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In The Spirit of the Great American West ....
Saddle of Independence A Tribute To President, American People
Rapid City, SD As one American President's saddle comes home to
South Dakota, it's fitting that another should be leaving it. Different
circumstances in a simpler place in time trace the history of one; courage,
sacrifice and honor is shaping the history of the other. Both embody much of
what is symbolic in the cowboy's saddle.
Commissioned in 2001 by the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, the Saddle of
Independence will be complete in time for the 44th Black Hills Stock Show &
Rodeo. Measured, fit and built for the 43rd American President in his home state
of Texas by Benton Moore Saddlery, it is presented as a recognition of what
President George W. Bush has described as, "the hallmarks of the American
Spirit....unity, resolve and freedom."
 In the horror of thousands of lives lost since the September 11, 2001 attacks
against the United States, people around the world have responded. "Yet we
in the West haven't known the death and destruction of our landscape,"
observes Foundation President Joe Norman. "And so from the heartland has
come sustenance; food, money, volunteers. A terrible time in our history has
turned into remarkable examples of the very things terrorism seeks to
destroy."
The creation of the saddle already carries with it many stories. For Moore,
the thought of building a saddle for the President wasn't a new one. For several
years, even during Bush's term as Governor of Texas, he had been considering
making one for the man he openly admires. Then September 11th happened .... and
everything changed in America.
"The saddle took on a new meaning for me," says the U.S. Army
veteran. "When the call from the Foundation came, expressing much the same
thoughts I had about all the reasons why the saddle should be built for the
President and the American people - who have stood and sacrificed so much -
well, it all became clear."
"Folks connected to it immediately," he recalls, "and wanted
to be a part of it."
In his workshop in Groesbeck, Texas, people stop by for a cup of coffee, a
visit, and some to see the latest project the master craftsman whose saddles can
be found around the world, is working on at the moment. He made no secret of
what he was building. And from his describing the heart and soul being worked
into leather and rawhide, came solemn nods of understanding.
"Folks connected to it immediately," he recalls, "and wanted
to be a part of it."
Some of them are. Not visible to the eye and under the saddle seat are their
signed messages of appreciation; under the dedication plate are the signatures
of cowboys and children .... and others from every walk of life. From Benton,
known for his sense of humor is a special message under the back rigging;
"Florida Champion 2000." Artisans and craftsmen from around the
country donated time and materials in creating the saddle, built entirely by
hand. Accompanying pieces that are a part of the overall presentation were also
designed and crafted by those who proudly gave of their talent.
It's said that for history to become heritage, one must live it. "Part
of our unique heritage is the cowboy's saddle," explains Norman. "It
carries the weight of a lot of things for a rancher. An entire country has been
called upon to carry the weight and sacrifice for a free democracy. The Saddle
of Independence is symbolic of that.
"In other ways, much of the history of this country was written from the
saddle of a horse," he reflects. "From the vantage point of the saddle
comes a certain clarity - a purpose and direction that is continually being
defined. This saddle is symbolic of that as well."
Display and presentation details for the Saddle of Independence continue to
develop but for Benton and the Foundation, that's not what's it all about.
"When the President steps into this saddle; when people read about it or
kids and grandparents come to see it; when the saddle carries another rider; or
when it sits empty, waiting .... I hope people will remember," says Moore.
"Being saddled with something means you carry it .... or it carries you.
How each of us reflects on the meaning of a nation's independence is a personal
choice. In the spirit of the great American West, we choose to remember...that
freedom is not free."
For more information on the commissioned saddle contact the Foundation office
at 605-718-0810 or Benton Moore Saddlery at 254-729-3986. Email foundation@BHSSF.com
or bentonmooresaddlery@glade.net.
BUILDING THE SADDLE OF INDEPENDENCE
1. Benton Moore Saddlery, Groesbeck, Texas (Saddle)
Benton Moore (Builder)
Arturo Jiminez, Jr. (Tooling)
2. Creative Quality Builders, Jack and Robbie Garrett, Groesbeck, Texas
(oak/glass display casing)
3. Herman Oak Leather Company, St. Louis, Mo. (Saddle)
4. J Kelly Leather Company, Dallas, Texas
(Saddle)
5. Dutton Bits, Gregg Dutton, Los Lunas, New Mexico
(Headstall
& Bridle)
6. Sutton Ropes, Jordanton, Texas (Rope)
7. Crossfire Silver, Sturgis, SD (Spurs)
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