There’s a new young saddle maker and silversmith that deserves more recognition.
From his website:
“Christopher Cheney was raised in Salmon, Idaho. While growing up, he helped his grandfather raise a small herd of cattle and horses, worked on several valley ranches, and trained horses. His father built homes, teaching him the importance of attention to details and taking pride in his work. While in high school he built his first saddle. He continued training horses and repairing saddles to finance his way through college.
“After graduating with an Associates degree in Animal Science, Chris worked in construction again for a few years, building saddles in the evenings. In 2000 Christopher and his wife went to Miller Bit and Spur school in Caldwell, Idaho, to begin his silversmith talents. Orders began stacking up, and Chris became a full time Saddler and Silversmith soon after. He credits Cary Schwarz with teaching him the most about saddlery, Dave Alderson and Scott Hardy for their help in silver, and is thankful for the many others who have taken time to guide him.
“Chris has added tree making to his talents in 2008. With a background in wood and his desire to learn more, it was only natural he would pick this up. Chris is building a solid tree with a laminated Baltic birch fork, and fine Douglas fir, and tightly hand laced heavy rawhide. Dale Harwood and Dan Mayer have taken their time to help Chris with his tree making skills.
“Whether it is a plain roughout or fully floral carved saddle or a silver inlaid bridle bit, Chris receives great satisfaction in his work. Creating something that is useful to a working cowboy and yet beautiful enough to be regarded, as fine art is his constant goal.
You can get more information at his website by clicking HERE.