Joey Jemison, Saddlemaker : Cowboys & Indians
Joey Jemison talks saddlemaking
by JENNINGS BROWN
Photo by Megan Parks, courtesy Joey JemisonJoey Jemison has learned a lot about saddlemaking over the last 38 years. He knows, for instance, that the only way to ensure top quality in a saddle is to construct each piece in its entirety — from beginning to end, from tree to tooling. He also knows that it is never too late to venture into new territory. After Jemison had been making saddles for nearly four decades, he and his wife, Connie, decided to expand Jemison Enterprises into home décor. Cowboys & Indians talked with Jemison at his shop in Weatherford, Texas, about saddlemaking and what he’s learned since he got his start in high school.
Cowboys & Indians: When did you make your first saddle?Joey Jemison: I made my first saddle in Fort Worth [Texas] when I was 16. I was at L. White Boot and Saddle Shop. Back in its day, it used to make all the trophy saddles for the Madison Square Garden Rodeo.C&I: You worked with legendary saddlemakers George Murray and Eddie Brooks.Jemison: That was when I went to work at Ryon’s [Saddle & Ranch Supply] down in the Fort Worth Stockyards. I worked there for the summer when I was 17. At that time, I think Ryon’s was on top of the world in the saddle business. I was just a kid back then. Saddlemaking has changed, but back then everyone was really secretive about the way they did things. I think part of what worked for me was I wasn’t a threat to any of them. They wouldn’t show the guy who was on the bench next to them who had been there for a number of years. Some of them shared information, but a lot kept it to themselves and wouldn’t show anyone anything.C&I: You clearly learned the art of saddlemaking. What are the signs of a top-quality saddle?Jemison: Usually it has my name stamped on it. [Laughs.]***Read the rest of the great interview here.***
***Read the rest of the great interview here.***
FYI: Jemison Enterprises Inc.940.682.4783; www.joey-jemison.com.
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