Links Etcetera

        You can tell a lot about a person from their Links page; I often check out Links before anything else.  For what it's worth, here's ours.  Model tackmakers' suppliers and model organizations are listed first; included are a couple of "grand central stations" of model horse links.  Next, in alphabetical order so there is less favoritism, hah! my current favorite model horse tackmakers and collectors.  Lastly are REAL tack and saddlers' sites, and also non-model-horse but still very useful suppliers and links: Full Scale Stuff.  All sites last visited July 2018 unless otherwise indicated.

      Two model tackmakers whom I greatly admire, and whose work is shown right here, do not (to my knowledge) have (or ever had) websites.  The saddle is by the (late) Margaret Teller of Kentucky (New Age Saddlery), photographed in 1999.  The fender is swung back both to show details of the cinch ring and to prove how far it can really swing --- something my own saddles didn't have for quite some time!  The hackamore is by Linda Spiesschaert of Oregon (Kitchen Table Stables), spring 2002.  {Photo used by permission}  This is the time to say that the hunt is as much fun as the capture.  Good Luck.

This page is also a listing of model horse tackmakers whose work I have collected and/or admired, but who, for whatever reason, have left the hobby.  I am listing their names and the approximate years they were active making model tack.  At one time their websites were listed on this page.  More info appreciated!

Model Tack Suppliers and Organizations

Rio Rondo is the source for most model horse hardware and supplies, as well as a list of other tackmakers.

Anne and Barry Funnell, Lenham Pottery, is now (2017) out of business.  Much of their product line will be available through Keren Gilfoyle-McGroarty of England.

Alison Beniush's TWMHC or The World of Model Horse Collecting is a cooperative that has grown slowly but steadily to provide the most fantastic model horse hardware and items you can't find anywhere else.  This is where the Larry Ross, Elaine Sulser and Jennifer Harris hardware wound up at, and there are others too!  Check out their Mechanical Hackamore shanks, Peruvian Paso stirrups and other items too numerous to mention.

Model Horse $ales Pages should drop you into more than a thousand links for every imaginable model horse pursuit.  This is the hobby's best and most famous alternative to eBay.

NAMHSA. North American Model Horse Shower's Association.

Model Tack Makers and Collectors

Amarna tack collection will lead you to Elizabeth Bouras of Amarna Productions' marvelous tribute to model tackmakers, and by extension her stunning model horse collection.

Desert Night Creations is the home of Heather M. Abounader who is one of my all-time favorite tackmakers! and good friend besides.  You'll find Arabian costume and Western halters and tack here, as well as a fine blog.

Braymere Custom Saddlery. This leads to Jennifer Buxton's blog.  I read this magnificent daily blog at least once a week (2012); it is chockful of information, pictures and just plain fun!

Erin Corbett, in 2011 a talented tackmaker who specialized in Western saddles, is currently building a website.  Her tack's look is typified by large crystals and beautiful color coordination.

Rebecca Dunne of Australia (active c. 2007 - 2010), Griffyndoon Ropes, has created a distinct, beautiful, elegantly simple body of work!  She made halters, headgear and breastcollars of miniature marine cord, often with metallic beads as ornamentation.

Lakeshore horses. I was there when Cindy Neuhaus announced to the world she was starting a porcelain model horse manufactury (2002).  Tackmakers and other collectors should look into this marvelous corner of the model horse world, as her horses are beautiful, unique (you won't believe how) and yet very affordable -- and a lot more scratch-resistant than plastics!

Donna Hutchins of ShadowCat Studios (also ShadowCat Tack) created beautiful decorated, neat Western pieces, often with scrollwork and silver spotting.   Active around 2008 - 2015.

Nohuanda first found in the fall 2006, is a sculptor in Mexico City who deals in one-sixth scale (Johnny West size) horses.  If you like authentic Quarter Horses and Mexican charro tack of the most amazing detail, you gotta check this one out!!  The sculptor is Luis M. Aguilar and the tackmaker is Jorge Duenas.  This link leads to his Flickr pages.

Carrie Sloan Meyer is a supremely flexible tack artist, making Western, English, Parade, props and useful goodies of every scale.  Just browsing is a pleasure.  If you're looking for SM tack, look here!

Jennifer Kistler of Riverside Tack has set a gold standard for model English tack.  Active appx 2005 - 2013.

Corinne (Herb) Ensor of Shoebox Stables was one of my personal favorites when it came to English saddle makers, and she did stunning harness as well!  Active approximately 2005 - 2013.

Toots Geyer (sheshois and pawsie13) an old-time Western model tack artist, is apparently not active, i.e. not updating her website! since 2009.  Distinctive style of heavier Westerns.  See my blog for a post on one of her saddles.

Brooke Peery, very talented on Western saddles. (active c. 2005 - 2008)

Full Scale Stuff


I confess that Broken Heart does meet my take-down standard of 'no updates since 2010 or before.'  However, I am leaving him up in the interests of reference.
Broken Heart Trading Company is the name of an unbelievable braider in Ohio, Ray Huffman, and this link will take you to the inspiration for my Campbell bridle.  This is the REAL THING.

Gail Hought is one of the most respected and sought-after rawhide braiders in the country.  She is also an author, teacher, horse owner and source of very collectible horse gear!  This site will have you gasping (it did me) at the artistry and audacity of her collectible work.  Hought, Broken Heart and Skyhorse are the real thing; us model tackmakers merely crouch in their shadow, worshipping...

High Noon Western Americana.  Now known as Brian Lebel's Old West Events.  Check out these guys' auction catalogs, if you do nothing else.  For model tackmakers the reference is worth the price.

Skyhorse Saddlery creates some of the most beautiful real Western saddles I have ever seen... an endless inspiration.  This couple, Lisa and Loren Skyhorse, based in Durango, CO, have been around more than 20 years and developed a true artistic style and devoted clientele.

Blackhorseleather is the name of a recent find (thank you Liz!).  These Friesian breeders make stunning tack and bridles using glass beads and silver.  You won't believe your eyes!

Horse Hair Design is a lady artist who makes THE most incredibly beautiful hitched horsehair bridles and other horsehair work... thank you Regine for finding this one!  The site is bilingual German and English.