Talking Billy Cook Saddles Billy Cook Saddles have been around since 1953. Saddle making has always been a mystery to me. It's a craft, a skill. Working leather has so many aspects: tanning, cutting, stamping, sewing. A saddle maker needs to know all of these skills. He needs to know how to choose the leather too. When Billy Cook passed away in 2019 at the age of 89, it looked like his saddle business might die too. That business included several loyal employees, many who were skilled artisans. Rutilo Orsonio had worked with Billy Cook Saddles for 40 years. Jody Rames had been with Billy for nearly 30 years. Adam Trenk, a business attorney, got a Billy Cook saddle when he was 12. He had fond memories of the saddle and, when he heard of the death of Billy, asked about the future of the company. The family did not have an interest in continuing the business, and the employees could not afford to purchase it. The Billy Cook line of saddles had a bleak future. Adam, a horseman, thought he could help. After some negotiations, he purchased the company, keeping as many of the employees as possible. Four months later. the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the business closed for safety reasons. Today, Billy Cook Saddle Company is back in operation. They manufacture a full line of handmade saddles. You can even have a custom saddle made to your specifications. Of course, there is also a full line of leather tack. New to the business is a line of belts and handbags. Listen to my interview with proprietor, Adam Trenk, as he tells us about the company. Links to Billy Cook Saddles Genuine Billy Cook Website Genuine Billy Cook on Facebook Genuine Billy Cook on Instagram Join Us on this Journey We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey. You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com Thanks for listening, John & Ranae Episode #184 Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link. Checkout My John Harrer & Horses YouTube Channel