Liggett Enterprises: Saddle Shop News

TALK ABOUT FLASH HAS A FILLY!!

2011-04-17T14:03:00.001-07:00

TALK ABOUT FLASH has foaled a beautiful buckskin filly, sired by Colonels Lil Gun, last Wed morning, the 13th. We are very pleased with this baby - a very nice 'first foal' for Carly - Carly is an excellent mother, and really dotes on this baby!! We have already registered her as 'GUNFLASH' - she is an NRHA Sire/Dam foal,and will be nominated to the NRBC!
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CIELO SABLE IS SOLD!!

2011-01-28T10:52:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Jody D. on her purchase of Sable - Sable was to be my NP Aged Event mare for the next year or so - economics, and the aquisition of two great two year olds by Colonel's Lone Gun pushed me to make the decision to sell Sable...she has gone to a great home, and I know Jody will thoroughly enjoy her, and she is looking forward to raising a few nice babies out of Sable in the future! I'll bet Sable will raise some outstanding babies, and, hopefully, Bruce will get an opportunity to ride them!
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A Few New Horses!

2010-12-21T15:43:00.001-08:00

A few new babies to show you - both of these horses are by Colonels Lone Gun - the APHA filly is out of a daughter of Like A Diamond, the AQHA/APHA gelding is out of a daughter of Topsail Whiz, that was out of a daughter of Boggies Flashy Jac. Both are enrolled in NRHA Futurity and the NRBC! The filly has already been started, and looks good so far!
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Michelle Leonard, Riding Her New Saddle for the First Time!!

2010-11-08T16:15:00.001-08:00

First ride - not bad for a couple 'rusty gals' - Michelle had knee surgery, and hasn't lessoned with Lil Bit in a few months! And this is her very first ride on her brand new saddle!!
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A Few New Saddles....!

2010-11-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pix of saddles that hadn't made it onto the News yet...!

The SO/RO Cutter was made for Denton Moffat, the Floral/Border reiner was made for Michelle Leonard, and the 3/4 Basket Cutter was made for John Kolar - everyone reports that they love their saddles! John marked a 75 the first time he showed in his!!
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ELANS COLORD PLAYBOY

2010-08-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few glamour shots of Elans Colord Playboy - by Elans Playboy, out of an own daughter of Color Me Smart. He is consigned to the Triangle Sale in Shawnee, OK - October 1&2.

CIELO SABLE

2010-08-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to watching my newest NP mare train up - hoping to have her ready for 2011 for the aged events. CIELO SABLE is a 4 year old bay mare by Gallo Del Cielo, out of a daughter of Docs Tivito.
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2010-06-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

Stamped/Rawhide braided headstall made for WTRHA - this headstall is being raffled off this year, to be awarded at the 2010 year end banquet! Tickets are $25 ea, or 5 for $100...
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2010-06-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

A few pix of shotgun chaps made for Michael Martin - floral tooled tops, twisted fringe...
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2010-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

A few pix of Ian Cantacuzene's shotgun chaps....
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ANOTHER NICE EMAIL!!

2010-03-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

This comment sent from Anita Jannsen, about her son, Ryans' new cutting saddle - 'The saddle arrived, and Ryan is THRILLED!!!! It turned out really pretty – in fact he said “it’s so beautiful it looks like it belongs in a museum”. I really like the antiqued conchos you used.'
I'll be posting a pic of Ryan showing in his new saddle soon!
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A NICE EMAIL!

