William Lee Huston has been building and redefining the Western Saddle for over 40 years. A real life cowboy, he can ride, rope, fish, hunt, and do just about anything else that comes with the territory. A true equestrian, Bill knows horses and mules better than they know themselves. We think that's a good thing...

The Huston family originally immagrated from Cork County, Ireland. Most of their offspring were cattle ranchers and farmers that settled in Hog Canyon, California. Bill's father was a roaving patrolman with the Los Padres national forest in Monterey County, CA. Growing up in what's called The Indian's, little Billy was free to explore the enchanted Lucia's Mountians. Through this, he grew a deep respect for the natural beauty he'd discovered in the wild. He also developed a keen interest in the Native American Indian culture, along with traditional Western Art originated in Europe. Especially the Spanish style.

After attending a Saddle School in Wyoming, Bill was on his way to becoming one of the finest saddle makers of his generation. And he hasn't stopped since. Bill has made hundreds of saddles in his lifetime for people all over the world. Mr. Huston now resides with his wife, and business partner, Jean in the rural mountains of Eastern Oregon. Still doing what he does best, perfecting and refining the essence of the American Saddle. One of Bill's saddles will surely endure for generations to come.

Traditionally, the saddle tree has been 4 or 5 pieces of wood, nailed together and wrapped in rawhide. After repairing and rebuilding every kind of saddle over the years, Bill has noticed a common flaw. Most are built to suit the riders comfort, not the horse's and one-size does not fit-all. Like people, every horse or mule are uniquely different. Certain saddles might feel like a backpack full of bricks, which won't help any animal's performance. Of course the horse has never complained before, but saddle sores and back injuries don't lie.

Fortunately, horse chiropractors are well aware of these problems and the technology is finally catching up to this ancient art. With the help of the Saddletech Gauge and other instruments, measurements can now be taken from the horses back and used to define the shape of a saddle tree. Saddle sores are now avoidable if the tree is made to compliment the natural form of the animal's spine. All the saddle blankets in the world won't help a bad fit.

Building a saddle is not unlike building a vehicle. It needs to be functional, safe, reliable, yet stylish. The frame must be built around the engine, in this case, the animal itself. Consider Huston Saddles as the Rolls Royce of the industry, but without the ridiculous price tag. Where every part, fixture, and accessory is custom made by hand. You'll feel it in the ride. And believe it or not, so will your horse.

Bill's true passion is in creating art from scratch. Durable leather is the canvas of his choice. And like any good sculptor, he can mold the material to any shape or form.

You'll notice the difference right away and so will your horse. First visually, it won't look like any one else's saddle because you helped design it.

Nowadays the inadequate factory saddle is taking over the market and compensating your horse's back. While the traditional custom saddle maker is slowly becoming a thing of the past.

So what would you rather ride?

Bill will always stick to his guns, and strive to build you the best saddle you've ever laid eyes on. Assuring a comfortable ride for both you and your animal. People will notice a hand made, authentic family heirloom when they see it.