Spurr Watson lives and works in central Montana, where he owns and operates a custom saddle shop rooted in function, tradition, and quiet refinement. Like many modern makers, he began saddle making as a hobby, guided not by formal apprenticeship, but by the generosity of skilled saddlemaker friends willing to share their knowledge. A pivotal step came when he began taking classes from established saddlemakers, accelerating both his technical skill and artistic direction.
Watson committed fully to the cowboy lifestyle, working on large ranches in Wyoming, and later settling on a historic outfit in central Montana. Long days in the saddle became an essential part of his education, shaping his understanding of what a working saddle must deliver. That lived experience continues to influence every piece he builds.
In 2021, when the ranch he worked for sold, Watson faced a turning point. With a growing waitlist and strong demand for his work, he chose to pursue saddle making full time. The following year, he was awarded the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Fellowship scholarship, where he further refined his craft among some of the finest makers in the field.
Today, Watson builds saddles with a focus on fit, function, and performance. Each piece is constructed from the highest-quality materials, from custom trees tailored to horse and rider, to carefully selected leather and hardware. His saddles are trusted by working cowboys across multiple states. He continues to day work when possible, ensuring his craft remains grounded in real-world use while steadily evolving through collaboration and attention to detail.