2010-03-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice email I received from Garrell Reilly - 'Well, I think your saddle is a MAJOR good luck charm. I showed last weekend in our first cowhorse show of the season and I won the Non-Pro Limited class. I got a 71 in my dry work and a 72 on my cow (my first win ever). First show of the season, and my first show riding in my new saddle!!! I absolutely love it!!' ----Garrell Reilly

Thanks, Garrell!!
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November 12, 2009

2009-11-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Reining saddle for client in France -

April 16, 2009

2009-04-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Michell Kimball - Choclate Chiquix foaled a pretty filly by Big Chex To Cash - she has a big blaze and 2 socks, although it's looking like she may be sorrel, we are keeping our fingers crossed that she sheds off a dark palomino!
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April 11th, 2009

2009-04-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Michell Kimball, Encintas, CA, on her purchase of Chocolate Chiquix - Chicy is due to foal on April 12th - baby will be a Big Chex To Cash! Chicy is now residing at Cinder Lakes Ranch, where she will be rebred for 2010 to Jacs Electric Spark! I am really looking forward to following the progress of these two foals in the coming years!
Thanks, Michell, and best wishes for much success in your future endeavors in the reining industry!!!
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March 22, 2009

2009-03-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of the Awards sponsored and handmade by MJ Liggett Saddlery, given away during the Stampede II Reining in Glenrose, TX, today! In the Open Derby, winning the Photo Album for Res. Champion was Ruben VanDorp, while the Intermediate Open Res. Derby Champion was Roger Barral - winning a handmade braided headstall!
A custom photo album was also awarded to the Res. Champion in the Non Pro Derby, and a handmade braided headstall was awarded to the Res. Champion in the Non Pro Intermediate Derby - Jana Simons and Lindsay McCutcheon were both tied in both of these divisions, and the coin toss awarded the photo album to Lindsay, and the headstall to Jana! Congratulations to you both!
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March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Just got a note from Catherine Hazelroth regarding her latest MJ Liggett custom cutting saddle - 'Hey!! Got the saddle…LOVE the saddle!!! I rode in it right away…scored a 73 in it…let my friend’s son use it and he marked a 73 in it too! Did you put some special 73 oil on it??'
(I always try to put that 'special oil' on every saddle before they go out the door!) :) I will post a show pic when I get one! Thanks for the update, Catherine!!
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February 10, 2009

2009-02-10T22:09:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics of Kelly Aument's saddle - a 15 1/2" reiner/cowhorse combo - this one has a #2 horn, which is 1/2" taller than a reining horn, and 1/2" shorter than an OD4, which is what most of the competition cutting saddles I build have in them. This saddle has Kelly's initials in the binder, 3/4 basket, inskirt w/stainless rear dees, braided below the base of the horn, and has fine buckstitching on the rolled edge of the swell, the seat, and the cantle. The edges of the seat and fenders have a line border, fenders are twist/wrap, and finished off with spotted rosettes and strings.
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February 9, 2009

2009-02-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

In this posting I will try to bring everyone up to date on the happenings here in the shop - I will be posting pix shortly of two saddles for Mr. and Mrs. Fehrenbach, both referred by Matt and Betsy Budge. Also, check out the first floral belt Matt is wearing here! I will also be posting a few more pix of his latest custom belt, and one of the braided headstalls he commissioned for Terry Green - my thanks to all for your patronage!

This past few weeks have been super busy - I have rearranged my shop, in an effort to bring into the small space I have available, all of the machinery I had in the apartment across from the shop, but still have more 'room' to be able to walk thru the area - it has taken a life of it's own, but it has been worth it to see that by doing this, I will be able to have more organization in the shop and my daily work. I still have some things to finish up, but I have been back at my regular workload, and the balance of my reorganization fits in around that.

I look forward to working with everyone in 2009, and wish you all much success in the show pen this year!

Check the blog from time to time, as I will try to be more timely with my postings!
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December 21, 2008

2008-12-21T05:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to everyone that made the semi-finals and finals at the NCHA Futurity! Clients that own MJ Liggett saddles won approximately $150,000.00 in the Non Pro Finals!
In the Open Finals, $416,101 was won by clients that own our saddles - congratulations to everyone!
Many thanks for the orders received from Luc and Jo Poard, of Poard Farms - France, and Marie Noelle Bruno, also from France. Thank you to the Ferhenbach's for your orders, and Catherine Hazelroth for her recent order.
I will be posting pix soon of Kelly Aument's saddle - many thanks to her as well!
Thank you to Max Benichon, and Matt Budge for your recent referrals - as well as the referrals from Ronnie Rice, Chad Bushaw, and Jerry Lindley!
I would also like to thank everyone that have brought their repairs to us this past year - I try to get these back out on a timely basis, as I know how important these older, well used, (and loved) saddles are to you!

