Application requirements:
Applications will be accepted at either the spring or fall member meetings.
Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Saddlemaking Discipline
Proposed Membership Qualification Standards
The applicant’s saddle must demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship, functional understanding, and artistic ability consistent with the standards of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA).
The saddle must demonstrate sound construction methods, precision, and attention to detail.
Standard: The saddle demonstrates technical proficiency, durability, and quality workmanship throughout.
The saddle must demonstrate an understanding of saddle design and its intended use.
Standard: The saddle demonstrates that the maker understands not only how to build a saddle, but also how its design affects function, fit, and performance.
The saddle must demonstrate individual artistic ability, thoughtful design, and respect for traditional Western saddlemaking.
Artistry may be demonstrated through elaborate ornamentation or through simplicity, proportion, and exceptional execution. Elaborate tooling is not a requirement for artistic merit.
Standard: The saddle demonstrates a cohesive artistic vision, technical control, and individual expression.
The applicant’s saddle will be evaluated across all three categories: construction, functionality, and artistry.
The work must demonstrate a level of excellence consistent with the expectations of the TCAA saddlemaking discipline. Evaluation should recognize differences in saddle styles and individual artistic approaches while maintaining consistent standards of quality.
Meeting these qualifications establishes eligibility for membership consideration but does not guarantee acceptance. Final membership decisions remain subject to TCAA procedures.
Proposed for review and adoption by the TCAA Saddlemaking Discipline.
These guidelines explain the level of skill and understanding expected of a maker whose work represents the standards of the TCAA. The goal is clarity—so a maker can evaluate their own work honestly and know exactly what is required.
A maker must demonstrate strong control over decorative work. This includes:
Engraving
Inlay Work
Overlay & Soldering
Design
A maker must show solid, confident craftsmanship in the structure of the piece.
Surface Work
Hand Skills
Transitions & Architecture
Regardless of ornamentation, the piece must function correctly as a bit or a spur.
Material Choices
Purpose & Mechanics
Overall Standard
The level of skill required in every category above must clearly set the maker apart from the general industry.
A TCAA maker does not simply make “good” work—they make work that is measurably elevated in design, execution, and functional understanding.
Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Master Rawhide Braiding Artist Requirements
The applicant must demonstrate a high level of Craftsmanship, Functional Understanding and Artistic Ability consistent with the standards of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA).
Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Master Western Silversmith Artist Requirements
We are seeking a highly skilled artist to join our esteemed association. The ideal candidate should possess the following skills and qualifications:
If you are a skilled artisan who embodies the spirit of Western Cowboy culture and meets these requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Showcasing each year's finest work.
September 26–27
The event celebrated the extraordinary craftsmanship and enduring traditions of the American West.
It concluded with an exciting announcement: a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association will open at the Museum in spring 2027!
Showcasing the art of Western bits, spurs, rawhide braiding, saddlery and silverwork, the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale.
Learn More
SADDLEMAKING
Symbolizing the connection between horse and rider, the saddle is an iconic piece of western life. Saddlemaking requires many finely-honed skills that can be admired in each finished piece. From the initial design of the saddle to the meticulous carving and stitching of leathers, every detail tells a story of craftsmanship.
SILVERSMITHING
Whether it is a buckle, saddle silver, or flask, the works of a master silversmith carry deep meaning as they speak to the personality of both the artist and wearer. The traditional technique of a western silversmith is a rare expertise which utilizes bright cut engraving for elaborate designs that reflect light in precious metals.
BIT & SPUR MAKING
The bit and spur are used as a form of communication between horse and rider that creates a united partnership. This craft is accomplished with steady, skilled hands and an artistic mind of a master bit and spur maker. The forging of mouthpieces, the filing of bit shanks, and the engraving of heel bands all require a mastery of metals and design, with a practical knowledge of the elements of effective tack.
RAWHIDE BRAIDING
Crafting braid work from animal hides is a time-honored tradition in the West. Rawhide braiders are highly trained artists who have mastered the patience, concentration and dexterity needed to prepare, cut and braid these beautiful and durable works of art. Each piece is a significant transformation of natural material into intricately braided patterns and designs.
Reservations: tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org/attend/
Proxy Information: tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org/sales-purchasing/bid-by-proxy/
View TCAA Catalog: tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org/all-artwork/
On September 26–27, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum hosted the 27th Annual Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) Exhibition & Sale, celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship and enduring traditions of the American West.
Preview night welcomed approximately 150 guests, who gathered to meet the artists and admire 68 exceptional works representing bit and spur making, saddle making, Western silversmithing, and rawhide braiding. What an exciting evening!
Saturday morning, the Museum hosted a seminar featuring a panel moderated by Jared Swanson, owner and publisher of Western Art & Architecture magazine. TCAA artists, interior designers, and collectors explored how these remarkable works tell a unique story of the West and how they can be incorporated into both homes and offices.
The seminar was followed by a screening of California Rose, a documentary chronicling the creation of the TCAA’s 25th-anniversary saddle. Made collectively by every member of the Association, the film follows the saddle’s journey from its original design and creation through its purpose and eventual sale at auction during the TCAA banquet. Documentarian Craig Rullman was on hand to answer questions following the screening.
Then came opening night—and the excitement was palpable! When the final horn sounded, the exhibition had achieved an impressive 68% sell-through rate. Among the extraordinary works finding new homes were Johnn Willemsma’s saddle, celebrating his 50 years as a saddle maker, and Scott Hardy’s Cowboy Scepter, purchased by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for its permanent collection.
The evening continued with an equally memorable banquet, featuring several important milestones for the Association. Beau Compton passed the reins of the presidency to Nate Wald, while Amy Erickson (bit and spur making) and Marco Breitenbach (saddle making) celebrated the completion of their fellowship requirements.
Documentarian and Western storyteller Craig Rullman delivered an inspiring keynote address reflecting on the making of California Rose, the richness of cowboy culture, and the mission of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.
The evening concluded with an exciting announcement from Museum board member Mike Nicola: a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association will open at the Museum in spring 2027!
What a fantastic event celebrating the artistry, skill, and enduring spirit of this extraordinary cowboy culture.
Please join us the last weekend of September 2027 as we continue to celebrate the remarkable artists and traditions that keep the spirit of the American West alive!
Cowboy Renaissance tells the story of the TCAA—its origins, its evolution, and its impact on the contemporary West, featuring a fine collection of artists’ works in beautifully printed quality.
Available to purchase by phone, email or online.
Phone: 800-243-5308 or 406-728-1900
Email: info@mtnpress.com
David A. Sampson
