07/16/2026
On my saddle making journey, I have been blessed to have three individuals who have generously shared their time, knowledge, and wisdom with me. Of those three, one man has had an immeasurable impact on both my work and my life. He stands tall not only as a mentor and dear friend, but as someone I consider family. His name is Rocky Minster.
There has never been a time that I couldn’t call Rocky with a question. No matter how simple or complex the problem may be, he patiently takes the time to explain not only the answer, but the why behind it and how to make it right. His willingness to teach goes far beyond simply showing someone how to build a saddle, he teaches understanding, craftsmanship, and the value of doing things the right way.
I count myself incredibly fortunate to be able to drive to Arizona and spend days sitting beside him, working through saddle-making challenges, listening to his stories, and learning from more than seventy years of experience. Those moments are gifts that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
In a world where knowledge is too often guarded, Rocky has chosen to give his away freely and unselfishly. He has devoted countless hours to helping the next generation of saddle makers carry on the traditions and standards that he has upheld throughout his remarkable career. That kind of generosity is rare, and it is something I will never take for granted.
Words cannot adequately express how much I have learned from this man or how much his friendship means to me. The knowledge he has shared has shaped me as a saddle maker, but his kindness, patience, and humility have left an even greater impression. He has taught me that craftsmanship is about more than what we make with our hands, it is also about what we pass on to others.
I had the privilege of being Rocky’s first saddle student in the later half of his career. Today, at 86 years young, he is still teaching and welcoming saddle students into his shop and his life. A prominent saddle maker has become an extraordinary teacher, ensuring that the art, traditions, and values of saddle making will continue long after we are gone.
Men like Rocky Minster are few and far between. I am grateful to call him my mentor, proud to call him my friend, and blessed to call him family.
