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McDaniel Custom Saddles: A Legacy of Craftsmanship McDaniel Custom Saddles is a proud, family-owned business. It all started in the 1920s, when John Thomas McDaniel repaired saddles for working cowboys across the Texas Panhandle. He worked by hand and took pride in every detail. John passed down his skills to his son, Preston. Then, in 1965, Preston built his first custom saddle. That saddle marked the beginning of a business that would grow over decades. Today, McDaniel Custom Saddles continues to thrive in Alvarado, Texas. Family-Run, Generation After Generation Today, the shop remains family-run. Ron, his son Clint, and grandsons Preston and Tyson work together every day. They bring tradition and new ideas into the same workshop. Ron helps customers, shares the family’s saddle-making knowledge, and explains every step of the building process. Meanwhile, Clint and the younger generation focus on hands-on craftsmanship, continuing the legacy with skill and pride. At McDaniel, we live by one promise: “We make the best, and repair the rest.” This is more than a motto—it’s the way we work. From the beginning, we have focused on perfect fit and durability. Each saddle fits both horse and rider. In addition, we use only the highest-quality materials. Our team selects top-grade, American-tanned hides for every build. These hides are strong, comfortable, and made to last. Because we believe in what we make, we stand behind every saddle with a lifetime guarantee. This promise ensures that your investment delivers value for generations. Although saddles are our specialty, we’ve expanded into other leather goods. These items reflect the same care and attention to detail. For example, we now offer: As a result, customers trust our leatherwork not only for the ranch but also for everyday life. Our reputation has grown steadily. Today, we have a six-month waitlist for custom saddles. Customers from across the country choose McDaniel because they want handcrafted quality. Ron still works closely with his grandsons in the shop. He also enjoys showing customers how we build saddles. He always begins with this guiding principle:Fit the horse first, then the rider—and build it to last. Feature What It Means Generational Expertise Five generations of saddle-making since the 1920s Premium Leather We use only top-tier American-tanned hides, prepared for strength and beauty Custom Fit Philosophy Saddles are built to support horse and rider in perfect harmony Lifetime Guarantee Every saddle is made to last—and backed for life Beyond Saddles We also make wallets, leashes, coasters, and more—each one handmade in Texas At McDaniel Custom Saddles, we do more than make saddles—we preserve a family tradition. Every stitch and every tool we use reflects a century of craftsmanship. Our work shows in every finished piece. Whether you’re riding the range or holding one of our wallets, you’ll feel the difference. After all, “We make the best, and repair the rest.” That’s not just a phrase—it’s the way we do business, every single day.