Chris Weaver & the Cowboys talk saddles, industry growth, and what makes the Cowboy Lifestyle so special.
Parents, you’ll want to catch this one. We sometimes forget the benefits of being in the horse industry and living the cowboy lifestyle. Kids receive lasting impact including: a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and respect. Never underestimate the power of good people speaking into the lives of youth.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode:
Seeds of industry growth
Breaking barriers to entry
Challenging the idea that horses are an “expensive” sport
The dual responsibility of sponsorship
The importance of stewardship
Supporting the next generation
Ensuring the future of the cowboy lifestyleChris Weaver, VP at Bob’s Custom Saddles, has an extensive background as a horseman in the stock horse industry as well as years of experience in business and manufacturing. He joins Brian Dygert & Jody Brainard to share the history and vision of Bob’s Custom Saddles and discuss the growth and future of the equine industry as a whole.
Bob’s created a strong foundation based on quality materials while supporting all levels of riders and disciplines within the western working horse industry. Passion for their product and the people they serve is apparent as Chris talks about stewarding their identity and the importance of passing on the values of the cowboy lifestyle to the next generation.
About Bob’s Custom Saddles
Bob’s focus when creating a custom saddle is to fit the horse, fit the rider, improve ride-ability
You have to answer at least 15 questions when ordering a Bob’s Custom Saddle
Bob’s has used the same tree manufacturer and Hermann Oak leather since it’s inception 47 years ago
Exhibitors have won an estimated $24M in Bob’s Custom Saddles
If you have a serial number, Bob’s can tell you exactly when the saddle was made and for whoHow Does Industry Growth Occur and What Challenges Do We Face?
The Cowboys respond to a question from a listener: How does rapid growth and outside interest in our sport affect the industry?
Growth comes from many sources: product, passion, and organic growth from outside sources (think Yellowstone & The Cowboy Channel). Interest in the western lifestyle is strong and enthusiasm is at a high with more spectator-driven events being offered. But there is an inherent challenge for many of the performance horse disciplines.
Many performance events can be difficult to understand and appreciate unless you are already educated in the rules, judging practices, and understand “quality” for that specific event. Educating the audience and bringing awareness to how the event is judged is required for spectators to truly enjoy the event.
Another barrier to growth is the expense of getting started. If you already know and love the industry, have roots in it, and have the passion to compete, you don’t mind trading in a vacation home, boat, or fancy car for your horse, training fees, board, entry fees, etc. But what about those who are just getting started? They may not even be sure this “horse thing” is for them. How do they get started without investing substantial amounts of money?
And finally, why do people leave the industry? That may be a question for another time, but it’s one that is important to understand if the equine industry is going to continue to experience healthy growth.
Bob’s Custom Saddles: https://www.bobscustomsaddles.com/
Website: CowboyOffice.com
Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency
