About Us

Chip Graham has a lifetime of experience using and wearing out saddles and all manner of cowboy gear. Born in Texas and raised in New Mexico he developed an early interest in working with leather, beginning in 4H.

In high school he cultivated a friendship with renowned cowboy and saddle maker John Smith of Deming, NM. Chip would spend his after school hours in John's shop watching and helping in his saddle shop. Eventually John helped him build his first saddle.

Chip has spent many years cowboying in some of the roughest areas of the southwest including the U Bar ranch, the Alamo Ranch and was the Jigger Boss on the legendary Gray Ranch. His years in the saddle have honed his understanding of how cowboy equipment should function.

  In 2019 he decided it was time to see some new country and so moved from New Mexico to Montana. 

Justine Nelson-Graham

Born in the Magic Valley of Southern Idaho, raised around horses and other livestock, Justine has always been fascinated by the western way of life; particularly the tack and equipment that are unique to its heritage. From childhood she sought to create the gear she observed around her. Often using whatever materials she could find to build tack for toy horses.

At the age of 15 she was introduced to the writings of Bruce Grant. His books detailed the process of braiding rawhide into functional horse tack. She was hooked, and immediately took to braiding anything she could get her hands on. Shortly afterwards she also began working with and tooling leather. Eventually going on to learn saddle making and opening her own custom leather shop. JLN Custom Leatherwork.

In 2015 she was able to begin to learn the process of taking a fresh cowhide through the curing and cutting stages and then braiding the resulting strings into finished pieces. She has continued to hone her skills in this craft., helped along by many of the top braiders in the industry. This hard and exacting process continually provides her with fresh challenges which she finds very satisfying.

In 2022 Chip and Justine decided to join forces and they now reside in Wyoming where they keep busy with cattle horses and their leather/rawhide shop!