Tools Of The Trade:

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: GEAR FOR THE WORKING COWBOY

Of all the styles of spurs Stephen White makes, his favorites are his one-piece spurs, mainly because of the history behind them and the old-fashioned process they employ.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY KATE SANCHEZ

Like any job, that of today’s cowboy has changed and evolved a lot over time. New technology, advanced techniques, and modern bloodlines in horses are just a few changes these men and women have seen. But as much as cowboying has become more modernized, it also stays true to the code of years gone by, and one constant that remains today is the need for affordable yet efficient gear. Stephen White of Plainview, TX, is a bit and spur maker who is working hard to preserve the western lifestyle through his gear, while providing products for the working cowboy found in every part of the country.

What began as a hobby and gradually just started taking off into a business in 2001, has developed into quite the career for White. Today, he stays busy with his craft and is typically 90-100 days out on custom-made orders. Although bits and spurs are his most requested items, White also crafts things like conchos, cuff bracelets, key rings, and all kinds of buckles. And while he says that his bits are the most popular item for customers, White truly appreciates the process of spur-making. “I enjoy making spurs the most. I like seeing how it comes together from the raw material to the finished product,” he shares, “I also like doing bits because my customers seem to really enjoy how they work.”

Of all the styles of spurs White makes, his favorites are his one-piece spurs, mainly because of the history behind them and the old-fashioned process they employ. A man by the name of Adolph Bayers began making bits and spurs in the 1930’s and is known today for the influence he made in the crafting of the one-piece spur. “The process is taking one piece of metal using a forge to heat it hot enough, then hammering it out to form a spur (heel band and shank),” White shares, “Doing it the other way, you make the heel band and shank separate then weld them together.” Not only does the maker enjoy this process the most, he also feels this particular style of spurs are the most unique item he offers, as well. “It’s an interesting process… a dying art,” White says.

While the hobby of collecting, selling, and swapping handmade bits and spurs has grown into a full-time job for some, White says his best customers are still the everyday working cowboys looking for good, dependable gear. “I want my products to be used,” he says, “The working cowboy will tell their friends about your products when they are functional and worth the money.” And in a very competitive market, the maker says it’s important to him to try and price items that these hardworking men and women can afford on cowboy wages. White’s handmade spurs run from $400-$750 and his bits are $200-$300. Meanwhile, all kinds of buckles range from $70-$200. White’s business stays busy yearround and the bit and spur maker also has help from his wife, Crystal, who began doing leatherwork, primarily spur straps and belts, about three years ago. Her craftmanship matches that of her husband’s, so any customer would be pleased to stop by their home-based shop in Plainview or visit them at one of the many trade shows they attend at ranch rodeo events throughout the year. In order to cater to the working cowboys, the duo typically sets up a booth at multiple ranch rodeos throughout the year. These include: the Western Heritage Classic in Abilene, TX, in May; the Coors Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo, TX, in June; Texas Ranch Roundup in Wichita Falls, TX in July; Mountain States Ranch Rodeo Finals in Montrose, CO in September; and the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) Finals in Amarillo in November of each year. They are also active on Facebook and Instagram.

Although the role of the cowboy may seem to many like an antiquated job, the evolution of these men and women over time has been astounding. Thankfully, there are still people in today’s world that seek to uphold traditions, but also blaze their own path. Stephen White’s craftmanship not only appeals to many but is favored by that of today’s working cowboy. And even though there’s so much to be said about his artistry, we’ll let his work speak for itself!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kate Sanchez is a freelance journalist based out of Matador, TX. She writes for several publications, most of which are equine-related. She and her husband, Ben, have lived on the Matador Ranch for almost 4 years, where he holds a camp man position. The couple has one daughter, Haven, who is one year old. Kate graduated from Eastern NM University with a degree in Journalism and minor in Agriculture in 2009.