Western Saddle Maker

The Hunter Company; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hunter Company is seeking a skilled Saddle Maker to craft premium western saddles from start to finish, combining traditional artistry with precise engineering. You will shape the tree, select and tool leather, and assemble components to achieve durable, visually striking results.

Ideal applicants bring deep Western saddle expertise, a strong portfolio of tooling, and a proven ability to meet tight production timelines while maintaining flawless edges and consistent stitching.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of saddle trees, leather behavior, and the ability to interpret and execute complex patterns, measurements, and production specifications.
• Proven experience specializing in western disciplines (roping, cutting, reining, trail, barrel, and ranch saddles).
• Portfolio demonstrating top-tier hand-carving, stamping, and leather artistry.

Responsibilities

• Build western saddles from the tree up, ensuring structural integrity, proper ground seat shaping, and correct rigging alignment.
• Select, case, cut, skive, and edge premium heavy-weight tooling leather with precision.
• Execute complex leather tooling to meet high-end brand aesthetics.
• Perform hand-stitching, machine stitching, hardware installation, and final oiling/finishing to deliver a showroom-ready product.
• Inspect all components to ensure they meet exact specifications for horse and rider fit.

Skills

Technical Mastery

Western Saddles

Master-Level Tooling

Deadline-Driven

Equipment Proficiency

Detail-Oriented

Tools

Heavy-Duty leather sewing machines

Splitters

Traditional hand tools

Job description

An established, premium western saddle brand is seeking a highly skilled Saddle Maker. We are looking for an artisan with a deep knowledge of western saddle construction, exceptional leather tooling abilities, and an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship.

In this role, you will build and finish high-quality western saddles that uphold our brand's reputation for durability, fit, and visual artistry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Saddle Construction: Build western saddles from the tree up, ensuring structural integrity, proper ground seat shaping, and correct rigging alignment.
• Leather Craftsmanship: Select, case, cut, skive, and edge premiun heavy-weight tooling leather with precision.
• Custom Leather Tooling : Execute complex, clean leather carving and stamping (e.g., floral, basketweave, geometric patterns) to meet high-end brand aesthetics.
• Assembly & Finishing: Perfrom hand-stitching, machine stitching, hardware installation, and final oiling/finishing to deliver a showroom-ready product.
• Quality Control: Inspect all components to ensure they meet exact specifications for horse and rider fit.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of saddle trees, leather behavior, and the ability to interpret and execute complex patterns, measurements, and production specifications.
• Expertise in Western Saddles: Proven experience specializing in western disciplines (e.g., roping, cutting, reining, trail, barrel, and ranch saddles)
• Master-Level Tooling: A portfolio demonstrating top-tier hand-carving, stamping, and leather artistry.
• Deadline-Driven: Strong time management skills with a proven ability to work efficiently under tight deadline and consistently deliver orders on time.
• Equipment Proficiency: Expert operation of heavy-duty leather sewing machines, splitters, and traditional hand tools.
• Detail-Oriented:A self-driven artisan who takes pride in flawless edges, straight stitching, and symmetry.

TERMS & COMPENSATION

Paid pr completed saddle or on a negotiated project-based structure.