by Naomi Loomis,
WSRRA Association Representative
You know, the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association was formed in 2010 to promote and preserve these traditions through a sanctioned ranch rodeo association. Full time, part time/dayworking ranch cowboys and cowgirls, or anyone else who enjoys competing in ranch rodeo events are welcome! The American cowboy has been a worldwide icon since the early 1800s. Today the heritage, values, and traditions of the working ranch are still alive and well. Ranch cowboys are out there living the lifestyle – calving, branding, gathering and doctoring cattle keeping our ranching traditions alive.
One business is keeping traditions alive today and one that is one of our national sponsors; J Bar D Canvas and Leather works everyday for those who wish to continue western traditions. I sat down with Shane and Amy Riley the owners of J Bar D Canvas & Leather to talk about their business.
Their story:
“Shane originally had a Bedroll that his father gave to him many years ago, but in 2007 our shop burnt down, and we lost nearly everything including that Bedroll. Thereafter, he never got around to getting a new one either because he was too busy working on the mountain or shoeing horses for clients.
Fall of 2014, he was Buckarooing for a local ranch. It was October and all that was left on the hill were stray pairs that didn’t come down with the rest of the herd. They had come to a creek crossing that was not very often travelled, the willow branches were hanging low and narrow but there was a large pointed tree branch that had fallen to belly height. Stepping out of the saddle, Shane went to move it out of the way. As he did so, Judge side stepped landing directly on Shane’s foot.
The weight of Judge sent a wave of pain surging though Shane so intense that he passed out. When Shane came to, he was staring up at the shoofly of the cinch. In all the excitement Shane’s ankle had gotten broke in at least 3 to 5 places.
Wearing boots was excruciatingly painful so getting back in the saddle was gonna take some time. Being laid up in the house drove him crazy restless and the worry of making it through the winter was increasing. After finishing all the odds and ends projects he kept telling me he was gonna do, he then started tappin into his creative side. One evening after the chores were all finished, and the fire was stoked he asked me if I would help him build a Bedroll just like the one, he had lost in the fire 7 years ago.
The next morning, we got in the pickup and drove the 67 miles to town to get 18 feet of canvas. When we got home, I got out my little Singer sewing machine and began building the Bedroll that started it all. Once it was finished, I said to Shane, “I bet we could sell this thing on Facebook”. Eleven minutes later it was sold. Then we did it again the next night. On the third night Shane said, “Why don’t we go buy enough canvas for 3 Bedrolls. I think we will be able to sell ‘em and it’ll save on gas.” There in the kitchen our family brand J-D became J bar D Canvas and Leather.”
Shane and Amy live in Oreana, Idaho where they build their bed rolls, gear bags, tipis and much more.
“We have built thousands of bedrolls and hundreds of gear bags and tipis,” Amy says. Shane and Amy’s business is built around their way to make those around them feel like a million bucks. They are fun-loving people, always smiling and having a good time.
Shane and Amy talk about how they come to know about the WSRRA, “One day, a man named Tuffy Gessling called to order a bedroll and a tipi, I was so excited because this was a large order! He was a customer that has become a friend, as many of our customers have. He proceeded to tell us about the WSRRA and introduced us to Naomi Loomis and the rest is history.”
On behalf of the WSRRA, thank you Shane and Amy for all your support of our association and its members and thank you for being one of our national sponsors.
“We have a small website, jbardcanvasandleather@gmail.com and we are on Facebook and Instagram, but we still do a fair bit of business over the good old fashioned telephone.”
“We strive to build heavy duty, good using gear for the working cowboy.”
