Breaking Barriers to Entry: What the Equine Industry Can Learn from Bob’s Custom Saddles

In this episode we talk saddles, industry growth and what makes the Cowboy Lifestyle special. We explore stewardship, barriers to entry, and future generations.

Episode 8: Chris Weaver & the Cowboys talk saddles, industry growth, and what makes the Cowboy Lifestyle so special.

Creating a strong foundation is the key to success in business and life.

Chris 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.

Parents, you’ll want to catch this one. We sometimes forget the benefits of our kids being in the horse industry and living the cowboy lifestyle. Some of the lasting impacts include 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 lifestyle

And the Cowboys respond to a question from a listener: How does rapid growth and outside interest in our sport affect the industry? 

About Bob’s Custom Saddles

  • Bob’s focus when creating a custom saddle is to fit the horse, fit the rider, improve rideability
  • You have to answer at least 15 questions when ordering a Bob’s Custom Saddles
  • 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 who

How Does Industry Growth Occur and What Challenges Do We Face?

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.  

Cowboy Office

Resources

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

Bob’s Custom Saddles: https://www.bobscustomsaddles.com/

More topics you might like.

Ep 32: The Show-Gabriel Borges & Life after the Futurity.

Episode 32 has the #8 Open Rider from 2023, Gabriel Borges as he shares his insights into draws, preparation for competition, serious strategy on horse power and keeping young stock in the training supply line. Gabriel wins the 2023 100X stakes in Tulsa, is 4th in the 2024 Run for the Million, and 2nd in the 2024 100X Derby in Tulsa, on the same horse, 007, aka Bond.

Read More »