director Ross Middleton. "The craftsmanship that went into making them is really unmatched." The exhibit, titled "The Art of the Western Saddle," opened on Jan. 22. It shows through July 31. The 16 pieces were assembled by the museum from private and public collections across the U.S. The museum collaborated with western historian and author William C. Reynolds, who serves as guest curator of the exhibit. Reynolds' 2004 book, "The Art of the Western Saddle: A Celebration of Style and Embellishment," inspired the collection. The selections include an assortment of saddle styles from various eras. Most have been ridden at some point in their history. Most of the saddles feature elaborate leather and silversmith detailing. The Mission Saddle by Edward H. Hohlin, for example, includes etchings on 21 silver medallions of scenes depicting Spanish missions in California. The saddle, which dates to the 1930s, is on loan from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo. "There's no question these saddles exemplify leather work at its finest," Reynolds said. "Then merge that with the silver work and it's something really excellent." The oldest saddle in the exhibit is a Sherman Loomis saddle, dating to the 1890s. The saddle, on loan from the Carriage and Western Art Museum in Santa Barbara, Ca., features ornate hand leatherwork. It is one of only a few of its model in existence. The saddle is considered a "using" saddle because of its popularity among 19th century riders, Middleton said. "The cowboys loved this saddle. It's the one everyone wanted," he said...read more