Cultural Community: Cowboy
Artform: Folklife/Traditional Arts – Western Saddlemaking
Residence: Eastern Idaho

Bio: Dale Harwood has been making saddles for cowboys and collectors for almost 30 years. He is passionate about every step of the saddlemaking process – from processing the hide, to making his own saddle trees, cutting, stamping, to applying the leather to the tree. He also designs and engraves the silver findings used in his saddles. He grew to appreciate the value of good gear while working on his family’s ranch in southeastern Idaho. Dale opened a saddle shop in Idaho Falls in 1961 and later moved it to Shelley, producing saddles that combine beautiful design and perfect fit. He is internationally recognized as a master for his lifelong dedication to the tradition. He is a co-founder of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association and displays his work every year at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Dale continues to work every day in order to keep the art of saddlemaking alive.

Honors & Awards: 2004, Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Folk and Traditional Arts
2008, National Endowment for the Arts, National Heritage Fellowship

For Services Offered, Availability, and Costs, please contact the artist.

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