Skip to content
John Willemsma
Saddlemaker

John Willemsma

Member

Artwork by John Willemsma

1 of 4

Encore 2022

Half-Sized Side Saddle – #52

Saddle

$19,725

Willemsma’s half-scale Western side saddle is built to the design Charles Goodnight commissioned for his wife in 1870. The fine mixed flower carving is complemented by silver trim created by TCAA silversmith Scott Hardy. The saddle is completely hand sewn with European linen thread at ten stitches per inch.

2 of 4

Briefcase – #54

Leather Briefcase

$7,850

Not only will this classic leather briefcase carry your most important documents, Willemsma notes, it will also distinguish its owner from the crowd. Fully leather lined and adorned with hand-tooled tame roses and a mixture of original wildflowers, a sterling silver three-piece buckle set crafted by TCAA silversmith Beau Compton completes this wonderful ensemble.

Additional Images

3 of 4

Purse – #55

Leather Purse

$1,450

Sold

Nothing says elegant like simplicity, and this simple yet elegant shoulder purse is leather lined with hand tooled bouquets of daffodils. TCAA silversmith Beau Compton crafted the delicate sterling silver buckle on the shoulder strap.

Additional Images

4 of 4

Horseman’s Dream Saddle – #53

Saddle

$28,000

“To be one’s best, one must stand apart,” says Willemsma. With this year’s saddle, he moves beyond earlier projects by sharing his vision for blending art and function. Through the original mixture of hand-tooled wildflowers and the timeless Wade saddle design, this fully leather lined saddle with the iconic exposed stirrup leathers and loop seat — all complemented by sterling silver conchas and buckles created by TCAA silversmith Scott Hardy — is truly a Horseman’s Dream.

Additional Images

John Willemsma

Westcliffe, Colorado

Building quality saddles has been John Willemsma’s goal for 46 years. From the tests of the working cowboy to the eye of the finest collectors, he is driven by excellence. Since becoming a TCAA member, it has been gratifying for him to place his feet in both the worlds of working gear and functional art. Willemsma and his wife, Debbie, are enjoying life in Westcliffe, Colorado, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. He is now passing his knowledge of saddlemaking to his son, Logan, and strives to honor all those who have guided him and shared their knowledge of the craft he holds dear.