In economic times such as we have today, I am reminded daily that the friends and clients I have in this business aren't involved with horses for the short-term, but, rather, as a way of life...we may all 'downsize' some, concentrate our efforts, etc, but we will still be involved many years down the road! I am, and will continue to be, thankful for the love and support of my family, friends, and this way of life we have all chosen...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!
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September 25, 2008

2008-09-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

These two saddles are the most current - the 3/4 basket was built for Amanda Nicholson, and has gone home with her to Australia. This saddle has an inskirt rigging, sterling overlay conchos, and Nettles stirrups, and makes a very nice saddle for both everyday work and the show pen...

This saddle for Chad Bushaw has a beautiful floral border motif - a perfect design for anyone wanting to add an elegant floral look, but not really wanting the flowers, etc. This saddle also has Chad's brand in the seat, with a rawhide rope effect circling the brand. Dropped rigging with wide, beveled stainless dees, fully strung, and Montana conchos make this a very classy rig!

June 30, 2008

2008-06-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pix of Katja Vanhatalo's saddle - dyed background, antiqued, dyed edges, with oak tooling and our new border stamp - this saddle also has a nice compliment of sterling overlay silver conchos, rear dee, etc.

Here is a quote from Katja after she got home to Finland with her saddle and finally got the chance to saddle a horse and ride it:
'I know you cant wait to hear about my saddle!!
Well Shelly, what can you say, when you get on to your saddle and you feel that you never been away from it. I just feel this saddle has been mine for ever! It was so easy to sit on that I hardly felt anything else just harmony with my horses.
I cant find words to descripe how privileged I was to get know you as person and be involved to bild this saddle with you from very beginning.
My girls have had their five minits;O) on my saddle, and you can be sure that they start to save money for their own life time saddle.
It is truely so beatiful that now when it is all in one piece front of my eyes I just sit and look at it. Thank you so much!'

Katja learned how to antique, apply finish, and helped to dye edges on her saddle - and was able to be here to see how it all came together - from two sides of skirting, all the way to the finished result! Thank you, Katja, for all the kind words, and I look forward to an enduring friendship with my new friend from halfway around the World!!

June 12, 2008

2008-06-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Just got an email from Mike Piro in CA, regarding the custom saddle that he ordered - he writes:
'hey shelly, my new saddle arrived yesterday. i had it out of the box and on a horse in about 2 minutes.(just a little excited) heres my first impression....... YEAHHH BABBYYY!!!!! the seat is awesome,the fenders are hung just right and it gives you that "oh yeah" feeling the minute you swing a leg over it. I am so impressed with your quality of construction and attention to detail, its absolutely flawless. should you ever need a reference for a customer in the future, you'll receive nothing but the highest praise from me. Thanks so much, Mike Piro' Thank you for the kind words, Mike!!

Next saddles out the door will be for Chad Bushaw, Bob and Anita Janssen, and Katja Vanhatalo - all of these are just a little different than what I have on the site so far, so will be posting pix when these are finished! Thanks to everyone for your business!!
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June 5th, 2008

2008-06-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chiquix checked safe in foal to Big Chex To Cash, 30 days! Looking forward to this one in March!
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May 25, 2008

2008-05-25T13:14:00.001-07:00

Some pix taken of Chocolate Chiquix's colt by Night Deposit Chex - at 30 days old. Very typey, correct, and stylish. We will be offering this colt for sale in the Training Stable Sale Barn - $12000.00...this beautiful prospect is paid into the AQHA Incentive Fund, NRHA Futurity nominated, NRBC nominated, and in the ABI program...

