We The People .....
BHSS Foundation Commissions Saddle of Independence
Introductory Display Planned During NFR

Las Vegas, Nevada -- Call it the Super Bowl. Or the Olympics. Call it what you will. For the cowboy, the stage of champions is played out at the National Finals Rodeo.

Legends are made here.

The ghosts of champions reside here.

The great American cowboy is here.

It's fitting then, that from this place the nation's Saddle of Independence will be first displayed in public.

It's also fitting it come from states known for the cowboy heritage and home of rodeo athletes, Texas and South Dakota. These two states couldn't be farther apart in terms of geography and philosophies. However, they share an understanding of one thing - a saddle is symbolic for them, in many ways. They want to share it with the President of the United States and the American people.

"A saddle carries the weight of a lot of things for a rancher," reflects Joe Norman, President of Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, Inc., in Rapid City, SD., a partner in the commissioned project. "We have all been called upon to bear the weight and sacrifice for a free democracy in this time of war. The Saddle of Independence is symbolic of that."

In other ways, the cowboy's saddle is an uplifting of spirit. "Much of the history of this country was written from the saddle of a horse," he notes. "From the vantage point of the saddle comes a certain clarity; in the vast expanse that can be seen from a saddle, a purpose and direction is continually being set. The Saddle of Independence is symbolic of that as well."

He continues, "Our place in the landscape has not been left with the gaping hole of death and destruction. But we are with those who have lost so much - in unity, resolve and freedom. This saddle carries all of those things to President Bush and the American people."

In a workshop in Groesbeck, Texas, a saddle maker is alone with his thoughts. There's a lot of time to think between the first cut of leather to the last oil treatment. Benton Moore of Benton Moore Saddlery, had been pondering for some time, making a saddle for a President who he openly admires. "I supported his Dad as president and I liked the son as a Governor of Texas. He is straightforward to the point of being blunt - I'll take that over the spin doctors, even when I don't like what I hear."

After America was struck September 11th, the thought of a personal gift to a President become something more - much more. "I work with saddles every day so I have an appreciation for what they are; for anyone who earns a living on a horse, a saddle is their office. That's where they sit and make decisions. If you're an athlete, it's where you work to win from." And on the streets of major cities across the US, the heart of a horse and the seat of a saddle is where keepers of the peace reside.

As thoughts were forced to consider a country struck by war, Moore who is a Vietnam-era veteran, found himself thinking more and more of the story a saddle tells, of how it carries yet provides so much at the same time, of how, when built right, will last forever.

And he began to see a country's sorrows; its convictions; its strength; its endurance.

For him, what he builds every day is symbolic of all those things and belong to not only a President serving in a time of conflict, but to the people of America.

The timeless story of what begins as the simple acorn that grows to a mighty oak, is hand carved in intricate relief of 282 acorns and 331 oak leaves that blanket the Saddle of Independence. It is built entirely by hand, carved and sewn by master craftsmen who have proudly given their time - including the solid oak display case that will house it when on display.

explains Moore. “It’s measured to fit this President. It’s meant to be ridden for work and for the American people.”

Ever practical, the makers of the Saddle of Independence have first and foremost, created a saddle that is to be used. "A saddle 'moves', it strengthens yet remains supple with use," explains Moore. "It's measured to fit this President.   It's meant to be ridden for work and for the American people."

Still in time, after its working days are done, the story of the Saddle of Independence isn't one to be forgotten, left to gather dust in a barn or a store room. "People define themselves in many ways," reflects Norman. "That's part of the greatness of the founding principals of America. This saddle and what it represents, belongs to us all."

 For more information on the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, see on the web at www.blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com  or contact Diane Norman, Foundation Community Relations Director, 605-718-0810 or email foundation@BHSSF.com.