The State MAKERS
Don’t Mock the Brothers
S
peaking the truth, doing what’s right and respecting others are all part of the cowboy way … along with wearing a good pair of boots and owning a decent saddle. A Sand Springs tack and clothing shop keeps the cowboy way alive. The Mock Brothers Saddlery and Western Wear, commonly known as Mocks, has been family-owned and operated since siblings Claude, Albert and Archie started the business in 1941. It is still run by two brothers – Greg and Bret Mock produce the same quality saddles and leather items their relatives created more than 70 years ago. “I’m following in my dad’s and grandpa’s footsteps,” Bret Mock says. “It’s the way we were raised. Your word is your bond, and in today’s changing world that seems to be getting further away. We strive
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2018
to do everything like Grandpa and Uncle.” The brothers stay busy with custom orders, handmade from start to finish. Those looking to buy a Mocks saddle have to wait about a year. Mocks is also a full-service shop with high-quality boots, cinches, hand-tooled leather wallets, new and used saddles, Western clothing and custom leather tack. “We have used saddles by other makers – and some new – but most of our new ones are made-to-order, so they’re out the door when they’re finished,” Bret Mock says. “Greg also builds gun holsters, handmade belts and guitar straps.” Mocks has produced leather goods for professional rodeo riders and country music stars like Brooks and Dunn, so it’s no surprise that another high-profile customer is Pistol Pete, Oklahoma State Univer-
sity’s mascot. The Mock brothers have provided the iconic cowboy with chaps on and off for 10 years. “We have a good relationship with OSU,” Bret Mock says. “Every two or three years, they’ve asked us to make their chaps. We make them specific, so if there is a size difference from the guy before, they come in and we get measurements to make sure we get them the best fit possible.” The brothers endorse the cowboy way and want the legacy of hard work, ranching, rodeo and family bonds to continue with the next generation. Bret Mock hopes that one day his sons, Ethan and Daniel, take over the business and carry on the traditions. “If they are interested in taking over, I’d want them to,” he says. “It doesn’t pay as much as some other jobs, but it’s the cowboy tradition.” ALAINA STEVENS
PHOTOS BY JOSH NEW
A family saddlery business has created quality leather goods for more than 70 years.