May 7, 2008

2008-05-08T10:53:00.001-07:00

A few pix of Mark Lundeen's saddle, just before it shipped....

May 7, 2008

2008-05-08T10:49:00.001-07:00

Chocolate Chiquix has been bred to Big Chex To Cash, and ovulated - now we wait to see if we will be having a baby next year a little sooner than this year! Stay tuned...! UPDATE: Checked safe in foal to BCTC for 2009 at 16 days - will be rechecked at regular intervals...

April 25, 2008

2008-04-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Due Date for Chocolate Chiquix! Last evening, Chicy looked like we would have to wait another week, at least, for her to have her foal...not the case! This morning, she presented us with a healthy bay colt, by Night Deposit Chex, and both he and his mother are bonded and doing very well. I'll post additional pix here as he fills out...Chicy will be bred back to Big Chex To Cash!

April 4, 2008

2008-04-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Got an email from Franck Brunet about his new saddle, delivered last week to France -

Hi Michelle,
I've tried the saddle last sunday!!!
great job, it's realy fit the horse's back and it's very confortable.
thank you for all.
franck

Thanks for the nice compliments, Franck!
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March 4, 2008

2008-03-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Catherine Hazelroth is very pleased with her new saddle - allowing me to quote her here!

'Hey Shelly,
My new saddle ROCKS!! Thank you so much for getting it to me in time for the show. I rode my 2 older horses in it over the weekend and it fit both of them really well and was so comfortable for me. I don’t know what you do when you hang the fenders but no matter how long or short my stirrups are my leg stays in the same position…it’s great! I didn’t have to think at all about where my legs were or struggle to keep them in place. As soon as I sell my other saddle I’ll be placing an order for another one of yours. Thanks again!

Catherine (and her grateful horses Boomer, Honey, Pie and Rocky)'

Good luck at the shows, Catherine!
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January 27th, 2008

2008-01-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

A few pix of Ralph Hull's new saddle!
Would like to thank Mark Lundeen, of Fargo, ND, and Catherine Hazelroth, of Rogers, MN for their saddle orders - as well as a big thank you to Katja Vanhatalo, of Finland, for her custom order as well!
Mark and Catherine have cutting saddles on order, and Katja has ordered a floral/border reining saddle, with a matching headstall! Thank you all!

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December 17, 2007

2007-12-17T10:36:00.001-08:00

This pic is Ronnie Rice's most recent saddle - Rough out/Slick out combination, BW Tree, TD horn, with a 1/4" padded seat - all stainless hardware, 7/8 dropped rigging, double stacked rosettes w/stainless conchos, fully strung, with Nettles flat-bottom stirrups.

Congratulations to Ronnie on making the finals of the NCHA Futurity!

December 17, 2007

2007-12-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pix of some of our recently delivered saddle orders -

this one for Mike Rutherford. The close-up of the basket stamp shows the application

of the brand in the basket center - a very personal touch! This 7/8 drop rig saddle also sports Andrews hardware!

November 20, 2007

2007-11-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Chad Bushaw for his saddle order - this one will have a new border application, and Chad's favorite geometric design. Your friendship and trust is very appreciated!

Thank you to Sharon Waters, of Topeka, KS, for her recent saddle order!

Congratulations to Elizabeth Brumbaugh for her win at the 2007 Silverado Arena Shootout - Elizabeth won the Youth Champion saddle - look for pix to post of all these saddles when finished!!
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November 12, 2007

2007-11-12T15:29:00.001-08:00

Pictured here is the latest addition to MJ Liggett Saddlery's string of show prospects - Ima Freckled Josie. Josie is a homozygous, coming 2 yr old filly that will be offered for sale in the Training Stable Sale Barn for $6500.00. Check her out in the Training section of the website, Sale Barn, for more detailed pix, pedigree, and info!
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November 12, 2007

2007-11-12T15:25:00.001-08:00

Pictured is the Amateur Champion Saddle for Jerry Durant - Congratulations to everyone that won one of these nice saddles last weekend at Silverado!
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November 4, 2007

