Braiding Classes in Texas?

[Alan Bell]

Hey Robb, Good to hear from you!

I'm sure we had to have met. How are Mike and Cindy doing? The last time I don't think Cindy came just Mike and his daughter. I try and go to OKC for the auction every year. Hopefully I'll make it this year too. The class never actually happened and I was trying to think up something that could be started and finished by most folks over a weekend. I know Mike and Cindy give classes and have folks usually build a quirt. With Nate and Leland you usually just show up and work on what ever you are interested in making not really a formal class type setting. I'd really like to help folks get started or to refine what they do and I would sure like to visit with you and share things! You can also send me a private email through this board in case I don't get around to checking the board it will give me an alert in my regular email.

Vaya con Dios, Alan

[RobbS]

Hey Robb, Good to hear from you!

I'm sure we had to have met. How are Mike and Cindy doing? The last time I don't think Cindy came just Mike and his daughter. I try and go to OKC for the auction every year. Hopefully I'll make it this year too. The class never actually happened and I was trying to think up something that could be started and finished by most folks over a weekend. I know Mike and Cindy give classes and have folks usually build a quirt. With Nate and Leland you usually just show up and work on what ever you are interested in making not really a formal class type setting. I'd really like to help folks get started or to refine what they do and I would sure like to visit with you and share things! You can also send me a private email through this board in case I don't get around to checking the board it will give me an alert in my regular email.

Vaya con Dios, Alan

Thanks for your reply Alan. I am going to see Mike and Cindy in September for my annual rawhide tutoring. I think you are right, I was at the very first seminar and did not attend the second one. At the Beaver's which is also a non-formal class I have made 4 reatas which was what I was interested in. As you know they are tough and not for the beginner so until I make one that I feel is exactly what I feel is the best I can do I will continue to try them. Did you attend the first OKC seminar too? I take that back my first year I made a quirt at their deal too. Been too many years to remember I guess. I didn't know that Nate and Lehland had classes. We will have to stay in touch and I look forward to meeting you again. Your bosal piece on here was just GREAT! I do believe I would spend some time at your place learing how to perfect one of those. Here is a photo of the last reata I made in Idaho. It is a 4x8 with a San Juan honda, and the honda is about all you can really see in the picture. I will see if I can find some more. Thanks again.

Robb

[RobbS]

Hey Robb, Good to hear from you!

I'm sure we had to have met. How are Mike and Cindy doing? The last time I don't think Cindy came just Mike and his daughter. I try and go to OKC for the auction every year. Hopefully I'll make it this year too. The class never actually happened and I was trying to think up something that could be started and finished by most folks over a weekend. I know Mike and Cindy give classes and have folks usually build a quirt. With Nate and Leland you usually just show up and work on what ever you are interested in making not really a formal class type setting. I'd really like to help folks get started or to refine what they do and I would sure like to visit with you and share things! You can also send me a private email through this board in case I don't get around to checking the board it will give me an alert in my regular email.

Vaya con Dios, Alan

[RobbS]

Last one! [attac

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Edited August 3, 2009 by RobbS

[Alan Bell]

WOW Robb that reata looks nice. Do you get a lot of questions when you use it in the branding pen?? Folks around here ask me why I'm riding a Mexican saddle (Wade) and using so much rope!!! I have only made basic using reatas and I guess one day I'll have to go ahead and make a nice fancy one too! My first one is now the core to several bosals!! What aren't you happy with? I think you are doing a good a job as I've seen? Once you get that one broken in I bet it will be just fine! Does Mike do much reata roping? I'd like to visit you some time and we can work on some loops. I can never get enough reata roping!!! Here's a pic of a horse I raised and trained, a saddle I made, a reata I made and a bosal I made. Kinda like a nice calling card.

Vaya con Dios, Alan

[megabit]

That saddle looks familiar. Do you have any cards? Everytime I go somewhere with that saddle at least one person ask who made it, I could hand out your card if you want more saddle business.

Mike

[RobbS]

WOW Robb that reata looks nice. Do you get a lot of questions when you use it in the branding pen?? Folks around here ask me why I'm riding a Mexican saddle (Wade) and using so much rope!!! I have only made basic using reatas and I guess one day I'll have to go ahead and make a nice fancy one too! My first one is now the core to several bosals!! What aren't you happy with? I think you are doing a good a job as I've seen? Once you get that one broken in I bet it will be just fine! Does Mike do much reata roping? I'd like to visit you some time and we can work on some loops. I can never get enough reata roping!!! Here's a pic of a horse I raised and trained, a saddle I made, a reata I made and a bosal I made. Kinda like a nice calling card.

Vaya con Dios, Alan

Thanks Alan! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to you. You are right about the puzzled looks when "punchers" here see a reata. I don't use one either though, all that I have made are hanging either here in the house or in the saddle house. I have one that would be perfect for bosals cores as well, all 80' of it. I know that I am getting very close to having it right just want to really feel comfortable about making one so if Mike or Cindy isn't there looking over my shoulder I know I can still do it. Your gear really looks good in the photo. There sure is a good feeling when riding a good horse that you know someone hasn't ruined with nice tack. You can really be proud of everything I can see here that you made. I think Mike's reata roping days are something of the past, but he is still one heck of a braider and also a great teacher as well. Cindy's mother passed away this past weekend just in case you happened to talk to her anytime soon. I look forward to getting to visit or come down and meet with you again. It will be nice to know another braider that isn't so far away. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two about reata roping too.

[CLH]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the forum, got here by accident.

I live in Denton Texas and used to braid for many years making my own rawhide tack.

I haven't braided in several years but I would be happy to talk to anyone about braiding, or look at your work to see if I can help you out any. I'm sure we could figure out any issues together.

Let me know if anyone is interested.

Hello, I live in Krum,Texas and braid alittle. I can help instruct alittle. I also tool and build saddles so there's possibilites there to help out. Alan Bell is a pretty good hand also, Thanks Clint Haverty

[zanspistol391]

I know this thread is over a year old, but maybe there still is some interest. I hope Rawhidelady and some of the other Texans are still around this site, maybe we can all do some braiding together. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks.

Robb

I am new to this forum also. I am just starting to learn to braid and experienced braiders are my most valuable resource. I would definitely take advantage of the opportunity to get together with other braiders. I am about 4 hours from the Dallas area. I have been in touch with Rawhidelady. She is still around this site and is willing to help. I may not have much to contribute in the way of braiding technique. However, I am a landscape designer and I have some interesting ideas regarding design and color. I am happy to help coordinate and/or host a "braiding get together". Please keep me in mind for any future braiding sessions. Thanks and have a great day. Sarah

[Rawhidelady]

Hello,

No classes here in Texas, that was a problem for me when I started out over 15 years ago.

I just got every book, video, and/or instructions I could get my hands on. I learned the hard way through my mistakes, but it is doable.

I don't braid anymore right now. Lost my horses and the desire or need to braid tack.

But I'd be happy to let you pick my brain about braiding.

Smiles,

Terri S.

Anybody know anyone that is conducting braiding classes here in Texas? It seems you can take a class in about anything "cowboy" here, but not braiding--or am I worng?