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By Mark La Rowe
nancy peterson
saddle maker
orking in the medium of leather most of her life, Nancy Petersen has earned a reputation as one of Montana’s most creative and talented saddle makers. Born and raised on a ranch in the Musselshell country of central Montana, she was introduced to leather work in shop class during high school. She immediately began creating custom belts and chaps and started to dabble in saddle repair work. An avid rodeo contestant, she earned a scholarship to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo in California where she was an intercollegiate champion as a barrel racer, breakaway roper, and goat tier, and also earned All-around Cowgirl honors. She met her future husband, Carl, at Cal Poly, as well. Upon earning her college degree in physical education, Nancy and Carl returned to Malta, Montana where she then embarked on her teaching career. In 1972 she was instrumental in founding the high school girls basketball program there and also acted as the coach for a period of six years. But in 1973, Nancy’s heart was pulling her back to leather work. After saving up enough money from teaching and ranch work, she and Carl purchased the saddle shop in Three Forks and immediately went to work. Their focus was on providing high quality saddles, tack and gear for working cowboys. The store’s tagline became “The Working Cowboy’s Store”. The couple also knew that working cowboys weren’t getting rich at their jobs. As such, they worked diligently to keep their wares affordable for their customer base, always with a focus on exceptional craftsmanship. Nancy’s skill with leather and saddles increased and she quickly became well-known for the quality of her work. Nancy states, “I love the medium of leather and it’s versatility. Its Photo by Janie Carlson unique characteristics allow it to be shrunk, stretched, tooled, and dyed.” Nancy does not consider herself an artist, nor feels that she was ever particularly artistic. “However, I’ve always enjoyed doing something different and unique. Putting unusual accents on my saddles is maybe my mark, and my gender may have something to do with that!” Nancy once led an all-women team of saddle makers in the Three Forks facility. She worked alongside Ruth Craig and Chris McQueary. Nancy was once quoted as saying, “I never heard of another all-girl saddle shop. But then again, I’ve never given it much thought.” In addition to providing saddles to working cowboys, ropers and other rodeo contestants, she once created a custom saddle for legendary National Finals Rodeo announcer, Bob Tallman. Nancy recalls that it was a half-breed saddle, half tooled and half roughed out. The rigging was a bit unique in that it was a flat plate with a sewn-on skirt. The design eliminated layers and kept the saddle close to the horse. Some consider her a pioneer and inventor of several unique designs. She was the first to create a “bicycle” style inset for the seat and Nancy also invented the “seat shrinker” which attaches to the cantle and allows a person to buy a larger size saddle that their youngster can then grow into. That’s a money saver, for sure.
Nancy gives credit to many mentors for her saddle making skills. She remembers, “I apprenticed under Mark Brogger at the store here in Three Forks. I was also inspired by an outstanding person and craftsman, Bob Kelley, who had worked at Ray Holes Saddlery. I’ve always admired Don King, who was most gracious to me with knowledge and tools. Jim Jackson who is with Kings Saddlery is an unbelievable tooler, craftsman, and artist. He is in a class by himself” Nancy is also an accomplished roper and was heavily involved in convincing the Northern Rodeo Association to add breakaway roping as a sanctioned women’s event back in 1976, in which she competed for many years. Back then, the women breakaway contestants roped steers, calves and whatever the stock contractors pushed out of the chute. Nancy also served as the Director At-Large for the Northern Rodeo Association’s Women’s Board, and was Chairwoman of the Headwaters Fair Board, which puts on the annual Three Forks Rodeo each July. Wellknown as a talented team roper who can both head and heel, she’s a regular on the team roping jackpot circuit. She and Carl spend time in Arizona every winter where they can compete while keeping sharp and in shape. While she loves her work, she also loves being a grandmother. A proud moment came recently when she won checks in a local roping with each of her 11 year old grandsons. It seems that the apple is does not fall far from the tree as the boys are developing into fine ropers in their own right. Nancy’s future goals at this stage in her life and career are to make saddles for her family members and maybe design a lightweight roping saddle for females and seniors. There is little doubt that Nancy will most certainly accomplish that list of items, and do it well.