2007-11-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Franck Brunet, of France, for his recent order for a cutting saddle!
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October 22, 2007

2007-10-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Got a few pix to share with everyone today - Jenn Leiker, our website designer, showing at the NRCHA Futurity Show in Reno - in her MJ Liggett Cowhorse saddle (See JL3 in the Custom Saddles section). Jenn's total payday was $4500.00, winning the Novice Non Pro Bridle, and finishing 5th in the Non Pro - out of 61 entries! Way to go, Jenn! (Jenn also mentions how easy this saddle is to sit - thought it showed up that way in these pix!) Congratulations!!
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October 13, 2007

2007-10-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pix of the Open Champion
Saddle for Silverado Arena - again, thank you
to Jerry Durant for his trust in us - this is our
third year!
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October 13, 2007

2007-10-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Pictured here is the Non Pro Champion saddle for Silverado Arena for 2007 - many thanks to Jerry Durant for having us build the trophy saddles for the past three years!
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August 31, 2007

2007-08-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just finished the custom order for Carol Dewrell - the complete set of pix and info will post soon on the Custom Saddles page as CD1. This pretty saddle features some beautiful custom silver with Carol's logo on the backhousing concho - overall, a gorgeous show saddle!

August 28, 2007

2007-08-28T16:13:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Sheila Baker, of Bemidji, MN, for placing a custom saddle order! Sheila was recommended by JP Bell!
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August 15, 2007

2007-08-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Ralph and Maureen Hull, of Double HH Ranch, for your order today - Ralph trains cowhorses and cutting horses here in Mineral Wells, and has ordered a cutting saddle similar to MC1, with a few custom changes to personalize the saddle for him. We'll post pix to the site when it's finished!
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August 11, 2007

2007-08-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Mike Rutherford for his order today - we'll post pix of this custom saddle on the Custom Saddles page when it's finished, along with close-ups of some of the 'special touches' Mike has decided on for it.
Many thanks to Chad Bushaw for his recommendations - his trust and belief in my saddles and workmanship mean a lot to me!
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August 3, 2007

2007-08-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you and best wishes to Max Benichon for your purchase of the Ranch Cutter we had in stock...Max says he'll have one of the best made saddles in France!
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August 2, 2007

2007-08-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Rice has placed an order for two more saddles - Thank you so much for all the positive comments about the current saddle, and for the order! I appreciate your trust and look forward to doing more business in the future!!
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July 25th, 2007

2007-07-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Matt and Betsy Budge for your saddle order today! Thanks also for the purchase of the custom show headstall - enjoy!
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July 3rd, 2007

2007-07-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Russ DeCordova for his kind words today - he called to say that his new saddle, (see RD1), is the best riding saddle he's ever had! He also wanted to report that he had spoken to Ronnie Rice, and he is also very pleased with his new MJ Liggett saddle! Thank you, Russ, for the new saddle order placed today, as well as the breastcollar order!
Talk about getting the 'warm fuzzies' all day!

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June 27, 2007

2007-07-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Robert Kelly, for purchasing this nice saddle! And many thanks to JP Bell for his recommendation!

CS4: Cutting Saddle, 16 1/2" seat, 8.5X6 1/4" front, 3" cantle, OD4 horn. Inskirt rigging, all stainless hardware, 3/4 Carlos border stamp. T/W on fenders, Nettles work 2" work stirrups, Montana conchos. Handmade with russet Hermann Oak skirting leather, and bark-tanned woolskin.

To see the other custom saddles we have in stock or available to order, please visit our Saddlery & Braiding site or call Shelly at (940) 682-5657.
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June 10, 2007

2007-07-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Jerry Durant has renewed his contract today for three Trophy Saddles for the Brazos Valley Cutting Horse Assn. We will be building a saddle for the Amateur, Non Pro, and Open Shoot-Out - many thanks to Jerry for his continuing trust in the saddles we build - this is our third year!
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