Cowboy Gear Exhibit – Wallowa County Made & Used!

Cowboy Gear – Wallowa County Made & Used

Discover the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Wallowa County through our latest exhibit, “Cowboy Gear – Wallowa County Made and Used.” This unique show highlights the talents of local artisans, both past and present, showcasing a range of gear from intricate masterpieces to the most basic, rugged equipment made for hard use.

Historically, many craftsmen began their work out of necessity, often in the bunkhouse, using readily available materials like leather, rawhide, and scrap metal. For cowboys on remote ranches, the high cost and long distance to town made purchasing gear impractical, spurring the creation of durable, handmade items.

Come see the remarkable work of artisans such as Slim Bronson, Tom Dorrance, Don Mallory, Harry Bartlett, Barry Cox, Ray Wilson, and Masterson Saddlery. Each piece tells a story of ingenuity, resilience, and the cowboy spirit that defines Wallowa County. Don’t miss this celebration of local craftsmanship and history!

Curated by Cindy Sloan 

This exhibit is the dream of my good friend, Char Williams a lifelong horsewoman who is passionate about the roots and talent of Wallowa County Horsemen. I am honored to help a little in making this happen. Though not born in the ranching tradition, I was born seeking wide open space and anything to do with horses and the western lifestyle. My background includes managing some small horse ranches, day riding, Equine Photography, a couple of bronze sculptures, a little bit of rawhide braiding (with ALOT of good help). Guy Clark’s song ‘She Loves to Ride Horses’ pretty much sums me up.